Four By Sea

My Peeps...

2010-11-13T21:41:00.002-05:00

that's what we call them and also how Scott greets us as he comes through the door. Well, my peeps...are growing older. I think about this frequently but noticed how much after searching through old posts and viewing past pictures. I was doing pretty good for awhile, sometimes posted weekly. What happened...was it Facebook? Let just say it was and blame it on something. Anyway, I'm over facebook, have been for awhile so maybe I should try this blogging thing again. Yep, let's try this again, it's a good way to capture the moments and a fun way for the family to look back at past time. Besides I enjoy writing. See you back here soon.

Try again...

2010-01-24T21:43:00.034-05:00

that's the message I kept getting as I tried over and over again to enter my password. It has been awhile. I had to pause for a few minutes before entering the name of my blog into the address bar.

My mom asked me tonight if I was ever going to blog again and here is her answer...

Yes. I am and as you requested here are photos of the family. I'm feeling lazy and it's late so I didn't upload the most recent pictures. However, these are the most recently uploaded on my laptop and they happen to be from over the holiday break. For the most part we look the same. Smile. Hope that's all right mom.

First photo taken of us in the new year.

We spent the first few days of 2010 in Orlando. Before returning back to school and getting caught up in the year to come we took a mini vacation to relax and enjoy time spent together.

From the temperature outside you would have never known you were in Florida. We had record low temps the first week into the new year. It was FREEZING! I felt bad for the hoards of tourist vacationing in the state that week. Those poor people planned to visit the sun shine state and relax in the warm weather. Nope...40 degrees! This is why we're bundled up.

Spending the day at Universal Studios.

Over the break Ella taught herself how to send text messages. Her dad, myself and the babysitter... she can texted us all! Of course she has to use one of our phones. Can't wait.

Ending a full day. Tired.

We saw The Blue Man Group during our stay. We had a great time at the show and for many hours after the proformance. The kids took away lighted drum sticks which prompted our own show back at the hotel.

Again, It was cold outside. Our kids didn't care how cold it was. Our hotel had four outdoor pools, two hot tubs and a playground. We used them all. Well, Scott and I stayed away from the pools (even though they were heated).

The hotel that we stayed in was a actually a time share. It was wonderful. We had a full kitchen stocked with whatever was needed. Ella made us smoothies.

As I mentioned we took some time to relax.

Happy New Year... looking forward to 2010!

HELLO...

2009-10-09T11:51:00.002-04:00

Hey, is anyone out there? What am I doing here, with this blog I mean. Wow, it's been a while. Thought when the kids went back to school I'd have time to keep up with this but I guess I'm not doing such a good job. I'm realizing that no matter how much time you're given it still vanishes. Just occupied a little differently now, I guess. Is that it? Can that be my excuse? Can I use the excuse of time for not posting about past birthdays, family vacations and various outings. Well for what it's worth, we have been busy and it has taken us awhile to get back into the grove. Scott's crazy busy with work, Ella's adapting to the changes that third grade brings, Jack, well he's just along for the ride enjoying school and learning how to stay out of trouble given his new sassy attitude and me... I'm just trying to enjoy each day, which I do. Focusing on my family and spending some much needed time on myself. Life is good here. I will get better, at blogging that is, I'm going to try harder.

five days a week...

2009-08-28T09:30:00.012-04:00

... and this is how the first day ended. Wiped out but more than happy to get up the next day and do it all over again. He loves it and I am now officially the mom of TWO school aged children.

Wow, eight years of mornings filled with story times, preschool outings and various other children related activities. Afternoons spent running errands (and by errands I mean only those pressing enough that must be done) with kids complaining, "do WE have to go in" and "can't YOU just do this later, without US". Picnic lunches packed for the park that usually came about through bargaining, related to the dreaded errand running.

Eight years, count them, eight and now... it's just me.

Can I tell you how much can be accomplished in the course of six hours when you're by yourself and have no interruptions. Pause. Let's just think about that. I forgot what it was like. Throughout this first week of school I've found myself rushing from task to task only to stop and remind myself that tomorrow I get six more hours of this.

