Alaska Bound

Recently a number of our kids and their families arrived at our home with a birthday cake and gift box in hand. They represented all 13 of our kids and their families. Puzzled, since our respective birthdays were still weeks away, we gathered in the living room to open our gift. We found a travel-guide card explaining that all our kids had put together a 7 day Alaskan cruise complete with airfare and hotels in Anchorage and Vancouver! We were shocked, overwhelmed and totally surprised!

To schedule dates, Bruce had been brought in on the "surprise", with the guise that we were going to Washington, DC. As we read the card together, he was quite confused since there's no travel by train or cruise ship in DC. When he finally realized we were going to Alaska, he turned to a weepy Chris in sheer disbelief! Wow!!! Words cannot begin express our total amazement and excitement. It is far beyond anything we could have ever imagined! What a gift of love!

As the story unfolded, our kids had begun to brainstorm on plans for our upcoming 60 and 65th birthday. As they discussed plans, they jumped ahead to what they could do when we turned 70 & 75 - a party? a cruise? Then they had the brilliant idea that they should send us on a cruise now while we are still young and healthy enough to enjoy the entire experience. What a great idea! We'll be happy for a cozy sweater on our 70 & 75th! Since neither of us have traveled outside the USA, our gift was presented early enough for us to apply for our passports. This will be a birthday to always remember.