Celebrating Mom’s Birthday on an Alaskan Cruise

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Family Birthday Cruise for Mother

Breakfast with Sheila's good friend Yuan-ting. She is our Seattle tour guide. It was wonderful to spend time with her. 
That is our ship in the background! We were so excited!

Breakfast in Seattle started our journey off beautifully, with my good friend Yuan-Ting as our guide. Sharing time with her before boarding the ship made the day even more special. Speaking of the ship—there it is in the background of our breakfast photo! Seeing it gave us a rush of excitement as we prepared to embark on this Birthday adventure.

This trip was a celebration in every sense of the word. Sixteen of us—family members spanning generations—came together to honor Mother June’s 87th birthday. The joy of sharing this experience with her made the journey truly meaningful.

Every night, we gathered for dinner, recounting our days filled with excursions and exploring Alaska’s breathtaking beauty. I have to admit, Alaska wasn’t high on my travel list—I’m not one for cold weather—but it completely stole my heart. The glaciers, with their towering splendor and floating ice, left me in awe.

Among the places we visited, Skagway was my favorite. Its charming, historic vibe made it stand out, and as a bonus, I visited their fantastic quilt shop!

Alaska’s natural wonders and warm memories will undoubtedly draw us back again. Perhaps next time, we’ll time our visit to witness the magic of the Northern Lights.

This trip was more than just a vacation—it was a grand adventure, filled with family, celebration, and newfound love for Alaska’s incredible landscapes.

Sheila Joy Avatar

About the author

Hi, I’m Sheila Joy-Lorntzen—a photographer, storyteller, and adventurer based in the beautiful high deserts of Nevada. With a camera in hand and a love for capturing life’s moments, I specialize in teaching others how to see the world through a photographer’s lens.

When I’m not leading photo walks or mentoring aspiring photographers, you’ll find me baking sourdough bread, documenting the journey of building our homestead, or exploring new landscapes for inspiration. I believe photography is more than taking pictures; it’s about connecting, learning, and finding beauty in the everyday.

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