Family. First & Foremost.

I have traded away a lot of comforts by moving to the Arctic. I don't drink Pop. It's against my better judgement to shower more than twice a week if I expect there to be enough water in April and May. I cannot run to WalMart when I need to pick up a roll of electrical tape or a gallon of milk. Living in the Arctic has allowed me to see some things that I only dreamed of but it has come with great sacrifice.
I love my family and am so proud of the family that Michele and I have created together. By all accounts, I was living the American Dream with a wife, 2.5 kids and 2 dogs - and I stepped away for a while.
I didn't walk away from any parental duties or responsibilities. I never once considered that I wasn't a part of this family anymore. We just had to redefine some roles and develop a new normal for a while.
Being home at Christmas break with them for twelve days made me the happiest I've been in a long time.


I'm so glad Dadd and Rose came down to visit. I know that the road from Warroad to Pine City is long and December isn't prime cruising conditions for the Mustang but it was great seeing you. I needed it. I enjoyed the conversation and support. You've obviously thought about and discussed this Kivalina Adventure more than once over the past few months. Thank you for coming down and hanging out in our little world of Burgers and Hockey Sticks. Next time we get to visit, it'll be with a paddle in our hands and a campfire in our future.

These two little munchkins fill my heart with so much joy. They are the happiest, hardest working children I've met. I wish I could have tucked them in my luggage and brought them back to Alaska for a spell but I held off on the urge to keep them to myself. I'm just so proud that I get to share them with everyone else. Michele is doing such a good job of shuttling them around and I can see how much closer they have grown with their mother since I've been gone. We've always been a pretty tight knit group but this whole adventure has already done wonders to solidify how happy we can all be when we're together. Emma and Logan are great siblings to each other too. They look out for each other and have a special bond. It's easy to see.

Yeah, the Kirby Krew took an odd twist in 2015. It's good to throw a little misdirection every once in a while eh? It's safe to say that when the Pater Familias goes out on a limb and makes a drastic move, it has a ripple affect throughout the whole pack. I am completely aware that there are some things that I've missed in the last 5 months. I know the kids and their Mom are just too darn good to let on when they hurt. I trust that we'll all be stronger when this adventure ends and a new one begins. Their love, commitment and sacrifice has not and will not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
I love you all so stinking much. Thanks for a perfect Holiday visit. See you in 4 months.
Love,
Yukon Cornelius