The Last Frontier... Our Trip to Alaska

This was a once in a lifetime sort of opportunity to see Alaska.  Thanks to Grammy & Poppy, we were able to see the most beautiful landscapes and build memories sure to last forever.  We began our journey bright and early at 4:45 a.m. EST at Louisville International Airport.  We boarded a delayed flight (due to weather in Minneapolis) to Minneapolis, MN where we then changed planes, heading to Vancouver, Canada to port the Disney Wonder cruise ship.  With passports and 10 total bags of luggage in hand, we made it; but, just barely.  The fifteen Hawkins crew, along with about 20 others, were the final passengers to board the ship allowing us to bypass what are typically very long lines and miss the safety meeting on ship.  So, really, it worked out!  After two days at sea, the Wonder ported in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.  One of the most breath-taking views, however, was the ships travel through the beautiful Tracy Arms, where we were literally surrounded by gorgeous mountains, emerald waters and ice blue glaciers.  Some of our most favorites memories included white water rafting in Juneau and panning for gold in Skagway.  While the 4-hour time difference did pose some initial sleeping challenges for the little ones, they were able to get it together and have a great time.  Here are some highlights...