Alaska Cruise!

A trip to Alaska had been on the bucket list for the Crosby adults for a very long time. Mom and Dad went back to their mission at least once that I remember on a cruise when I was a teenager; but they always talked about how fun it would be to take all the kids and siblings with them. In 2024, we finally made it happen; or I should say Dad made it happen. He paid the bulk of the expense for us all to be there!  The only thing that would have made it better would be to have Mom with us there in body, although she was definitely with us in spirit. 

We spent a day in Seattle before boarding the ship. Favorite thing about Seattle was the amazing weather!! We walked by the space needle, stuck some gum on the wall,  and really enjoyed the public market- fish throwing and all!

First step of the trip was Ketchican! Our favorite part of this port was the lumberjack show and watching the salmon trying to spawn upstream! 

It's been too long now since the cruise, and I can't remember which city these pics are from, but we also went to Skagway and Juneau. Highlights were going on beautiful hikes to escape thousands of people from multiple cruise ships porting in the same town, seeing more bald eagles than I've ever seen at one time, going whale watching, the gorgeous scenery, and of course all the time spent on the ship with each other. Endless food, endless options for entertainment. We loved playing cards with all the siblings, watching the sunset on the ship, walking laps to burn off the food we ate, and having no wi-fi! 

Last stop before heading home was in Victoria, Canada, which was also a part of Mom and Dad's mission back in the day. It was a charming city! We took a little ferry to the main area and did some street shopping.  We found a store named "Out of Ireland" that Richie fell in love with and wanted to buy every piece in it. 

Overall, Richie and I decided that we aren't cruise people. However, we loved the scenery and loved the quality time we spent with everybody! Most of all, I loved the significance of this trip and how meaningful this area is to our shared family history.  It was extremely special and a trip we will always remember!