Like I said, this is the first week, school has begun and we're adjusting to the changes. I must say that I do miss those crazy mornings and mid afternoons with children. I miss them and get a little weepy when I think of how they're over. This is a new chapter for me... for our family. They're growing older, they'll continue to do so, it saddens me when I think about it but excites me in the same way.

Goodbye summer...we'll miss you. See you again in nine months.

Independence Day...

2009-07-05T10:01:00.033-04:00

Is anyone getting tired of viewing photos of our family at the beach yet? It does kind of seem like that's all we do. Well, it's not all we do but we do spend a bit of time traveling up and down the coast. I don't know how you wouldn't spend countless beach hours given where we live. Anyway, we like the sun, sand and water so once again we found ourselves enjoying the holiday weekend at the beach.

Swimming and eating...does the rule still apply? You know wait 20 minutes after eating before getting in the water.

A hot summers evening spent with good company. Grilling food and cooling off in the pool.

Can't be a celebration without fireworks. Waiting for the sun to go down...

Sun down, time for a simple front yard display.

Happy Independence Day! Hope everyone's day was filled with fun times and relaxing moments.

Meet me in Miami...

2009-06-24T19:32:00.023-04:00

The kids and I headed a few miles south to Miami earlier this week. Shane, Naomi and the kids were returning from their Bahamas cruise and stayed over in Miami before traveling back to Wyoming. We met them at their hotel then ventured to South Beach for some Florida sun.

A hot summers day and no set agenda... happy day!

Enjoying the beach and each others company.

Miami beach is not the place to collect shells. Searching the sand for a few to take home.

Megan worked very hard collecting ocean remnants to fill this empty water bottle then mistakenly forgot it at the restuarant. I had to include this photo for her...sorry Megan.

Done with the beach and time for some lunch. Rinsing off the salt and sand.

Cousins sharing a soda at the News Cafe.

BTW guys, I didn't tell you that the News Cafe was the last place Versace visited minutes before his death. He was returning home (two blocks south) from the restaurant/news stand when he was shot to death at his door step. Just a bit of trivia to store.

Ending the day with a dip in the pool.

Departing. Thanks for spending the day with us, travel safely and we'll see you again soon.

raising surfers II

2009-06-19T21:58:00.003-04:00

Here is one of the video's I took of Ella today. She is doing great...so awesome!

Unlike the first clip from surf camp this clip does contain waves. The last few days of camp have been exciting for our little surfers. The ocean, looks like the ocean and not like a lake. They take a beating and surface with a smile ready to get back up again. Nerve racking yet thrilling to watch as a parent.

raising surfers

2009-06-16T17:26:00.002-04:00

It's surf camp time...check out my little surfers in action.

Schools Out!

2009-06-10T06:55:00.039-04:00

Can you see the rainbow? By the time I ran inside to get the camera it had began to fade away, so pretty. When I see this image I hear a rather large Hawaiian guy playing a ukulele and singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow...awww, I love that sound. I also love that the sight of a rainbow usually follows a good rain shower. Afternoon rain showers in Florida are a reminder that summer is officially here.

One more hour to go! Hello summer vacation goodbye second grade class.

Wipe down pencil marks on desk. Check. Gathered all items and stuffed them into a bag that can barely be carried. Check. Collected friends phone numbers and gave one last hug. Check. Sit and wait for the bell to ring while mom takes a picture. Done too.

Ella and her second grade teacher.

Another school year finished. Time just cruises by.

Jacks preschool class is in a building next to Ella's elementary school. After Ella was released we ventured over to his class for the last hour.

His teachers love him. He really is a teachers ideal student (at least so far). One last hug.

Last image of preschool, next year it's the big time.

After school we joined friends bowling. We tried for the park but given the time of day the rain chased us to the bowling alley.

Well here we go, summer vacation has begun. We'll keep you posted...

dance, dance and more dancing...

2009-06-01T16:49:00.027-04:00

The past weekend was spent going from dress rehearsals to dance performances and juggling a few birthday parties in the mix.

It's a busy time of year but thankfully summer and it's lazy days are creeping around the corner. Let it begin, bring on summer vacation! Maybe soon I'll be able to catch up on my postings of family visits, birthday parties and weekend trips. Wait, who am I kidding... the kids are out of school it will be even crazier!

