Cozumel

Wow, I haven't finished our trip yet! Life just happens, and I loose track of time! Well the next day after I hurt my ankle we went to Grand Caymans, but those pics of the sting rays are at home, and I'm at work killing time, so we'll skip to the last day of ports, Cozumel! I hobbled along, like I said earlier, being told "No more tequila!" by many locals! Ha! If they only knew me! Than and I headed out for tourist shopping, then around noon he headed back by the ship to finally go on a fishing excursion. We canceled the Mayan Ruins cause of my ankle, and heard later that it wasn't that great anyways. Than didn't want to leave me with my ankle, but I convinced him to go anyways. I was a bit nervous, but stayed in main areas and did fine. Just hobbling along at my own slow pace! The fishing for him turned out lame, although the guide really did try! Moving to a lot of different places Than said, but luckily he just enjoys being out there! The weather that day was really nice, except for one down pour for 10 minutes, then beautiful again! There was a lot of tourist shops to occupy my time, and it was fun! Granted my foot was VERY sore afterwards, but still had fun!

Sprained ankle

Later on that night after Ocho Rios we went swimming in the Terrace Pool at the end of the ship. As I was walking down the last step after swimming I rolled my ankle. Now I've done this before (I roll from the outside of my foot and then in when I walk) but NOTHING LIKE THIS! It hurt so stinkin' bad. And of course our room is at the front of the ship! So I hop back (literally, I couldn't put any pressure on it at all!), and the nurse in me kicked in. RICE (rest- lay down, ice- sent Than for it in one of our baggies that we brought), circulation - sent him to look for an ace wrap after the ice, and elevate- up on a pillow), cap refill was a little slow but not bad, can wiggle my toes (bearly but with pain), nice and pink, no gross deformities noted (so most likely not broken). Talked with RN on board (I had just gotten a tour yesterday, since I was curious about all of it being in the medical profession myself) and we'd have to pay out of pocket since we didn't get insurance for on the ship (little did we know that the insurance that we bought before the cruise in case we couldn't go for what ever reason then we could get all of our $ back DID cover us! Grrrrr!), I decided I could survive till we got home to be seen. But it hurt so bad! I cried most of the night! I've had 2/4 kids with no epidural and never cried, but I sure did with this! Plus I was sooo upset and felt like I ruined our vacation! Here we are in the room doing nothing, when we could be downstairs having the time of our life! But my wonderful husband kept telling me that he was just concerned about me, and as long as he was with me, it would be a great vacation! I love this guy!
I finally decided that I needed to go in the next am to be seen since I couldn't even walk on it (we had to get me a wheel chair) and they wouldn't give me crutches without seeing me, so I sucked up my pride and went in. They were all very nice, did x-rays, and found no break, just a bad sprain. They gave me a (huge) air cast that went up to my knee (very limited on sizes on the ship) to have, which I was able to put a little pressure on it then (but still with pain!) so I could kinda walk! And over the next couple days the pain was more tolerable in walking and didn't have to lean on Than so much!
In Cozumel 2 days later as I'm hobbling around the city shopping, there must have been 10 or more locals yell out to me, "No more tequila!" "No more tequila for you!" One boot sales man kept saying as I passed him several times going back and forth, "I give you a boot for the other leg!" Ahhh memories!
But our trip didn't get ruined like I first in visioned! Than actually said later that he was kind of relieved! I was running him ragged doing this and that, taking the stairs everywhere to work off all the delicious food (sometimes 6 flights at a time). It slowed me down which he was grateful for!
So needless to say I can survive a fast moving waterfall, but wooden stairs are my kryptonite!

2nd port; Ocho Rios Jamaica

Our second stop, on our third day (2nd day was at sea all day) was Ocho Rios Jamaica. It had beautiful vegetation! Full of rolling hills (reminded us of home!). Our excursions where to ride a chair lift up the mountain, then ride a bobsled down, ride the bobsled on an elevated tram back up the mountain, then ride the chair lift back down, then be transported to Dunn River Falls to climb up the falls. The chair lift was so fun to see all the vegetation of Jamaica, very beautiful! The bobsled was fun, wish it would have been longer, but hey we can say we rode in a Jamaican bobsled! And the falls were really cool! Most of the pictures from the falls are on a disposable water camera that we haven't developed yet, but there's a few on here! After the falls we had to trek through some local vendors in their little huts! Wow are they pushy! Than got suckered in, and bought a cane (which he did want to get one on our trip, since he collects them), along with a few other little trinkets. Oh well! Then went shopping in the town, but mainly got our freebies only from our Port Shopping coupon book (TOTALLY worth the $25!). It was a good experience and minus Than being asked if he wanted a joint/smoke about 10 times buy the locals (told you they are pound of their weed!) it was a great day!

