Meet the Saunders

Woodsen and Danica met in 2011 while working out in Bethel, Alaska. Woodsen was flying for Grant Aviation, and Danica worked at the hospital as a nurse. Ever since, they’ve been jumping in airplanes and flying off together. When Woodsen isn’t out adventuring with his family, you can find him working for Alaska Airlines, biking, paragliding, or living his best life at home being an awesome dad. Danica enjoys staying at home with the kiddos, and frequently reminds her kids how much she likes to do things that are boring, like sitting around, drinking coffee, and chatting with friends. When a creative moment strikes Danica can be found painting, writing this blog, or chasing her kids around taking photos of them.

Atlee, our oldest, is a born leader and loves organizing, cooking in the kitchen, and rallying a gaggle of kiddos to play school or follow her around. When she heads outside, you can find her climbing trees or picking the most beautiful wildflower bouquets. She’d like you to know that her favorite place to be is in McCarthy, Alaska.

Melozi is our strong, generous second-born. She loves all things dogs; drawing them, hanging out with them, and even pretending to be one. She plays hard, but thrives with quiet time away from her siblings. She loves to read and is known to have severe cases of the giggles.

Yukla, our only boy, can light the room up with his smile. He loves airplanes, especially float airplanes, and enjoys building Legos and riding his bike.

Eska, AKA Queen Eska, May May, Eskanaba in the moonlight, or Esk, is our confident, smiley youngest who bosses us all around. She loves listening to Forest Frank, being outside, and running with the big kids.

Our ride has changed over the years as we’ve grown as a family. I started the blog while we were flying Woodsen’s dad’s Super cub. Shortly before Melozi was born Woodsen’s dad sold the cub, but we were able to keep flying when our friends agreed to rent us their Cessna 180. In 2021 we purchased our first airplane, another Cessna 180, and when we found out I was pregnant with our fourth child, we graduated to our current 185. Coincidentally, all the airplanes we’ve flown have been blue and white.

The blog is our way of documenting the memories of the adventures, people, and places we get to experience so our family can remember them for years to come.