Flash photography and filming were not permitted in the auditorium so I was unable to get the actual dances. I did order a DVD of the THREE hour performance so if wanted you'll get to see it too.

When the show was over Ella wanted me to take photos of her and her friends on the stage. She has never performed on a real stage in front of a large audience before, I was surprised how relaxed she was, no big deal to her.

Posing for a photo with friends and her Jazz instructor Ms. Penny.

When I asked her what dance class she enjoyed most this year she said tap because she could be loud and make noise. Funny and true.

After the first performance we ate lunch and then it was back to the auditorium to get ready for the next show. What a long day she had.

Daddy's are good for all sorts of things especially keeping track of dance shoes.

Is it me or is someone starting to pose a bit for the camera.

Pretty flowers for our dancer. They looked so lovely sitting on her desk, I had to take a picture. Nice job little bug, you were wonderful. May you always have fun dancing. I'll forever enjoy watching you.

Three Cheers!

2009-05-19T11:05:00.008-04:00

I tried my hardest to capture a short piece of the joyous event.

Mr. Alan W. Wilson DePaul University College of Law Graduate. Congratulations to you on your hard earned degree and to Rhonda for her patients and loyal support. We love you both and wish you all the best!

sweet song.

2009-05-12T21:56:00.005-04:00

If this doesn't melt your heart I don't know what will. Here's a clip from Jack's end of the year program. I love this kid!

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T09:16:00.009-04:00

I have always adored my mom. I can remember as a child telling her that I was never going to leave her side. I wanted to live with her forever and the thought of growing older and moving on was unimaginable.

Time has changed my mind and thankfully so because now I have the wonderful experience of being a mom myself. Through these seven years of motherhood I have learned so much about myself. No other job can compare to the selfless and humbling job of a mom.

I am not only lucky to be a mom but to have such amazing women role models in my life. Through their wisdom and example I have grown and matured into what I hope is a compassionate, nurturing and flexible mom.

Here's to the many special moms in my life. Thank you for your tireless and unconditional love.

I love you Mom, Happy Mothers Day!

picture postcard.

2009-05-02T17:39:00.006-04:00

Dear Josh,

Thank you for sending me to Florida. My time spent here was fun but now it's time for me to return from my adventure. As you can see I have been enjoying the sun and warm weather. I have visited the beach and have collected some items to share with you and Ms. Yerkes first grade class. Be on the look out for me, I can't wait to see you and the other students!

Sincerely,
Flat Stanley

P.S. Your aunt, uncle and cousins really miss you! You should come spend time with them.

and so it begins...

2009-04-26T10:31:00.005-04:00

Always, always do I check pockets before sending clothing into the washing machine. In the past I've found random items, a quarter here a bouncy ball there, every once in awhile a candy rapper. Not until recently have I noticed the items have begun to multiply. Sticks, rocks, bottle caps, bolts, nuts, screws, shells, more and more these items are beginning to fill up Jack's small pocket space. I laugh at the contents sometimes and also wonder, Is this the beginning of something? I think it might be, so I started a collection. Random items that I uncover in the deep dark holes of a young boy's pockets. Have a look.

The Mighty Atlantic.

2009-04-11T05:41:00.019-04:00

Oh dear God, please give me strength to endure the next few hours and please hurry the time like never before. I believe this was the beginning of the prayer I uttered an hour into our four hour fishing trip on the Atlantic Ocean.

I have to tell you, with the exception of child birth those four hours were the hardest physical hours I have encountered in my 34 years of life. I'm sure after I write this someone will come back and say...what about the time, well, for what I can recall in my short lived life, this was pretty bad.

Two miserable kids (one refusing to uncover her head and the other with his head stuck in a bucket) and a mom that could barely help due to her own excessive vomiting. I don't know what I would have done without the help of my mom, thank god she was present. Without her we might not have survived.

At one point Scott looked at me with a sad face and said, "I guess this puts the kibosh on my boat plans". Oh boy does it ever! Any boat in the future of this family is heading straight for the sand bar. No more deep seas, atleast for while.

Our faces say it all.

Four hours ... one position!

