Windfall Lake Cabin

We rented another national forest service cabin called Windfall Lake Cabin this weekend. This cabin has been booked every weekend we've been here (and until we leave). We both happened to have Monday off so we were able to rent it Sunday-Monday. It's a popular cabin because it's a fairly easy 3.2 mile hike and has a view of Windfall Lake. We were fortunate to have reserved it on a beautiful spring day. Here are a couple pics from our time.

Inner Peace

I saw this list a couple weeks ago and it struck a cord with me. I wanted to share it because I felt that it encompassed my goal for inner peace...something so easy to loose in the midst of busy lives and planning exciting adventures :) The list is called Symptoms of Inner Peace...

A tendency to think and act deliberately, rather than from fear based on past experiences.

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment

A loss of interest in judging others

A loss of interest in judging self

A loss of interest in conflict

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others

A loss of ability to worry

Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation

Contended feelings of connectedness with others and nature

Frequent attacks of smiling through the heart

Increasing susceptibility to kindness offered, and the uncontrollable urge to reciprocate

An increasing tendency to allow things to unfold, rather than resisting and manipulating

east glacier trail

Taking advantage of the nice weather-here are a couple pics from a hike we took on the east side of Mendenhall glacier. (a couple more AK pictures as requested by Cornel) :)

Debt Busters

Today marks an anniversary of ours that we are both very proud of and thankful for. A year ago, after celebrating my cousin Juli and her husband, Blake's wedding, we went to a church service with family at Northpoint in Georgia. The service was about financial responsibility and struck a cord with Emily and me regarding our own finances. After the sermon, we decided that we would try as hard as we could to get completely rid of our student loan debt within the next year. With generous help from family in many different forms, hard work, and the blessing of job opportunities, we are thrilled to celebrate that we are completely debt free. We wanted to share this accomplishment with sincere gratitude!

Family + Holidays

We had a terrific time with family over the holiday season. It was a joy to have such a full house filled with laughter, good food, and many memories. Here are several snapshots over the last couple weeks.

a weekend of skiing

We went downhill skiing on Sunday(something we're both a little more graceful at). It was an absolutely gorgeous day in Juneau. Our last run of the day we hiked the ridge on the west side of the mountain where we were able to capture a couple of photos from the beautiful view!

x-country skiing

We had a very un-graceful day x-country skiing today. Both Johnny and I haven't gone since we were quite young but it was a gorgeous day and we thought we'd give it a try. Despite our embarrassing form and strange looks from those who passed by we had a great time :)

Though it was a clear day...you can tell it was cold because my lips are blue!

Trying to get a good photo of the both of us but it's a little hard to move quickly in Nordic ski's to beat the 10 second timer! I feel like this photo illustrates the awkwardness of the day.

We left with smiles though!

Thanksgiving

Giving Thanks!

There are many things to be thankful for this year, to only name a few:

*opportunities-the freedom to travel and relocate to areas near family

*travel-the excitement of the possibility of living overseas next year

*technology- the ability to skype 3/4 of our family on thanksgiving

*employment-something we realize we should ALWAYS be thankful for

*healthy new babies in our family

*a loving and growing marriage

*the blessing and well being of family and friends

*the freedom to openly acknowledge and grow in our understanding of God's peace and grace.

Post-Turkey Camping

We were invited to go to another cabin with some friends the day after Thanksgiving. It was only a 3.4 mile hike in and a gorgeous ocean view from the cabin.

eagle glacier cabin

A couple weeks after we arrived in Juneau we went with some friends to Eagle Glacier cabin which is located just outside of town and a good 5 mile hike in. We had pretty decent weather hiking in but it had rained several days before so the trail was wet, filled with roots, and slippery board walks. Johnny and I were the only ones not wearing Alaskan tennis shoes (rubber boots). Our hiking boots were not equipped with type of traction needed for Southeast Alaska. Despite sliding around, and being really sore after the hike...we had a great time! We didn't bring our camera but fortunately some pictures were emailed to us. Enjoy!