Skagway, Alaska

We went on a hike. Bruce chose the path to Reid Falls. It was a grueling start - a huge incline. We made it to the first lake, but then pretty much worked our way through the forest on what we think were trails. We aren't sure we got to our destination, but did find a beautiful river and decided to call it "the falls". We took another loop on the way down and followed a beautiful stream to a couple of lakes. It was once again BEAUTIFUL.

Juneau, Alaska

Bruce got to do his favorite thing in the world. He made a statement that I will not include due to our young viewers, but apparently he simply loves it. He didn't catch as many as he had hoped, but had a great day.

Icy Strait, Alaska

Our second stop was at Icy Strait. It was originally a fishing village. We walked around the former canning factory which is a lot like a museum. Next we took a nature trail through the rain forest. I have to say it is amazing to see how dense, thick and green it is. Thimble berries were everywhere,and I had a little snack (I did ask if they were OK to eat). FYI - they look like raspberries but are quite tart - I was a little surprised. Then we took a bike ride to the city of Hoonah. We had a few stops where they gave us tribal heritage and statistics. I love history and riding bikes so I found it facinating and fun. Afterward, we went with our friends to the worlds longest zip-line. It is over a mile long. The view from the top were amazing, but when it came time to ride down, the clouds had rolled in and it had started to sprinkle. It was a thrill.

Alaskan Canoeing

Our first excursion was in Ketchucan. We went canoeing in the islands. We had an opportunity to see a couple of humpback whales just off the side of our boat going in and out of the water, blowing water through their blow holes and even flipping their tails before submerging. There were a lot of eagles as well. We had fun paddling through the fabulous scenery. I was amazed at how dense the forest was and how calm the water. It was a good workout and great fun.

On Board the Ship..

It was a little cooler than we had anticipated. The deck had sun-chairs and great views, but instead of towels, there were blankets available to wrap up in. We had great dinners with our server Bertrand and enjoyed the opportunity to get to know those Bruce works with better. Just a side note, one evening we came rushing to dinner from an excursion. I apparently had wind blown, messy hair and when I explained why we were late, Bertrand mentioned that that explained it and made a motion over his head. I went back to the room and it was a mess. We coined the phrase "Bertrand Hair" for the rest of the trip to notify someone that they were having a bad hair moment.

Alaska Cruise

Bruce and I were invited to go on the AFS trip this year to Alaska aboard the Celebrity Cruise line. We flew into Seattle where we did some sight seeing, ate at Ivar's, and walked through the open market. We stayed the night and got up the next morning to drive to Vancouver to embark on the cruise. Here we are just after leaving for the open seas.

Tyson's Talents...

Thanks for your kindness but you continue to give me too much credit. Tyson is the one who is amazing. He is perfect just the way heavenly father made him. The burden is upon us to see the real Tyson and not his temporary condition If there is a disability, and I too hate that word, it’s ours not his. Tyse has so many special talents that anyone smart enough to get to know him can easily see. Most of us count ourselves lucky if we have one or two talents or areas where we excel. Tyson is exceptional when it comes to Talents. .

Tyse has the patience of Job for his situation in life, and for our inability to see and understand him sometimes.

Tyse is one of the kindest people I have ever known.

Tyse has unconditional love for everyone around him.

Tyse has the ability to happy-dance his way into your heart and make you forget your problems.

Tyse can teach you that it is okay to be who you are, and that your best is enough.

Tyse is not afraid to walk up and hug a stranger, and make a new friend.

Tyse has the gift of joy, laughter, and smiles. With him it’s actually contagious.

Tyse has a memory like an elephant, and uses it to remember the good and happy things in life – he remembers forever actually.

Tyse can see when you are having a bad day and will give your hand a squeeze, or bend over and look into your eyes and grin and let you know it’s going to be okay.

Tyse has a talent for understanding that things change, and that change is okay.

Tyse has a talent for knowing it doesn’t do much good to worry about things that you can’t control.

Tyse has a talent for living his life in the moment. He doesn’t worry about who was mean to him yesterday, nor is he afraid of what might happen tomorrow.

Tyse has a talent for seeing only the best in people, and for bringing it out in them.

Tyse is a great teacher when it comes to showing us what is important in life, and what really doesn’t matter.

Tyse has a talent for making others want to do better regardless of the challenges life may bring.

So while I appreciate your kind comments, I also understand that I am a much better person because of Tyson and because of what he teaches me each week. If I am special in any way, it’s because of my luck to be able to associate with him. For anyone that gets to really know Tyse, he becomes the teacher and they become the student.

You and Bruce have an amazingly exceptional son and it’s impossible not to love him.


Bob