Jack was loving the boat until we were miles out. He wanted to be fishing but just couldn't do it. Poor baby, we all wanted to love it.

The water was very choppy and the fishing wasn't going so well.

She finally uncovers. Only once before this photo was taken was Ella uncovered and that was only to find the restroom. When entering the inlet we were able to talk her out of the blanket.

I couldn't stay in the interior of the boat. The fresh open air was so nice.

The shore is in sight. I was wishing I was laying on this beach. I heard this is one of Arnold and Maria's residences.

Park this baby!

The dock...what a wonderful place to be

everybody's crazy.

2009-04-08T23:28:00.006-04:00

Here's to family and living room jam sessions ... may they continue to live on forever!

In your classroom?

2009-04-01T19:46:00.009-04:00

When people ask us about our move it usually begins with "So how are you enjoying Florida?" Almost always the next question is, "Have you come across any alligators yet?" Well...do we have a story for you. Listen up.

The visit.

2009-03-27T12:31:00.138-04:00

It's been over a week since grandpa and grandma returned home. I wanted to upload photos during their visit but we kept so busy that I didn't find the time. Well, I've finally gotten all the photos uploaded and here we go! I am warning you, this might take awhile, you might want to get comfortable.

Time spent together.

Having fun in the pool.

Snuggling with grandma after a swim.

Dinner on the water.

Time to fish.

Jack's t-ball game was canceled because of rain. He wanted grandpa and grandma to see him play ball. He had practice while they were here so they were able to watch him in action. Our little Yankee.

Fishing in the pocket behind our house. For some reason we've never thrown a line in before grandma and grandpa's visit. Thanks for the pole, we'll take advantage of the fishing opportunities now.

Exploring at the Oceanographic Center.

A sunny day at the beach.

Playing games.

Stopping to see the sights during our coastal drive north.

The Space Shuttle was to launch the day grandpa and grandma arrived. Lucky for us weather delayed the launch until the weekend. We traveled up the coast to experience the awesome event.

Bedtime is so much nicer when shared with loved ones. Reading stories and eating ice cream after a long day

Shells, shells and more shells!

Grandpa and Scott spent and early morning fishing on the Atlantic Ocean. They had a great time and caught a number of fish however one would never know since this was the ONLY photo taken. Glad they took the camera with them!

Ella had out grown her bike so we surprised her with the new cruiser she had been wanting. She loves it!

The afternoon was spent touring the Jupiter Lighthouse. Jack did not meet the height requirement to climb. We were sad that he could not participate until we began the climb and understood why. My stomach was in knots climbing down behind Ella. I didn't expect the steepness and open grating, yikes! Grandma was trying so hard to convince herself and her nerves that she could conquer her fear. She did make it up half way before joining Jack and myself back the first window. It was a beautiful view from the top.

Of course we had to have a fish fry with the snapper that was caught during the deep sea trip. Our neighbors (having more practice frying fish) hosted the event. It was delicious, even Grandma approved.

Saying our goodbyes. Scott and the kids drove grandpa and grandma to the airport. We were sad that our visit had to end. We had such a fun time, it came and went all to fast. Come see us again soon. We'll miss you.

first catch.

2009-03-26T15:50:00.006-04:00

Grandpa took the kids fishing in the pocket. Jack was excited to be reeling in his first fish. What a catch! We didn't throw it back but didn't eat it either.

Adios.

2009-03-24T15:57:00.012-04:00

I just got the word that we've been waiting nine months to hear...done. That simple word minutes ago was uttered by our realtor. Whew, it's been a long go and we've been holding our breath until the deal was completely finished.

It's all done, closed and recorded. No longer our home but someone else's. I was so exited to hear the good news that I went straight to the computer. I wanted to find a photo of our (past) home upload it to the blog and share my feelings of excitement. That was the plan until, I opened the above photo.

I took this photo on my way out the door in August. This small sticky note managed to hold strong for almost two years. It was placed on that window by Ella during the first few months of kindergarten. Her Spanish teacher sent home a list of Spanish words and suggested we place them appropriately around our home. This was the only sticky note that remained. It still does, I think. I've thought about taking it down but I never could. I wonder how long it will take the new owners to remove it. Maybe I should have someone go to the house and reclaim it. Just a thought.

