We arrived back in Fort Yukon on Saturday afternoon after being gone for about 5 1/2 weeks. You cannot imagine the sense of relief to be standing on our doorstep with all of our bags surrounding us after traveling from Sacramento to Fort Yukon via Phoenix, Anchorage and Fairbanks. We left California Thursday afternoon and arrived in Anchorage at 12:20 am Friday morning. The baggage claim belt broke, so each suitcase on the plane had to be hand-carried to the baggage claim area, and our hotel shuttle didn't arrive until 2 o'clock (who knows why?). Unfortunately, we had to fly out again at 6:45 am, and our hotel shuttle driver informed us that he went to the airport on the hour, so we would have to leave at five, since six would be too late (not that anyone else was going or arriving at 5 in the morning!). That gave us about 2 hours to sleep before we headed out to the airport.
When we got to the airport, I remembered that I had left Bryan's return flight open since I thought we might be changing flights, but I had forgotten that and not secured a seat for him. The lady at the desk told me that the flight was full, so he would be on stand-by. After a long trip and two hours of sleep, I did not want to hear that my husband would not be arriving in Fairbanks until possibly 6:30 that night! We had shopping to do, and people to see! Fortunately, several people did not show up for the flight, so he was given a seat.
We spent Friday shopping for groceries and visiting with friends. Our good friends Brian and Stephanie from Ft. Yukon were at the hospital with their newborn baby boy. It was exciting to see them and the baby since they won't come home until the end of July. Like all expectant mothers, Stephanie had to leave the village about a month before her due date. Her husband, Brian, is taking classes at UAF in June and July, so they are able to be together the entire time she is out. Our friends Carissa and Bryan are also expecting, and she will have to go out in November since their baby is due December 7th. It will be exciting around here with two new babies!
Our trip south was great. We were able to see Bryan's family and my family. We never have enough time in Texas. Since we both went to college there, and our church family is there, our time is divided amongst many people. This year we were able to go on a short vacation with Bryan's parents, sister, brother-in-law and nephew to San Antonio. We expecially enjoyed visiting Sea World. Our nephew, Davis, is a month older than Rachel, and it was fun to watch the kids play together on this trip. Audrey enjoys having another playmate at Mimi and Papa's house.
California is usually more relaxing since my parents have only lived in Sacramento for a few years and we have no friends to visit with. This summer was a little different, however. My sister got married on June 18th, and for the three days before and the three days after, we were surrounded by family and friends. At one point before the wedding, there were about 30 people in my parents living room. It was great to visit with so many of my family that we never get to see. Bryan and I have been married 9 1/2 years, and he had never met some of my relatives! The wedding was beautiful. Bryan officiated, I was the Matron-of-Honor, and the girls were both flower girls. We are glad to have Kevin as part of our family.
Bryan started his master's program while we were on vacation, so he was constantly busy writing papers. He will be doing all of his classes long-distance, but his school wants him to be on-campus for registration every semester. We told them that it will cost us about $1,000 to send him to Texas each semester, and asked if there was a way around that, but we were told no. They may allow him to register for the spring semester at the same time he registers for fall. That would be nice!
When we arrived home, we weren't sure what our reception would be from the village. Would people be happy that we were back, or would they say, "You mean you've been gone?" In the first weekend back we had many people stop to say welcome home. We were also told by the church that they missed us. That was good to hear! It was good to be home, and we are quickly getting back into our routine.
When we arrived, I had a contract in the mail to teach next school year. That was exciting since we have been through so much to get it.
