alaska part i — raising rileys

I fell in love with Alaska during our trip there in August. I've been there a couple of times; Jeremiah proposed to me there on his family's land overlooking the bay. And then we went up there the following winter when I was expecting Matthew. For the record, winter there is an amazing experience. The sky is the bluest blue. The snow is pristine, and the air is clear and salty with the wonderful refreshment the ocean brings. I enjoyed both times so very much. But this time was different. Maybe it has to do with my stage of life? When I went up there before I was newly engaged and had just quit my job to attend graduate school--so I had many different things on my mind! Well, whatever the reason. This time I fell in love with it in a new way. Just beautiful. And beyond the untouched wonder of it all, it feels so good there. Climate-wise, yes, but even more than that. I feel so much room for possibility there. I feel closer to God's creations. It's an inspiring place. Here's a little video I made. It's my first video of (I hope) many more to come.

My husband's parents are pioneers to south central Alaska. It was always my father-in-law's dream to live there. They purchased land there about 20 years ago, and call it home. Now they are able to share this beautiful place with us. Maybe sometime here I'll recount their story of how Alaska came to be part of the Riley family. It's an inspiring one. One that makes you want to go and live your dreams.

I cannot imagine a more dreamy place to grow up. The ocean and the wilderness all in one. The boys loved it. Abe always talks about "The Laska."

This was taken right after we got off the plane in Anchorage.  Can you see the joy in our faces??! — This was taken right after we got off the plane in Anchorage. Can you see the joy in our faces??!

We love going down to the harbor and seeing all of the boats. Can't get enough of the vibrant nautical colors and wonderful salty breeze from the ocean.

This is Jeremiah teaching the boys to spit off the ledge into the ocean.  (boys!!) — This is Jeremiah teaching the boys to spit off the ledge into the ocean. (boys!!)

Jeremiah grew out this beard special for Alaska...then shaved it after only a couple of days being there!

Bishops Beach looking a little moody here.  On a blue day it's every bit as incredible. — Bishops Beach looking a little moody here. On a blue day it's every bit as incredible.

This picture just makes me smile.  Something special about kicking sand! — This picture just makes me smile. Something special about kicking sand!

This was Abe's first time touching the ocean!  Jeremiah loves deep sea fishing, and this was the first time we've been able to make it up to AK since before Abraham was born, so this was a special  moment for sure. — This was Abe's first time touching the ocean! Jeremiah loves deep sea fishing, and this was the first time we've been able to make it up to AK since before Abraham was born, so this was a special moment for sure.

I love when I can stealthily catch my boys sitting quietly.  This was one of those moments. — I love when I can stealthily catch my boys sitting quietly. This was one of those moments.