So anyway, I wanted a cute photo of our charming little house and instead I opened this. La ventana, the window. I'm not as excited now. Now, I'm a little sad. Sad or not it's done. Our SLC home is no longer ours it's someone else's. Take the good take the bad it's done. Moving on.

Spring is in the air...

2009-03-22T17:11:00.019-04:00

In Florida spring means training camps and around this time of the year a handful of major leagues swarm the state. Those of you that know me no that I'm not the biggest sports fan. However I do enjoy baseball and love a warm day out at the park.

The New York Mets spring train about twenty minutes north of us so today we spent the afternoon enjoying a game. We went with our friends and neighbors and watched the Mets play the Braves. We left a bit early due to the demands of young children but we had a good time no less.

discovery comes at all ages.

2009-03-20T19:46:00.052-04:00

Put the lime in the coconut and stir it up...duh...duh. Sorry, just can't seem to get that song out of my head. I'm not sure who sings it and have no idea what verse comes next. That's it. Moving on.

Since relocating to the sunny state I've learned a few things about the tropics. One of which is that coconuts grow on palm trees. A certain variety of palm tree. I guess a coconut palm tree. Who knew? YOU may have known this but I never thought of it. Why, I don't know? Never payed much attention.

What kind of coconut comes from these palm trees of Florida? It can't be the normal coconut I'm accustom to seeing in the produce section of the local grocery. It can't be the normal coconut because these coconuts look different. These coconuts are large and have wooden type husks. Too big. They must be a type of coconut but surely not the edible ones...right?

Wrong...they are.

The coconuts of Florida are in fact edible. They ARE the coconuts with sweet white meat. I learned this while on a mission. I can't divulge just yet what type of mission but I will say it involves grandpa and grandma, a carrier service and a certain type of nut. Humm...

Anyway, if anyone happens upon a large round wooden husk and wants to discover the nut inside see below. We uncovered the mystery.

1. Be on the look out for a coconut palm. Search the base of tree for fallen coconuts (fallen coconuts are easier to obtain for obvious reasons).

2. When unable to find fallen coconuts take matters into your own hands.

3. Place coconut on a gripping surface and saw into woody like husk. In our house this step calls for power tools.

4. Crack, peel, rip. tear or turn your four year old loose with a hammer. Do what you need to to shred the woody surface and get into the hairy "grocery store" nut.

5. Viola! Coconut uncovered.

6. Uncovered the nut but want to keep going? Hammer works great!

7. Well done! You've got it sweet fleshy coconut meat. Eat raw or shred and toast...enjoy.

no pinching in THIS house...

2009-03-18T00:04:00.007-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Hope everyone had there fill of corned beef and cabbage. We stuffed ourselves like always and retired the "big pot" until next year. Fun day.

lift off.

2009-03-16T22:32:00.008-04:00

We made the trek north to Cocoa Beach on Sunday. Watching the launch of the Discovery was amazing. Even more amazing was the colors left behind as the shuttle disappeared. I'll upload the digital images soon but for now take a look at this.

They're here!

2009-03-13T20:17:00.005-04:00

Grandpa and grandma have arrived. We have been counting down the days and finally they're here. Welcome to Florida...let the fun begin.

anticipation

2009-03-05T15:57:00.006-05:00

The count down has begun. The topic of conversation at breakfast the other day was the upcoming arrival of grandma and grandpa. Eyes were filled with excitement when the kids realized they could count down the days on their fingers. Anticipation...we can hardly stand it!

wasting time

2009-02-17T12:36:00.010-05:00

Isn't it nice to every once in a while just do nothing. Nothing productive that is. At least my intentions were good this morning.

It's been four days since I last went to the gym. I have an hour and thirty minutes during the weekdays of "time gold" (a phrase which my neighbors coined after having their son, meaning time alone without children). A time to accomplish tasks and be productive.

During "time gold" this is what I do, accomplish tasks. I have also started back on my workout routine during this time but because of valentines day parties, weekend activities and presidents day I have been lacking from "time gold" hence the four days.

