Fairbanks

It has been 2 years since we headed 7 hours north.

We stopped half way so her unicorns could check out the sights as we grabbed our packed lunches near Denali.

It wasn't but a moment before she dropped her bag in the hotel room and sniffed out the pool.

Monday morning, we headed to The Museum of the North.

  

And after a delicious dinner at The Turtle Club complete with escargot...more swimming.

It wouldn't be a trip to Fairbanks without a trip to Pioneer Park.  I spotted the dark clouds so we played on the playground and rode the carousel first thing.

Then it was on to the train ride just when it began to pour.

Luckily, it stopped as soon as the train stopped. Lucky us.

Off to do some shopping.

It was Amelia's idea to head to the steamboat.

  

And then, celebrated the shining sun as we hit the golf course.

for some Alaskan style miniature golf.

Next up... Fountainhead Auto Museum with Dad.

She does not get her love of cars from me.

Later...more swimming.

We were up and out early the following day for a trip to The North Pole...er...North Pole, AK that is, to see one thing.

Amelia will not go up to any other Santa except the one (or ones) at the Santa Claus House.   He made sure to tell us to see the reindeer at the new training center in back.

They weren't officially opened but...

they let us in!  Prancer was a gentleman.  So were Dasher, Donner, Vixen, Comet, Cupid and Blitzen.

Dancer though...not so much.  Santa said Rudolph was in flight school as he was taking landings a bit rough last year.

Our final day of adventure seeking led us to the Fairbanks Visitor Center, where Amelia watched a movie "Alone in the Wilderness" by Dick Proenneke.  If you haven't seen this ... it is a must.  It leaves you humble and wanting to make a spoon out of scrap wood.  One of our favorites...seriously.

Checked out the exhibits. 

Then we headed to the Ice Museum. Where everything was dandy until she had to put on a jacket that wasn't hers and very "boyish" as it was 20 degrees in the exhibits.

I told her to turn around as no one wants to see a grump.

She was a little better when we went down the ice slide.  Sorry no pics as I cannot take photos while sledding.  

She really warmed up after she got to take the jacket off and watch some ice sculpting.  She was feeling generous even.

Time for a bit more shopping and some nutella and banana crepes.

It was time for the long drive home.  I insisted on stopping to take as many photos of Denali as I could ... the Northern and Southern view.  Rob's comment to Amelia:   "Like Mom hasn't seen it before".

Goodnight Fairbanks...see ya next year.