Chicago to Woodbury - OK, I never have to do an overnight flight again. Although the flight was smooth, 6 hours is along time to sit in your seat, and try to sleep! 
On the interstate headed home. It's a beautiful day, at the end of a wonderful trip. We reached so many of our goals(wishes) on this trip. The guys fished, each catching salmon, we got to see dall dolphins, both killer(Orca) and humpback whales, sea lions, otters, bald eagles, trumpet swans, Dall sheep, moose, bear, caribou, reindeer, spruce grouse, one friendly Alaskan squirrel, took a flight around Mt. McKinley, a a riverboat cruise. The only misses were no glacier landing and we didn't get to see the Aurora Borealis. Something to look forward to when we go again!
My thoughts:
1) Everyone should see Alaska. Don't wait until you are older, you will be able to see and do so much more now!
2) I would do the land portion first, finishing with the cruise. There's a little more effort in unpacking/repacking, when you move every couple days, and you're already starting to wear down.
3) Princess is one well oiled machine. They have this down to a science! You are provided all info needed, itinerary, excursion tickets, and room keys at every stage. You never have to check in at a resort, as it's already been done for you. Makes it super simple to go straight to your room, and find your luggage already waiting for you. You literally only handle your bag, to place it in the hall for pick up. Sweet!
4) Food- be willing to try new foods! It doesn't cost you anything, while on the ship. If you don't like it, they'll bring you something else.
5) Be aware that alcohol, soda, and specialty coffees, etc., are NOT included in your cruise price. Also the same applies to any land portion, as well as no food. You must purchase all of your food on land. It's a little pricey, but you're on this vacation of a lifetime, so it shouldn't come as a shock.
6) Timing - Be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of when you schedule your trip. Every time has something that would make it special, and maybe, not so special. Early trips, cooler weather, and possible rain, summer, get to experience those super long days, but mosquitoes are said to be horrendous! Late fall, rainy season, but no mosquitoes, and better chance of seeing the Northern Lights. The other downfall, is that things are starting to close down. We were on the last trip of the year, and found some restaurants were closing, and several local gift shops had closed for the season.
7) Attitude - In my opinion every trip is what you make of it. You can always find something to be unhappy about. I choose to enjoy myself. Don't dwell on the negatives. We all understand that nothing is going to be perfect. Just go and enjoy!
I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy the beauty of this wonderful country we live in, whether it be Alaska, or some where else. Get out and explore!
Thanks for following along with Dave & I on our adventure! I hope you've enjoyed it, as much as I enjoyed posting.