So on this Tuesday morning I woke up anticipating some time alone. Yeah, I was going to get back in the gym. Problem is after dropping Jack off to pre-school I returned home to an empty house and like what I heard...silence. That's right, silence. It sounded so good that I decided to take the sneakers off, sit down and just waste time.

Enjoy.

love...found at the beach

2009-02-14T21:30:00.006-05:00

Awww, what a nice day. We'll have to save the details for another time since my children are tired and calling me to come cuddle. Can't pass that up. But I didn't want to miss the opportunity to wish all a Happy Valentines. Hope your day was spent surrounded with those you love.

sea creatures on my plate...

2009-02-05T16:37:00.019-05:00

We gave the kids a new cookbook for Christmas and last night we decided to try a new recipe. We waited for Scott to get home so he could join in to. It was a fun family project even though we didn't sit down to eat until well after seven o'clock. Here are a few images of our creation. Bon appetit!

nature inspired

2009-02-02T13:01:00.023-05:00

If you know me you know I love art. All forms of it. When a new and inspiring artist comes to my attention I feel as though I must share.

Over the weekend while walking about the local arts festival I happened upon an amazing artist. Her name is Lisa Cimino and she is the founder and designer of chee-me-no jewelry. I instantly fell in love with a pair of earring. Unfortunately for me I just had a birthday so I talked myself out of them and asked for a business card instead.

If you have a few minutes do yourself a favor and browse her collections. My favorite happens to be the roots but all are lovely and worth a look.

Scott just shakes his head...

2009-01-31T21:51:00.012-05:00

I don't know what I was thinking. We were rushing to get to the movie theater and I had two kids sprawled out on the floor in the Gap with their shoes off surrounded with prospective buys. In the midst of it all I had a week moment and somehow the shoes that I told Bug to not even "think about trying on," managed to make it into our shopping bag and out the door.

She calls them her high heels and that they are. To high for a seven year old that is. What's the obsession with a heel (or in this case a wedge) on your shoe when you're in grade school? She says it's because her friends get to wear them and when they plan their outfits together she is the only one who's not wearing heels. This I highly doubt given that she has a school uniform code and that I do know most of the other girls parents. Oh, but wait, we don't need to worry about that since she won't be wearing them to school or to run and play outside in either because that was the deal we made.

Where she'll wear them I don't know but you can bet I'll be checking her backpack as she leaves the house every morning.

proud mama

2009-01-26T17:01:00.005-05:00

If I had to choose, I'd rather have a respectful, confident and compassionate child then a scholarly child...good thing I don't have to. Job well done Bug!

Happy Birthday!

2009-01-24T13:11:00.014-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM and GRANDMA! Wish we could be there to celebrate with you but since we can't we send our love and wishes from afar.

Love you and hope you have a wonderful day...xoxo

a good day.

2009-01-20T15:45:00.015-05:00

I'm not the kind of person who frequently expresses their political views. It's not that I don't have my own opinion it's that everyone else does too. We all have our reasons for believing the way we do...I respect that.

Fact is, I'm not so concerned with any ones political affiliation and if it's different than mine. What is of more importance to me is that we accept who we are, realize our shortcomings and if need be strive for something better.

I believe in many things. Some of those being that...we learn by example and our behaviors as well as actions are infectious. I assume the responsibility of who I am, what I've become and what I want to be. I believe that through change each generation will see better things. I believe in better.

eat em up!

2009-01-14T23:27:00.011-05:00

LOVE THIS...I love it! Belly laughs and moments that freeze in my mind. I want to capture it all and store it in a place that I can always go back to. Not just go back to in thought but really go back and experience all over again, just as the first time. Kept in a lovely little place and stored safely along with their youth and all that it holds. Why is it going by so fast? Does anyone know how to stop this growing up thing? I want to experience all the many more wonderful happingings without loosing what's here and now. Love it...

brings back memories...

2009-01-08T22:53:00.011-05:00

Only a few short months ago my parents lost their beloved Snoopy. He was (like they all become) a member of our family, for over 13 years. You may remember Snoopy but might not know how he came to be a member of the family, it's a story that begins with a vacation to Illinois and ends with... well, you get the ending. Let's just say he was a lucky dog, a lucky dog that is terribly missed. Thanks mom and dad for loving Snoopy and giving him the best life a dog could have.

and all is still...

