Wanderlike: Another summer begins

It's been a long time since I've blogged. It's our third year living in Kodiak, and it's become increasingly difficult to see the place with fresh eyes, as a visitor or tourist might. That doesn't mean my love for Kodiak has diminished. It's just become more ordinary and comfortable.

So I'll get back to blogging by writing about our recent trip to Anchor Point, Alaska, and then to Eugene, Oregon, to visit family.

Once again, we took the 9-hour ferry ride from Kodiak to Homer. This is becoming an annual trip to which Rainbow looks forward. Since I was traveling on the later end of being 7 months pregnant, I also looked forward to the physical freedom of movement and access to bathrooms that taking the ferry affords.

Waiting to head out on the ferry

We spent a few days with T's parents in Anchor Point. T went fishing with his dad, while Rainbow and I hung out with his mom for most of the time. Rainbow really enjoyed the time she had with her grandparents.

After a few days, we hopped on airplanes (three in total) to visit T's sister, her wife, and their three kids. Rainbow was particularly smitten with her older girl cousin. Inspired by the boldness of the older children, Rainbow tried several new things, including chicken chasing/holding, skateboarding, and riding a scooter.

This is pretty much the meanest I have ever seen my child be to an animal.

Helping Auntie S feed the chickens

Much to my disappointment, for most of the time that we were in Eugene, the weather was nearly indistinguishable from that in Kodiak (cold, grey, and rainy). But for the one night and day that we spent on the Oregon coast, the sky cleared and the air warmed. I was still wearing a sweater/coat, but Rainbow, being an Alaska child, put her swimsuit on and got in the water.