Mommy and Me Time

It doesn't matter how old you are and whether I'm with my daughter or with my own mother, the Mommy and Me time is always extra special. 

The goal is quality and not necessarily quantity. Life goes so fast and it can be difficult to coordinate time so we always want to make the most of out time together. 

My mother has always wanted to visit Alaska and the first time we tried the trip many years ago, it got cancelled for some reason that I don't recall. Now I finally got a 2nd chance to show her the Last Frontier.  Mom and I left California together and flew via Seattle into Anchorage.  Randy and the boys picked us up from the airport and the adventure began!

Not one day reached above freezing which anyone who knows my mom knows she HATES to be cold. Her travels normally include Hawaii, Arizona for the winter or Mexico (which she is currently in puerto Vallarta!).  Mom was a trooper!  She bundled up, put a hat and gloves on, 4 layers and off we went. 

The first day Randy drove mom, Zach and myself up to Talkeetna to the roadhouse for brunch, which I highly recommend and then we went to visit the dogs at Sun Dog Kennels.  I'm fascinated by the dogsleds and the Iditarod and this was a new excursion for us as well. We went out to the homestead and were briefed on their life and schedules and learned more about the last great race. Now for the ride!!  There wasn't enough snow on the ground for sleds so into the Polaris we went. The barking and excitement is contagious. Each one barking "pick me pick me" until the last is chosen. They "just know" the harnesses are full and quiet and lay down. Maybe next time. All 12 dogs out front and jumping to go and we are off. They navigate and run the 5 mile trail and don't want to stop when we get back to the homestead. Personally I wouldn't have made 1/2 mile in the freezing temperatures and rugged terrain!  We learn more about their diet, exercise, and the Iditarod from a 12 year veteran of the race. With camera battery dead, dog slobber all over us and toes frozen we headed back to Anchorage full of great memories for all of us!

The rest of the week continued with many many laughs and fun days showing mom why we love Alaska like we do. We enjoyed lunches at Chair 5 in Girdwood, Roadhouse BBQ in Palmer, the Firetap Alehouse and Peanut Farm in Anchorage. Then dinners we cooked at home.  One night we had moose burgers and another salmon caught from our last fishing trip. More great experiences that are indicative to the Alaskan lifestyle.

What is the funnest thing to do with you mom? Shopping of course! It was fun to explore stores, malls and boutiques that I wouldn't enjoy by myself or with the boys.  From Salvation Army to kohls to nordstroms to the 5th street mall downtown.... We shopped until we dropped! From bargains to unique gifts to a little Pulltab gaming..... We conquered and won.  

All the memories and inside jokes, laughs and experiences are special times. Knowing that your mom is getting to know your husband and step sons better is something that cannot be explained in words. The hugs goodbye said it all.

My takeaway from this week was no matter how old you are you are never to old for your mommy and me time!