Our trip we planned back in November 2004, still snuck up on us! All of a sudden, we were a week out, and had nothing ready. Everything turned out okay, and we made it on time for our flight..heh. We had to make a schedule, of course, to make sure we had time to visit with everyone and such...*whew. We were supposed to leave ANC at 0900 on 3 Mar, but due to mechanical problems (i.e. hydraulics on brakes not working..) we were delayed for a total of TWO hours by the time they fixed the problem and got the plane de-iced. At least we had a 4 hour lay over in MSP. heh. We finally made it into CWA where Jake's Mom, Dad, and sister, and my Dad and Ginger met us at the airport. We didn't end up in bed until about 1 am on the 4th...talk about a loooong day! The next morning we were up early and had breakfast with my Dad, Ginger, Renee, Ben, Makenna, and Reid. This was the first time we had seen Reid...and the first time we'd seen Makenna since May 2004....we couldn't believe how much she'd grown! BUT, What a CUTIE! Late AM we got to play with the horse 'babies'...they grew up too! Jake's parents came out early afternoon to see our new horse, Annie, and to see the other ones. Then they headed pheasant hunting. Jake and I made a quick run for some de-icing equipment to Central Hardware and Supply (for those of you who don't know...I use to be a "Hank Gang" Member)...and we got to visit with my ex-boss, John, and his mom, Marlys. It was great to see them. Then, it was off to Jake's parents house to spend the evening with them and Brittany. We also had the chance to visit with Jake's Aunt Jen and Rusty Roe. It was great to see them! Saturday AM found us up early, again, taking care of the horses. We squeezed in a quick visit with Robin Slattery...my bestest friend from high school. She's planning on a trip up to visit us this summer! YIPEE! We also made a surprise visit to my Mom at work...and then we were off to Madison for the WBH Convention! Saw lots of old friends there and had a chance to catch up...and spend lots of time with Ben, Renee and family. Sunday AM we headed to Runnin Acres (www.runninacres.com), where Tanner, Magnum's 3 y/o son is in training. He is doing SO well! We can't wait to see how he does this summer in the show ring! We had a very nice visit with Roger and Karla, too! Sunday afternoon we stopped by Jake's Grandma and Grandpa Cox's home to talk with them for a while. It was very nice to see them, even though it was a quick visit. Then we spent the rest of the evening with my Mom, Grandma, Uncle Gary, Aunt Tina and their family, my brother's family, and the Tilberg's again. It was great to have a chance to catch up with all of them....easier having everyone in one place! Monday was Mom and Renee's duty to take us to the airport. We ended up on a later flight than expected, so we went out to eat at Tony Roma's. Mom fell of the curb on the way out (LOL!) and sprained her ankle..only we didn't know it was hurt that bad, so we went to the Cedar Creek mall shopping with them all, before finally catching our flight back to Alaska! *WHEW! Told you it was crazy!
~Kristine