Out of this World Cruise

During the kids Winter break we packed our bags and headed south! After a long drive we met our friends The Swopes for dinner. Funny we can't seem to meet up with them at home for dinner but we do travel dine often! Our next adventure was to the Kennedy Space Center. It was our first time & the kids really seemed to enjoy it. We watched an Imax movie while eating "space dots" and astronaut icecream. The next morning we were cruise bound! Our friends the McGees went with us on the trip. We have known them since Andy & I were dating. I could post hundreds of photos and someday I hope to post some of my digital scrapbook pages. But for now let me sum it up by saying the kids loved...no LOVED the all you can eat ice cream by the pool! They started out not so great but now I know Caden could work at Dairy Queen or McDonalds with the perfected cone twist!

Stop 1 Labadee, Haiti

Relaxing on the beach, playing in the water & shopping in the markets....a full fun day. We left with a bit of pink on our cheeks and new bracelets, whistles, handcarved bowls & a gecko (metal of course!)

Stop 2 Ochos Rios, Jamaica

We had hoped to take the kids to climb Dunns River Falls...but the rain got there first! So our driver took us to see a Jamaican Sneak Peak...literally a hole in the wall to see the falls! We drove through Fern Gully & called it a day.

Stop 3 Grand Caymens

Certainly one of the big highlights of the trip we headed out on a chartered boat to Stingray City. Though a little scared at first we all jumped right in and fed the stingrays and even shared a smooch!

Stop 4 Cozumel, Mexico

Playing on the beach & building a seaweed inspired cake was all the kids needed to enjoy Mexico! Since the winds we stronger than normal we headed back to the ship early & then went shopping downtown. Alli & Sydney got beautiful braids!

A few days at sea and our cruise was complete. I hope to post more photos later. Now I think the kids are as hooked on cruising as their father!

You can never catch up if you don't start!

Hello bloggy world! Yes it has been a long six months since last I posted. Not that I haven't thought about you or even picked up the computer numerous times to start but you see I have a problem. When I get behind on things...I feel overwhelmed. Honestly it doesn't take much...just ask my family how quickly the laundry builds up. Then one day I just set my mind to it and get it all done. Aaaahhh the satisfaction of completing something. But reality kicks in and I don't always have time to complete something all at once. So one load at a time I will catch up on laundry & one blog post at a time I will update on all that we have been up to since December. Thank you for hanging in there! Let's try to recap month by month!

Gator turns 7

Our little Gator is 7! It seems like only yesterday we were at the hospital watching an ice storm! Her day began with breakfast in bed served by her brother...donuts & milk. She then opened her presents and we made party favors. We headed to the mall for lunch at Moe's (the birthday girl's favorite), then it was time to party! It was a puppy party at Build-a-bear. Everyone made their own puppy....we had Spruce, Joshin, Josh, Spot, Hannah, Scruffy, Brownie and Handsome Puppy...what a birthday litter! She had such a great time. We had dinner at the Captian's Table in PF Changs with Aunt Debbie, Uncle Jay, YaYa, Granddaddy and the Treichlers. It was interesting to see the cooks working in the kitchen & the fried green beans were a delicious surprise. YaYa even brought 2 little puppy cakes for the birthday girl! Alli what a blessing you are to our life. You are our giggle full of sunshine!

Early Birthday Celebration

Aunt Aishe & I helped the kids make a gingerbread house for Gran & PaPa. We put together puzzles and on Saturday we celebrated Alli's Birthday with her cousin Anna. We took the kids to the mall to Build-a-bear. They visited with Santa and we ate lunch at Andy's favorite Mr. Dunderbauk's!

Thankful

So many things to be thankful for...this year we spent Thanksgiving with Andy's family. We hit the road on Tuesday to try and avoid the traffic...no luck! Wednesday should have been renamed Electronics Day. With Andy in town his was able to shine in his element...he helped his sister get a computer, his parents a monitor, and even a few Christmas surprises! Thanksgiving Day was full of yummy food, laughter and family. Alli helped Gran with the "most delicious" stuffing with a recipe from her Great-great grandmother. Caden & Papa made a hurtin on some smoked turkey! We all took a walk after lunch and did a little geocaching! Andy even found one that Jane & Dennis had been looking for for months! Go Andy! We earned our pie...take your pick...cherry, pumpkin, chocolate, or pecan! Thanksgiving has always held a special place in my heart. I grew up going to my Grandmothers with all my aunts, uncles and cousins. I feel so lucky to be able to go visit my Aunt Frances and other family since they live right around the corner from my in-laws. It was early to bed for me! Another tradition...Black Friday! I headed out on my own at 4:30am to take on the stores! I had so much fun & Scored 6 door-busters! The rest of the crew joined me for some deals of their own! Unfortunately, Dennis came down with the flu but the rest of us stayed healthy! What a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Autumnal Neighbors!

One beautiful fall afternoon the kids had fun gathering the leaves in the yard and took time out to smile for a few photos!

Backyard Photos

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the colors and just being outside. We wanted some photos of the kids and Rachel offered to come take someof the whole family! Thank you~