What a weekend we had! It could'nt have been better! We went down to Hope on Sunday afternoon, with a few great friends! Hope is about an hour and a half south of Anchorage. When we got there, the guys immediately geared up and headed out to find their moose, while the rest of us sat around the campfire and roasted marshmallows and played cards. It was so fun to just sit and relax with friends. Courtney kicked butt in Shanghai, although I made sure to tell everyone I had been known to win that game in the past! Haha! I only joke, I think I've won once. But its fun to be cocky every once in a while, right?! I think I got just boosted the desire for everyone to beat me even more.
Eli and Courtney making their dinner!
Matt and Sarah
This rushing river was right next to our campsite, it was pretty awesome!
Devin and Avery hangin' out.
Avery, hanging out in her cute little camp chair!
Cadence, helping Devin and I make breakfast burritos!
While we were hanging out, the guys were able to spot a moose and kill it! Matt made the shot! Brian and Devin and him were thrilled! That's 100lb. of moose meat per family. We're set for a year! The tough part was hiking back to the campsite in the dark through very tall, thick bushes. Thankfully, when they headed back the next day to pack it out, they were able to find a better route. Josh Burnett came down to help they guys, and Sarah went to help and experience this Matt's first kill with him! They had a great time!!!
They got to float the moose down the river in a boat for 30 minutes, they said it was so awesome! 
Brian borrowed Cadence's water bottle for the strenuous hike ; )
Meanwhile, Amanda and her girls, and her sister-in-law Joann and her son and I went on a GORGEOUS 10 mile hike to Gull Rock. It was breathtaking.
We filled our water bottles off with the cool crisp water from the stream!
This trail took us through so many different types of terrain. At one point we were on a very narrow trail engulfed by trees and bushes on both sides, so that you couldn't see anything around you, and then the trail would open up an you could see an awesome view of the ocean! 
On our way back, we picked raspberries! They were delicious! 
The leaves changed colors all in one weekend!!! When we got back to Anchorage, the mountains glowed in golds and oranges... I love fall.
Cadence, Amanda's 3 year old, hiked the WHOLE thing by herself! It was very impressive. I think I carried her for maybe a mile at the end. What a trooper! Anyway, needless to say, we were graced with God's extraordinary creation, and great friends.
We saw this bear paw-print about a mile into the hike... we decided to keep going, very aware of the danger that could lie ahead, we rang the bear bell loudly and sang lots of songs!
Avery had so much fun!
