Most people opt for a vacation into warmer climes during the winter months. Not me and my Snow Baby Iris. We’re spending the holidays with my older kids just north of Anchorage in Wasilla, Alaska.
Honestly, though, we might not have made the trip during this time if it wasn’t for the new addition to the family, Iris’s niece, baby Athena, born on November 16th. But I am so glad we are here. I can’t wipe the permagrin off my face.
We hadn’t flown in a year and a half and even though I knew Iris would be the same seemingly-seasoned traveler that she always has been, I still marvel at what a delight she is to travel with. Zero complaining or whining. Slept during both plane rides, but not grumpy when I woke her up to disembark. It’s so easy. We got into Anchorage at 2:30 am and as we approached the baggage claim area she said, Mom, I don’t remember the two plane rides. Ha! Oh but I wish I had gotten a video of her during takeoff. She claimed the window seat, of course, and broke into this excited laughter when the pilot revved the engine and started down the taxiway. It was awesome.
She loves hotels. It’s definitely a huge part of the travel experience for her. I was hoping for a bit more sleep but after approximately 3.5 hours and still very much dark outside, she was ready to get the day started. I can’t get over how much she loves the snow and just to be out in it makes her happy. So that’s what we did. Ten feet away from the hotel door, she made her first snow angel.
I was pretty excited that my rental car was a Toyota Corolla but on our way back to the hotel it started vibrating at 40 mph. I pulled in and promptly turned around to head back to the rental facility and sure enough, it still shook like crazy when I got it to about 45 mph. No earthquake necessary. I’m so glad I went back because in exchange I got an AWD Subaru Legacy with studded tires and auto start. I’m getting spoiled. It zips around on the ice and snow, stopping and going with no hesitation, and with my warm butt it’s super fun and relaxing. And Iris finds it hilarious when I mention my warm butt.
This is my first experience with Airbnb and so far I like it. After spending the rest of the first night at an Anchorage hotel, our home for the rest of the trip is a little 600 sq ft house about 15 minutes away from Jennifer. It’s quite perfect for Iris and me. We can spend time with everyone then go off to our own space. We haven’t seen any moose yet but I’m sure we will. It never gets old watching them.
So far we’ve just been hanging out with the fam but we have two Christmas events planned for the next couple of days. I have sugar cookie dough chilling in the refrigerator, waiting for Iris and Jacob to cut them in to bells, trees and stockings. I love spending time with them and Jennifer and I both notice how similar Iris and Jacob are. They are a hoot. 
wild iris adventures 