Fairbanks

Last week we took our annual trip up to Fairbanks for State FFA Convention. We drove up on Wednesday. Eight and a half hours after leaving Anchorage we arrived at Chena Hot Springs. Somehow (much to the surprise of her parents) Sycely managed to keep herself awake for the WHOLE journey, which meant an extra two hours or so of entertaining that we didn't expect since we figured she'd nap on the way. She did remarkably well considering we literally spent the whole day in the car. I got this fabulous car seat tray that allowed her to play with her princesses and farm animals, color and do stickers. We also brought along a cookie sheet and magnets, playdough, pipe cleaners and of course movies and other surprises to keep her busy. Once we got to Chena and got checked in we went for a swim in the hot spring pool.

Thursday we spent outside at Chena, for the most part while Lem was in a meeting. Sycely had fun collecting pine cones. After lunch we packed up and headed back into Fairbanks. Sycely was able to get a nap in on the hour long drive, thankfully. We grabbed some dinner and got Sycely to bed. She actually slept extremely well at night and at nap the whole trip and I'm SOOOO grateful for that!

Friday and Saturday were pretty full with convention activties. We did get a chance to take the visiting National Officer to Santa Claus House in North Pole. We took our traditional photo of Sycely in Santa's chair. My, oh my, how these little ones grow! It's truly amazing.

We had a yummy family breakfast on Sunday and loaded up in the car to head back home. The drive home took us less time, since we didn't have the extra hour to Chena. Sycely slept about 25 minutes before frost heaves interrupted her nap. Between snacks, potty breaks, toys and movies we all managed to survive the drive home. Man was it great to get all of us back into our own beds Sunday night! I think we're full up on the Fairbanks drive for another year or so-at least!