January in Juneau

At the beginning of January, Jonah and I flew up to Juneau with grandma to help with the unpacking and renovating of the new place at the Shrine of St. Terese. It is at mile 23 out the road from downtown Juneau. Grandma and Grandpa have left Palmer and will be taking care of the cabins and property of the Shrine. It is like a hostel.

Amazing, breathtaking, beautiful and magnificent are only a few words to describe the world around Juneau and the Shrine.

Coming from the windblown, beyond frozen prairies, I have a great appreciation for fluffy snowflakes and moderate winter temperatures. I would trade January in the tropics for any January in Juneau. It was truly a winter wonderland. Waking up to barking sea lions or taking a break from painting and tiling to watch the humpbacks jump and feed in the bay was incredible.

Mile 21, out the road to the Shrine. Beauty-full.

Home sweet home
From the front steps of home sweet home.

(does life really get any better?)
Facing north from the front steps

(I did say breathtaking, didn't I?)

Jonah and Grandma enjoyed some sledding.

The Church for the Shrine is located on the island in the background.

It was completely hand-built of stone in the 1930's. The island is connected to the shore by a short causeway. It is a great place to sit and ponder or just watch nature's reality show.

On one of the winterwonderland fluffy snow days. Playing in the winterwonderland fluffy snow.
Throwing snowballs starts early in life.
Jonah Gretzky Jordan skating with Papa for the very first time.
At the Juneau beach dog park with Aunty Katy and Mr. Taylor.
Baking cookies with Grandma.

Jonah Eddie the Eagle Jordan. He was more interested in eating the snow though.

Alpenglow at it's best.

Amazing, breathtaking, beautiful, magnificent...... It was a wonderful trip and we can't wait to return.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for letting us stay so long, we loved every minute!