Aloha from Alaska and Happy New Year!

Well, we finally made it to Alaska! It was a long time coming and quite a journey to get here. We arrived on Monday the 27th at one something in the morning. As we began our descent into Anchorage International Airport, we peered out our airplane window anxious to catch our first glimpse of the last frontier. I was a little worried when I saw that the stars were brighter than the lights across the water. Before I could utter "where are you moving me?" to my husband, I was relieved to see the lights of Anchorage were on the other side of the plane...whew! Once we landed and deboarded the plane we were greeted with a crisp blast of arctic air on the jetway. A nice way to shake the plane funk of a 5 hour flight off a person. We were so impressed with Anchorage's airport. It's design and architecture is really stunning. The airport features these large glass sculptures meant to be reminencsent of the icy white capped mountains seen out the large opposing wall of windows.

After gathering our 8 checked bags, 6 various carry on items, and our carseat, stroller, and travel crib we were on our way to an airport hotel. We didnt get to bed until 3am Alaska time, which felt like 5am after the 23 hour day we had. We spent the next day sleeping and bumming around the hotel. We are blessed to have some old friends who are already stationed in Alaska, so the next day after they got back from their Christmas travels they picked us up for lunch and gave us a long awaited tour of our new city. As we drove around town we were surprised to see how the icy, snowpacked streets didnt deter anyone. These streets would scare the pants off anyone in Washington, and I had only ever seen them as bad at ski resorts in Colorado. We were told that you dont see the pavement until April. It was a clear sunny day so we were able to take in some beautiful views of Mt McKinley and the 6 mountain ranges surrounding the city. The next day we moved to our friend's house just North of Anchorage in Eagle River. We are staying with them through New Year's weekend. We are loving their neighborhood/town, and you better believe I have already been scouring home listings in their area! We are going to take a drive to look at a couple today. Eagle River is so pretty, nestled in the foothills its more serene than the city, and looks exactly like the Alaska I had pictured in my head. These are some photos I took from their back porch last night.

Stunning, right? Here are some more photos I took of the icy branches at night.

So far, we havent been able to sightsee as much as we might like just because of all the move-related things we have to take care of but today we spotted a moose and 7 bald eagles at the side of the road on our way to pick up our car from the shippers! Wildlife is everywhere! Apparently, over 1600 moose live within Anchorage city limits. Incredible!

Next week, we move to a hotel/temporary living apartment on base until our household goods arrive and we find a house. I am already having fun looking for our new home, though I must admit its harder than I thought. I guess not alot of Alaskan's like to move in the dead of winter...go figure. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we will find a house like these...

Riiiiiiiiiiiight? Well, I hope so ;)

After a bit of neighborhood scouting today we are going to start prepping for our traditional New Year's Eve 3-course fondue dinner! Yum!

Good food, good friends, and good drinks....cant imagine a better way to ring in the New Year in our new home! What are your plans for NYE? What are your traditions?

Whatever your plans are and where ever you are...Here's to you my lovely readers!

2010 marked the birth and growth of this blog and I look forward to sharing a new year with you!

Happy New Year!

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Toasting in the New Year with It's A Tradition {guest post}

Guest posting and gearing us up for New Year's is Tauni from It's a Tradition. I have been following Tauni since I started blogging. Her super cool wood and mod podge photo art was actually the very first feature here on FMA. She has such great projects that are so easy they will leave you bonking your head and saying "duh!" I really enjoy all her yummy treats too. She just makes everything look so easy! Let's see what she has for us today...

Merry Christmas & Mele Kalikimaka!

Merry Christmas! I hope this finds you all enjoying a beautiful holiday! We are in Colorado spending Christmas with our family today. We have been having such a great time visiting with our family all week and finally seeing our dog! Our Golden Retriever has to stay here in Colorado until it is warm enough in the spring for him to fly to Alaska. We have officially moved out of Washington and leave for Alaska from here tomorrow! Thank you for all your well wishes, prayers, and kind comments and emails. We appreciate it so much! The last week or so have had some bumps (including an ER visit for me the day before our flight!) but we have pushed through and everything is going smoothly now. I miss you guys but I hope you are enjoying the lovely guest bloggers who have been filling in for me! I am just blown away by these amazing ladies. There's even more to come and I hope to be popping in a little more frequently once we get settled into a hotel.

Merry Christmas

and

Mele Kalikimaka!

Upcycle Sweaters into Trendy Winter Hats with Deviantly Domesticated {guest post}

Guest posting for us today is Stephanie from Deviantly Domesticated. I originally found Stephanie and her uber-awesome site through a mutual friend I went to college with back in Colorado. I am actually back in her neck of the woods today as we are visiting family for Christmas. I am so excited to see what Stephanie has for us today! She is so resourceful and her sewing projects will knock your socks off, unless ofcourse that is what she is sewing ;) She is a fellow upcycler and I am constantly in awe of her. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do!

Folding Money Bracelets with Under The Table And Dreaming {guest post}

Stephanie Lynn from Under The Table And Dreaming is guest posting for me today while I am boarding my flight to Colorado. Today, is the beginning of our journey to Alaska. We stop in Colorado for Christmas with our family and then fly to Alaska from there. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we begin this big adventure. Meanwhile, enjoy Stephanie Lynn! I adore her blog and all her beautiful projects and I am truly honored to have her here. Stephanie has such exquisite taste, and I cant wait to see what she has up her sleeve for us today!

Whipping up Peppermint Patty Cookies with Just For Love {guest post}

Today I am cleaning and preparing my house for our renters so we are hearing from one of my very first readers, Laura from Just For Love! I just love her! She is the sweetest person and her blog always puts a smile on my face and in my heart. Laura writes with such kind, inspiring, and encouraging words. If you ever need to ground yourself or remember to focus on what's important you will find your inspiration at Just For Love. You might find your tummy rumbling too because her recipes can be mouthwatering. Well, lets get in the kitchen and see what Laura's got going on today...

A ceiling fan makeover by The Inspired Nest {Guest Post}

The lovely Lacy from The Inspired Nest is guest posting for me today, while my movers are currently packing my house. I love Lacy's eye for the beautiful and her blog is filled with inspirational photos. I especially love all her beautiful tablescapes. Lacy and I share our passion for dinnerware and china. I am excited to see what she has come up with next...