5

Five years ago yesterday, I suffered my stroke. It's kind of hard to realize how traumatic that entire experience was as you get farther and farther away from it. However, I use it as a reminder of how fortunate I am to be here and healthy five years later. It helps me appreciate growing older every day. 

Tanner and I had a dinner downtown last night and went to Lulu's BBQ. It happens to be right across the street from the Moxie Bakery where Tanner I went to breakfast the day of my stroke. I said something to Tanner about it and he said, "it's not something I really want to remember." I shared my perspective on why I choose to remember in hopes he can appreciate my perspective. And of course, I can appreciate his too. 

It was a lovely time at dinner chatting about college tours (gasp!), watching the Olympics and just enjoying the 1:1 on one time as we get ready for his last year at home. What a gift it is to spend time with one of my amazing sons. One of the many things I am fortunate to experience. 

Now

Then

Victoria

 Our final port stop was Victoria, Canada. We walked to downtown from the port and then split up for dinner. Our meal took a long time, but we sat outside and Tanner enjoyed a fancy Canadian Shirley Temple. Drake and Alyssa went to a bar for 19+ for a drink (and poutine) together. 

Tanner and I stopped at Beavertails while Marshall grabbed a drink with Drake and Alyssa. A very pretty city and a nice final stop. 

Juneau

We arrived in Juneau midday after an attempt to see Dawes Glacier early in the morning. Unfortunately, there was too much ice to get to the glacier, but the fjord was beautiful and worth getting up for. 

Marshall and I walked around Juneau before our whale watching. Neither of us remember Juneau as the last time we were here, it was raining so it was nice to walk around. I then took mom and dad around a bit before joining the crew. 

We all did a whale watching tour which had beautiful scenery - including amazing glaciers as well as a baby whale breaching and playing around. 

After a "fun" family picture, Marshall and I hit a historic hotel bar and the boys walked around with Anastin and got some fudge. 

Sitka

An early morning to get off the boat right after we docked to get on our deep fishing boat. We had three boats - six on two of them and then we were the only 4 on our boat.  It was a beautiful day on the water and a highlight of the trip for all of the Peavys. 

We ended up reaching our king salmon limit, but didn't even come close on our coho limit (2 of 24). We caught a few chum and pink salmon as well. 

We saw a bald eagle and a whale hung out for about an hour doing bubble feeding which was incredible. We saw sea lions as well. Our boat may not have caught as many fish, but it sounds like we had a the calmest seas and scenery. 

Marshall and had some wine on our balcony as we pulled out of Sitka. Sitka was beautiful and new as we did not make this stop on our last cruise.  I feel very fortunate to have had this experience as a family. 

Ketchikan

Our first stop on the cruise was Ketchikan and the weather was great. (Lots of worries about rain at all of our destinations which ended up being completely unfounded). Unfortunately, Tanner was sick and stayed in the boat for the day. If he had to miss a day, this was an "okay" one to miss. We took the public bus to the totem park, saw a bald eagle and took in the sites. 

We then walked around town and checked out Creek Street, the salmon swimming upstream and the salmon ladder. We grabbed some fish and got back on the boat. Mom and dad took a little, saw a bear and got some crab legs. Winning. 

We watched the departure from the deck at the Solarium and the pool. The sun was out and it was some nice scenery as we left Ketchikan. A successful port stop with very little stress.