Vaiva and my father

On the touring train

My brother, Bob, is in the seat behind Vaiva.

Low man on the totem pole

Our stateroom on the Alaska cruise

Pretty luxurious, no? You'd hardly know we are on a ship.
However, the open laptop does not mean we had in-room WiFi.

This photo gives a better sense of how cramped it actually is. Even so, it is extravagant when compared to transportation Vaiva's parents had, coming to America.

Totem poles

On the Alaska cruise, we had three or four stops, and at each we were able to arrange for a tour. I don't remember the name of the final city, but it included this still-functioning totem pole factory.

Vaiva liked the one with the beaver best.

Another Alaska cruise photo

I mentioned earlier that Vaiva and I took an Alaskan cruise with my parents and siblings in 2005. This photo is from the balcony of our stateroom.

Cruising Alaska in 2005

My parents have enjoyed cruising in their retirement, as so many retirees do. In September 2005 my father brought all his children and their spouses along on a cruise to Alaska, something Vaiva and I could never afford given that we were in the midst of the college years for our own kids. It was a tremendous experience for all of us.

These are my two favorite photos from that trip, though neither touches on Alaska's beauty. As you can see, one evening the dinner was formal.