A pen-pal world

"Friends are like stars; you don't always see them, but you know they're always there."

My friend and pen-pal, Hannah, is a friend who has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.  She is that friend who is just like a star; we live in different states and don't get to experience much of life together, but her letters and friendship have been constant.  I'm so grateful for her and her family who have demonstrated a friendship that has endured, even through many years apart.  They are some of my favorite people!

Last month I had the super exciting opportunity to fly to my "home state" for Hannah's graduation.  Although this was the 2nd time Hannah and I had met, it was the first time we'd actually spent time together.
My mom, Tirzah, and I got to stay at Kea's family's house, spending time with them, Hannah and her family, and several other faithful, loving friends.
It was a really good time for us to get away from the busy Washington home life and enjoy the company of friends we've known all of my life.

<Hannah and I at her graduation open-house.

Flying is always so thrilling to me, even though it makes me tired and occasionally stressed.  Sometimes I get "flying withdrawals" when I am craving an airplane ride, so I try to get in at least one a year.  So far it's worked without me even trying.  

Being on an airplane can be relaxing, even though I often remind myself of the unexpected things that can happen.  There is something adventurous in every flight.  And that's not even mentioning the clouds that capture my attention and keep my eyes and camera occupied.

Leaving Seattle.

So much goodness in the sky!

Oh, for the love of clouds.

The canal.  I live somewhere down there.  Cool to see the aerial view!

Good flights=journaling and soda.  I get Sprite every time I fly, and I regret that decision just as often.

Tirzah, Hannah, and me

The beginning of a sunset in Alaska around midnight.  We kept a clean record of never going to bed earlier than 1 AM during our stay.

Before going to Alaska, we decided to refuse coming home until we saw at least one moose.  Although I was born in Alaska, I didn't remember ever having seen a moose, which was very bothersome to me.  Well, we saw not one, but 2 moose on our first day, so our return to Washington was certain.

Braxtyn knows how to eat popcorn right.  (Hannah's adorable nephew!)

With sunsets like this, it was hard not to be constantly pulling out the camera!  We had a great view of Anchorage, the mountain range, and the Pacific Ocean.

More post-midnight sunsets that were simply incredible.

We even got to see some baby moose!  Scoring double now.

One afternoon I got to go see another friend/pen-pal, Emily, whom I have also met once before. Our first meeting was when she came to see me in Washington 2 years ago, so now it was time for me to return the favor.  Emily helped me experience downtown, and we both learned a lot about Anchorage history from the tour on the trolley!  And, in keeping with tradition, we created another very memorable, frightening moment in downtown.  It seems to be "our thing."

The information about float planes was pretty interesting!

On another afternoon, Kea took Tirzah and me (along with her niece and nephew) to hike Flat Top...  

We hiked flat-top--that blue mountain in the back.

Some of the trees along the trail were perfect for climbing.

The view of Anchorage and the ocean.

We were not quite ambitious enough to reach any snow, but it was pretty!

We made it to the top!
Kea, Bryson, Braelynn, Tirzah, and me.

A good-looking sunset at ~2 AM (not from the top of Flat Top.  We did make it down before this.)

Then came that very sad day...the day to part.  :(  I had seen Hannah for 7 days in a row, and we finally had to break that streak as I flew back to Washington.  Just before driving to the airport, we took some last pictures together to better record our memorable week together.

I'm afraid that I will always be the giant.

The whole "kid" crew: Christian, Hannah, Kea, me, Tirzah, and Lindsay

The part of the crew who were qualified to be called "kids."  By this time, I was feeling super sad to be leaving these two!

<Alaska cried when we left.

Overnight flights make us just a little tired.

Was the sun rising or setting?  I wasn't sure, but I was too tired to debate.

Flying down into the clouds in Seattle.  So excited to be welcomed this way!

Home again!...and already missing Alaska, too.

I am so grateful for all the friends who made our trip possible and memorable.  Makes me wish Alaska and all those great friends weren't so far away.  To the Wright Brothers who persevered through many experiments: I am thankful for your determination.  Without airplanes, our friendships would be far more limited.  :)

To all those who hosted and loved on us while we were in the area: you're all my favorite.  ;)  Let's not wait so long before the next visit.  (And now you're all in debt.  Come to Washington.)