Life With The Luikens: Sister Surprise!

So over the weekend of my birthday, my sister Emily came and surprised me along with her husband Joe and my nephew Brannon! It was the BEST surprise ever. Ever. Ever.

As you can see, I was SO surprised and happy and excited! I love my sissy and couldn't believe she was able to make it up to Alaska to visit me! It was such a sweet way to show me she cared about me and to spend time with Tony and I.

Most of the weekend was spent with my sister and I hanging out with my cutie nephew Brannon and Joe and Tony spent time going fishing and enjoying nature together. They took 3 total fishing trips and caught different kinds of fish each time which they loved.

Emily also helped me set up my classroom and her help really motivated me to keep working in my classroom and create a theme and after she left I was able to finish what we had started.

Emily and Joe and little Brannon came in on a Thursday and so we spent Thursday driving South a bit to show them the ocean and mountains and the beautiful drive down that way. We took some pictures at a pull out spot. On Friday, Tony and Joe went fishing on the Kenai River and Emily and I went shopping for some fabric for the bulletin boards in my classrom :) I also took Emily to this incredible little bakery/ sandwich shop here in town called L'Aroma which is in the New Sagaya Market. New Sagaya is wonderful- they have fresh fish and asian food products. They also have fresh veggies and fresh fruit. The other side of the market is a Kaladi Brothers Coffee Shop (Kaladi's is a really yummy and well known Alaskan brand coffee maker) and the L'Aroma Bakery and Sandwich Shop. On Saturday, we spent some time with the guys and went to breakfast and then to the Anchorage Saturday Market which has lots of local vendors and yummy food. We also made Emily and Joe try a reindeer dog (classic Alaska must-try). Emily and I had a girl's night that night and then Tony and Joe went to fish some more. On Sunday, we went to Seward for my birthday. We went to the Sealife Center which is amazing and walked around the fishing town of Seward. We went to the Brewhouse at night back in Anchorage to get some fresh Alaskan King Crab which is my favorite thing to eat and then went to open presents after :) The last day they were here was Monday and Emily and I spent that day getting my classroom all ready which was awesome! We made fajitas that night before they went back on the plane.

It was an incredible time with Emily and Joe and Brannon. I was SO surprised and SO thankful for the time with my sister. Can't wait for them to come visit again! (We are trying to convince them to come skiing in the winter) Until then, I am so thankful for the gift of their visit.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" Psalm 133:1