Alaska!

Who knew?  Our cruise to Alaska surpassed all expectations.  We have created both a book and a slideshow of the week-long excursion - click on 'full screen' at the bottom (make sure you are at the Oursimonfamily website to get features): 

We set sail from Seattle after a short but highly enjoyable visit with Cousins Eric and Alice (who live there in a beautiful house with a large and delicious garden).  Our ship was a Golden Princess, with 2,000 passengers and 1,500 crew... not a small vessel, with 17 decks, several pools, even more hot tubs, three different stages for performances, and dining rooms galore.  The food was certainly a highlight; Executive Chef Jeremy (yes, that was his name) did not disappoint, including such comfort items as matzo ball soup along with fancier dishes (including lobster) and amazing desserts (e.g. puff pastry swans for lunch).

The caption for the above photo is, "'A pastry for you?' Reply: 'Yes, just put the tray here.'" Highlights, other than the food, were the live shows (Jeremy liked the juggler best), seeing whales (lots and lots), glacier-watching from our balcony, and our hike on the Juneau Ice Field.

Of course, we can't forget the White Pass Rail Road to the Yukon, swimming in the heated pools, and Jeremy's 'performances' in Grandma and Grandpa's room... and much much more.  You'll just have to watch the slide shows (the book above, or the link below to have photos set to music) to even get the slightest inkling of how great it was.  Here's the 15 min full version:  click HERE or HERE.