2009-01-05T22:30:00.077-05:00

Shhh...and let the sleeping babes lie. I'm unsure of just what it was that made bug toss and turn tonight but whatever it was it lasted to long. Maybe it's the excitement of tomorrow (the return of school) or that she's gotten use to staying up late or it could be that the pump for our sprinkler system is having issues and it's directly out her bedroom window. Anyway, she lays sleeping now and I'm able to share some images of our winter break.

May I have some sugar...PLEASE?

2009-01-03T00:22:00.011-05:00

YEAH...UTAH! Gotta love them utes, we're so happy. Congratulations Deshawn ... what a great end!

Oops, sorry about the sideways thing, just learning.

Wishing we could be there.

2009-01-01T10:21:00.008-05:00

In past years new years day was spent celebrating, celebrating with family our nieces birthday. This year we won't be at the party but we send our love and a special message. Happy eighth birthday Ashlee... we love and miss you!

ten, nine, eight...

2009-01-01T08:55:00.005-05:00

The other day I was standing in my kitchen washing a tin container, you know those Christmas tin containers that get filled up with delicious holiday cookies. Well, that's what I had in my hands when Jack walked in and reminded me what I was to do with that particular tin. Oh yes that's right, I'm to keep the container and return it to the giver next Christmas for it to be replenished. Next Christmas, that's a whole year away! From that I started to think about times past and how in one short year so many things have changed. Change...it's a consistent happening in our family. The view from my kitchen window now looks quite different than the view from my kitchen window last January. So what will this coming year hold? Hummm... what adventures will 2009 bring? As life is we're so uncertain so I guess we'll just have to sit back and enjoy what's to be unfolded. So, here's to the new year, may it bring you and your family good health and unforgetable experiences. Happy 2009!

It's about time

2008-12-27T23:39:00.050-05:00

Can you believe our first visitors happened to be friends that we haven't seen in almost seven years? I'm telling you...Florida calls when the snow starts to fall. Anyway, we were so excited to see long time college friends and their four children (two of them we had never met). We had such a fun time even though it lasted for only two short days.

We spent some time at the beach. It was terribly windy that day and the tide was rough.

The kids were able to feed the sting rays and explore the touch tanks at the oceanographic center.

Our pool is freezing! How the kids manage to swim in it is beyond me. I would have never guessed (before moving here) that 70/80 degree weather is not enough to keep a pool warm in the "winter". We ate lunch at the Marriott so we could take advantage of their heated pool.

Our kids had so much fun, we were sad to see them go. From what I've heard they were sad to go too. They returned home to an ice storm and were unfortunate to have their power (equals heat) out for two days. Sorry gang, we feel for you, come back to us so you can thaw out. Seriously, let's do this again soon.

Come and gone

2008-12-26T20:41:00.025-05:00

Is it time to sit back and relax yet? Please tell me it is. We spend months planning and anticipating a day that comes and goes in a blink of an eye. Months and months of planning and then it's gone and in the end we're left with tired feet, drained bank accounts and left over fruit cake. Is anyone else exhausted? Me too. I feel beat, defeated, and maybe a little sad that it's already over.

Friends from the neighborhood came over Christmas Eve to decorate cookies for Santa.

Christmas morning, bright and early.

We've met such wonderful people here. We were invited to celebrate and have Christmas dinner with friends.

In the end it was a perfect day. Though we celebrated the holidays so very far from family we were still able to have a memory filled Christmas. From our family to yours, Happy holidays hope your day was full of excitment and cheer.

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

2008-12-20T19:31:00.019-05:00

How exciting it was watching a truck full of frozen ice turn into snow. Yep that's right, snow, beautiful man made snow. You people in the frozen tundra are calling us crazy but that's how we (the people of Florida) celebrate the holidays, or so we're finding out. What a wonderful day when you can take a break from the busy holiday fuss and enjoy a good snowball fight, in flip flops!

I will say that it didn't look right to me when the holiday decorations started coming out and the temperature display read 80 degrees. Seemed a bit not right however we're adjusting and Christmas? Well... Christmas is Christmas no matter your surroundings and Santa well, he hangs out here in Florida too.