Congratulations to Daniel & Candice!

Isn't she just stunning!


This wedding was just beautifully done, and any of you that know Candice, know that it wouldn't be any other way. Congratulations Candice and Daniel! Wish you both the best in Life. I love you guys and will be keeping you in my prayers.

My Alaskan Adventure: Day 4

Me on the railroad tracks during sunset on Turnagain Arm


Well, this morning we were all up early to go to the 9:00a.m. service at Joe's parent's (the Sproul's) church. After church we went to brunch with the Sprouls and the Hartshorns to the Village Inn (pretty much a Denny's). When we got home, we packed the bags in case we decided to ski, and headed for Gildwood (which is a small town south of Anchorage that has an awesome ski resort). When we arrived, we took the tram to the top of the mountain and watched all the skiers and snowboarders. Actually next week they will be holding the U.S. Nationals there! Once we made it back to the bottom, I treated everyone to dinner, and we headed home. On the way back down the mountain we had a little bit of a thrill or scare. We hit ice, and went into a slide....we managed to come out with only a small portion of the back light gone, and a small dent. It was an awesome 360, and Joe handled it well.
Once home, Joe and I headed to meet some people from ChangePoint (Joe's church). It was a great time. There were about 16 of us, and 10 of us shut off all the lights and played hide and seek. I became the ultimate hide and seek player seeing that the 3 times we played, no one could find me. The funny thing is, they all looked right where I was hiding, but completely missed me cause it was pitch black, and they never actually touched me. They were all great people, and I had an awesome time hanging out with them. I know what you are thinking, hide and seek? But if you haven't tried it lately, then you might want to think about inviting some people over to play.....it makes for some great fun! Well, until tomorrow....my last day....sad

My Alaskan Adventure: Day 3

Me repelling after ice climbing on "Easy Money" right off Turnagain Arm.

Today I slept in till about 12 or so, tired from the Northern Lights hunt the night before. Once up, we got ready and went for breakfast at Gwennie's. It is a tourist restaurant that has great food and a lot of it. We had our fill on breakfast, and then Joe and I went to rent our ice climbing equipment needed for the afternoon climb. We headed back to the house to change and get ready for Cory (our wonderful guide) to come pick us up. The guys decided to head toward Turnagain Arm where there are a few spots to climb off the sides of the road. Once we had our gear set, Cory started lead climbing and once anchored in at the top it was my turn. Joe gave me some pointers, and off I went. It was an awesome experience, and difficult. By the time I reached the top, my arms were tired from swinging the ice axes and probably because I am just out of shape. Anyway, once Joe was up, then we were able to repell down. That was fun! I was not the greatest at it like Cory or Joe, but I also had never done it before, so I just took my time. Over all, I would totally ice climb again! On the way back home, I spotted a moose off the side of the highway. Cory turned around and went back so that we could see it. I took some pictures which are going to be on my web album. Once back at the house, we cleaned up and headed to Matt's to make dinner and watch a movie...dinner was great and the movie interesting. It was some Japanese made movie that was dubbed over with English. Does any more need to be said! Well, I am off to bed because we have church in the morning, so until tomorrow.....

My Alaskan Adventure: Day 2

Me during my climb of Flattop in Anchorage, AK!

Today I was up bright and early....around 7:00am. Matt met Joe and I at the house, we had cream of wheat for breakfast, and then off we went on our adventure to climb Flattop! It was a cold morning, probably around zero degrees or so. We started our hike/climb, realizing after a short while that it would have been a good idea to have brought our cramp-ons. The snow had been frozen over so it was slick, and made it hard to climb, but we kept on truckin. When we arrived in what they call the saddle (which I guess is the last place to rest before ascending to the top of Flattop) we decided to head back down from that spot because my toes were starting to become numb from not having proper boots for that kind of temperature. Now, we did not just come down any old way, we came down by way of Glissading. Glissading is pretty much sliding on your butt, and using your ski-pole as a brake and for steering. With the snow being so icy, we were flying. Once we reached a point to stop glissading, we had to make our own trail to get back to the main trail. This is when I had a slight scare, Matt had jumped ahead of us to where he was out of sight, and I was in front of Joe. We were on a steep side of the mountain, and we had to make our own foot holds in the iced over snow. At one steeper point I slipped, and went about 5 ft. before I could really dig in with my ski-pole to stop me from falling all the way down the mountain side! It was a bit frightening for a split second, but with Joe's help I was back on my feet and headed to safer ground.

After reaching the car we headed to get Joe's mom for lunch, and the four of us went to a Chinese buffet. Then back home and in the bed I went to take a nap. After napping, I cleaned up and we all went to La Mex (pretty much like Monterrey's). We had dinner with Joe's parents and a couple looking to take their positions for Send International. They were great entertainment and we had some great stories floating around the table. Once finished, Joe and I headed to see his friend Heath, who came with us to search for the Northern Lights. What a tiring adventure. These two characters kept me up till 3 a.m.! But after all of the crazy running around to try to get the best view of them, we finally did and it was great! We saw its outer edge, which is kinda like a white fog in the sky, but it dances! Anyway, once we were home, I crashed. So we will see what fun today as in store!

My Alaskan Adventure: Day 1

Me beside the frozen ocean surrounded by beautiful mountain.


Yesterday, upon arrival in the snowy arctic Anchorage, AK, the temperature was at a high of 7 degrees! That made up the difference of 73 degrees from the high at home. Even though cold, you almost didn't notice it so much because of the captivating mountains and ocean. Today I slept in a little from being so exhausted from being up about 48hrs. You see I couldn't really sleep the night before I left, I guess I was anxious. Anyway, after a great breakfast that Joe made, we headed out to check out the ice wall that we will be climbing tomorrow. I am way excited about that, but that will come after hiking Flattop tomorrow and lunch. This pic was taken right off what they call Turnagain Arm (might be spelled wrong). Yep, that is frozen water behind me in that picture. They told me the tide moves in and out 30 ft. in one day. It is the biggest tide in America as far as I know. Anyway, I have to get up early to hike, so off to bed I go. Till tomorrow.....