Freeport

On Monday morning, we docked in Freeport.  We were a little late coming into port because our ship had been assisting another cruise liner the night before that had a fire on board.

Our view of the port when we came in.

We had decided to just hang out and relax at our first port, so we got off the ship and walked around the straw market.  We purchased purses for the girls in the market and then walked over to Senor Frogs to get a drink, enjoy the music, and the view.

 

We then got back on the ship and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon on the Serenity deck.

Brett was enjoying the birds and taking pictures of the big boats moving about the harbor because he knew that Andrew would have been fascinated by them.

 

We left port that night about 6:00 on our way to Nassau

On our way out of Freeport, we passed the boat that had been on fire the night before.  It was interesting to watch how this tug boat held the our cruise liner in place as our boat passed by it.

A quick view of the area that caught fire as we passed.

Open waters again!

 

"See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God."

Hebrews 12:15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bon Voyage

Just before boarding the boat.

First time alone in 14 years!

views of our ship as we boarded

The two other ships in port with us

 

View from the top deck before we left

 

One last call to the kids before leaving.  Our phones/internet didn't work at sea, so we enjoyed four days of forced disconnect from the world!

Leaving port on Sunday night

Last glimpse of land

The open water!

 

"The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes."

Psalm 19:7-8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Memorial Day Weekend

Our long awaited cruise finally arrived!  For Valentine's Day, Brett had booked a four day cruise for the two of us and arranged for his parents to watch the kids for us.  We left the Friday before Memorial Day for the trip to his parents house.  The 8 hour trip was uneventful cruising along in our 15 passenger van. 

 

 Kids+space=less fighting (A much more enjoyable trip for Dad and Mom)

 

Friday night we enjoyed a nice dinner with Brett's parents, visited with his Grandma and Aunt Cathi, and then put the kids to bed.  Everyone slept great, which was a blessing.

Saturday morning, I went to meet two of my great friends for lunch.  During lunch, Brett called to tell me that Caroline had fallen and split her chin.  They were on their way to get stitches.

 

 

Saturday night, we enjoyed a birthday celebration for Luke

Brett's brother and his wife took Jake, Nick, and Emily for the rest of the weekend to spend some time with them.  They had a great time bowling, at the beach, and at a local water park. 

 

"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart."

Proverbs 27:19

 

 



Firsts and Lasts

Sunday was Kate's first school performance. 

These are two of her wonderful "first" teachers. 

http://youtu.be/j4wva7yrRfI (one of the songs from Kate's musical)

 

 

Matt and his first soccer coaches

Matt's last game of the spring season

after the last game....party

Last days of school

Emily and her 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Searcy

Kate-Pre-K (Ms. Kim, Ms. Marion, and Ms. Judy) Down's Preschool

Andrew- K (Ms. Stephanie, Ms. Dana, Ms. Mischele, and Ms. Leslie) OCPS

Matt-1st Grade (Ms. Chris) OCPS

Emily-3rd Grade (Mrs. Searcy) OCES

Nick-8th Grade OCMS

Jake-9th Grade OCHS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Loving This Age

Luke is at such a fun age!  He is exploring, growing, and learning every minute he is awake.

 

When you're almost 12 months, you can

make the most of every splashing opportunity!

Explore new friendships

Be a little daring!

Go for a test drive

Feel the wind in your face

and the grass between your toes.

 

Yes life is good, when you're almost 12 months

 

"In the morning I will sing of your love."

Psalm 59:16

 

 

 

 

 

 



Our April in Pictures

I have been terrible about keeping up the blog this month.  Our decision to home school beginning next year has kept me very busy, reading, researching, and making plans while the days are still quiet.  I have still taken lots of pictures, so now that May is upon us, I have decided to just post our month in pictures.

 

We were blessed this month to be able to purchase a van that has plenty of space for our large family.  The day we went to pick up the van, Brett and I took turns going into the dealership to sign all the paperwork while we kept the kids in the car.  Matt was great that day about entertaining Luke!

We enjoyed painting on a few rainy days

We had all kinds of different weather this month.  We had days it was warm enough to play in the sprinkler....

and days it was cool enough we had to bundle up at the soccer field.

Caroline learned to drive....just kidding.  In the mornings when we get home from dropping Kate off at school, Caroline loves to climb into the front seat, put on my glasses and pretend to drive the car.

 

And last but not least, Mr. Luke joined the land of opportunity and adventure this month when he learned how to crawl.  A whole new world of fun has been opened up for him and he is enjoying everything about it.  As for Dad and Mom, we now have to be on our toes and make sure we know where Luke is at all times.  Oh, the fun begins!!

 

 

This summer, I am working through an online bible study in the book of John. 

"The bride belongs to the bridegroom.  The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice.  That joy is mine, and it is now complete.  He must become greater; I must become less."

John 3:29-30