Painting Alaska with Khai

When we traveled to Alaska, we were captivated by its vast landscapes and incredible wildlife. Towering mountains, endless pine forests, and the serene rivers where bears fished for salmon — it was nature’s masterpiece. That beauty stayed with us long after our trip, so when Khai and I picked up our brushes, it felt only right to bring a little piece of Alaska into our home.

This painting started as Khai’s project. He was determined, putting in about 40% of the work before looking at me with that knowing smile and suggesting we “collaborate.” 😂 From there, it became a true mother-son creation—one that reflects not just the landscape we saw but also the time we spent together, layering colors, blending skies, and bringing our vision to life.

Khai’s room is a reflection of who he is — curious, adventurous, and full of wonder for the natural world. From his bookshelves packed with animal encyclopedias to his nature-themed bedding and carefully curated wall art of his animal encounters, everything about his space speaks to his love for wildlife. And now, his very own artwork has taken center stage.

Every time I walk into his room and see our painting, I’m reminded of how special it was to create something together. There’s something magical about seeing your child’s imagination come to life, and even more so when you get to be part of it.