Three Alaskans hit the world...watch out for the glare!

[laurainsem]

Your pictures brought back so many memories!! I lived in Anchorage close to Eagle River!!!

Is that picture of the lake near Portage????

I too will be at POP The 15th-21st I would love to arrange a PoP century meet up if we can!!!

Yay for more Pop people! Absolutely we need to "officially" start arranging a meet up.

I can't guarantee it, but i'm pretty sure that is Portage. I've only been there once; i'll have to ask Brenda.

Glad they brought back memories for you! When did you live up there? I have a friend from Eagle River that I met in college. She loved it and I think is teaching there now. It makes me homesick looking at all my photos. It's been almost a year since my last trip up, and I didn't even get to stop in Petersburg. At least I got to go to Anchorage, see my sister, and smell that wonderful Alaskan air. There is really nothing like it!

 

[laurainsem]

Okay, so I think we need to set up a get together on Jan 20th. Any takers?

 

[jenjolt]

Okay, so I think we need to set up a get together on Jan 20th. Any takers?

I'm game for a meet on the 20th!!! We'll have to get more details and discuss schedules!!

Oh I loved Alaska..just like you looking at those pictures makes me heartsick!! I would visit Portage at least twice a year the lake and the glacier are just beautiful. Thanks for the pictures and the memories!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

I'm a fellow snowbird (from Michigan!!) but I'm stuck in NC for now. DH and I are hoping our next duty station will be in Alaska. Your photos are beautiful!

I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trip! How fun that you and your sisters get to go together!

 

[laurainsem]

I'm a fellow snowbird (from Michigan!!) but I'm stuck in NC for now. DH and I are hoping our next duty station will be in Alaska. Your photos are beautiful!

I'm looking forward to hearing more about your trip! How fun that you and your sisters get to go together!

Congrats, you are the first non-January snowbird to sign on my PTR! Alaska is beautiful. Would you be stationed in Anchorage or Fairbanks? I've never been to Fairbanks but heard it can be pretty chilly and windy. Anchorage is nice as it still has beauty but is a larger city (for Alaska that is) so you can get have lots to do and places to shop.

 

[laurainsem]

I'm off to teach Bible study but when I get back, i'll start part III!

 

[laurainsem]

So as you can probably guess, 8 years of college does not leave much money in ones pocket. This is one of the many reasons my family felt I was nuts for even considering a 9 day trip for three people. Considering the amount of debt accrued through student loans, there were many more reasonable things I could save my money for. I own very little furniture (a bed and tv stand to be exact), and I could really use some new work clothes and a better running vehicle! There were so many reasons why I shouldn't go.

With all the voices in my head telling me to be smart with my money, one stood out. It was the voice asking me, "what is more important: saving money towards my student loans, or enjoying myself when I have the chance?" There would not be many other times in my life when my loans would be in deferment. There would not be many other opportunities around where my sisters and I would all be free to go during the same period of time. While we are all currently unmarried, eventually we would begin building our families. While I could save, buy some furniture, and make a couple larger payments on my student loans, my family is much more important to me. We have never done a trip together with just the three of us before. I hope and pray we will be able to do it again soon, but we don't know that. I decided to take this opportunity and run with it. I praise God daily for the decision that was made.

Next up, Part IV: Approval, Finals, and some Disney planning in between!

I leave you with three other reasons i'm too broke for this trip:

Melanchthon: My first born, named after Philip Melanchthon who was Germany's greatest teacher and Martin Luther's sidekick during the Reformation.

Katharina, my Mickey Mouse lover:

Caroline, the newest addition who was adopted in July:

 

[laurainsem]

Alright peeps,

According to my schedule, my family and I will be at MK on the 20th. We plan to eat at Cosmic Ray's for lunch then head back to the Pop for a break. We're planning to be back at the park in time for the 3pm Dreams Come True parade. Any of this stuff appeal to those wanting to meet up? Cosmic Rays, the Pop, or parade? Should we try for something totally different?

For those on board for meeting, let me know, and i'll start up a list. Jenjolt, I know you are interested. Any others?!!

 

[mana_liz]

It's late but I finally made it today...great start to your PTR.

My family will be at POP from Jan. 16 - 25th. Maybe we'll see you around the resort.

 

[trixiequilts]

Look at those sweet little furbabies!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Oooo kitties! I have two cats and they are out other babies. Yes, our DD has a sister and a brother and their names are Mocha and Motown. I love the kitty cuddling with Mickey Mouse! Adorable!

 

[laurainsem]

Yes, my furbabies are sure cute! They are getting on my nerves today though, as they felt the need to wake me up multiple times throughout the night. Sheesh, I don't know what i'm going to do when I have "real" kiddos!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Just had to stop by and say hi! I enjoy reading all the snowbirds PTR!

 

[laurainsem]

Just had to stop by and say hi! I enjoy reading all the snowbirds PTR!

Thanks, glad to have you along!