1st port; Princess Cays

There is an island in the Bahamas that several cruise companies own a chunk of the island/beach, so our first stop just such a place called Princess Cays. And believe me it was a place right out of a post card! It was so beautiful! There was no place to dock, so we had to tender in (get on smaller boats, holding 100 people, and ride on it to shore). Than was supposed to go deep sea fishing, but it got canceled due to "mechanical issues" so he ended up renting snorkel equipment like I did. We saw quite a few fish (sorry, haven't got the water cameras developed yet) but it took me a while to get used to it. I'm paranoid in the water anyways, and learning to breathe out of my mouth only, sent me into a near panic attack the first time I tried it in knee deep water! But after a bit I got used to it, but still couldn't stay under very long before needing to come up for "real air." But it was fun just bobbing on the top looking down. The water was soooo clear I could see everything just fine! Being on the beach that Princess owned, the food at lunch was FREE which was nice. A big BBQ buffet! So yummy! This was the only day we got burned! Didn't reapply sunblock as often as we should have! Luckily I got it less! So my fake 'n' bakin' before we left payed off! That day also seemed the hottest, which was really hot! But looking back it was only 86 degrees, but had 99% humidity! We are used to the dry heat. None the less, we still had a blast playing in the water, snorkeling, and relaxing!

Entertainment

There was SO MUCH to do on the ship! Every night there where people performing; the Princess Dancers, comedians, musicians! The singers and dancers were probably my favorite performers to watch! A very talented group of people! We also went to several "Movies Under The Stars" were around one of the pools (all blocked off) on the big screen they'd play an almost or just released movie on DVD twice after dark (some during the day also, but it was too hot then, but the pool was also open then too). We watched Clash of the Titans, Iron Man 2, and Loosers. Even while I wasn't injured, there wasn't enough time in the day to do everything there was to do, so you just had to pick and choose. But there truely was something for everyone!

The Food!

So before we left, I told Aleksia that I would take a picture of every plate of food (because she was curious as to what kinds of foods we would eat). WOW was that a lot of pictures! Here are some of the yummier foods. And by the way, the food was AMAZING! We choose the Anytime dining, which we really liked. We could still eat in the dining rooms with the set time dinners, but had SO MUCH more flexibility! We weren't always hungry at a certain time, so it really worked for us. We tried out 2 of the 3 dining rooms (repeating them both) and ate from the buffet, and various other areas. There was 2 buffets, which at peak times where both open, but one or the other was ALWAYS open! So if we wanted a little something before going to bed at midnight, you'd just go down to the buffet and there ya go! And it was all really good food to! Especially at Sabatini's, the Italian restaurant, that we went to for our "Anniversary" dinner. More courses then we've ever had, and the food is probably thee best we've ever had!!

I'm afraid to get on the scale after returning! Between the yummy food and then not being able to be as active (exercising in the am and taking the stairs instead of the elevator) after I hurt my ankle..... YIKES! Oh well, so incredibly worth it!

The Emerald Princess

The Emerald Princess ship was amazing! There was so much to do and see. There is so much care and attention to the details, and the service is above and beyond! The crew members are so nice and friendly and you truly got the royal treatment. I had a really hard time at first being waited on. "I'm competent, I can get my own silverware that's right there, or throw away my own garbage, or take care of my own plate!" But no, they would (nice) get mad at you! One time I was in line for pizza and a worker was in front of me. He offered for me to get in front of him, and I said that I was fine, and in no hurry. Well he joked saying, "No go ahead, or I'll get in trouble," well I don't think he was joking! I would recommend a cruise, especially Princess, to anyone and everyone! And maybe someday, when the kids are older, we'll go again. We had so much fun!

1st stop; Fort Lauderdale

To celebrate our 10th anniversary (9-9-00) we used some of our tax return from buying our house last year to go on a Western Caribbean cruise through Princess. It was awesome! The food, the boat, the service, the shows, the entertainment, the excursions, the ports, everything was amazing! The only downers were missing the kids like crazy and badly spraining my ankle half way through and then having to be in a huge air cast (but we'll get to that later). Than's sister Sarah volunteered to watch the kids so we traveled up to their house Thursday night and flew out Friday am (thanks for the ride Courtney!) We couldn't leave Sunday and arrive soon enough to get on the boat, and Southwest didn't fly from Spokane to Ft Lauderdale on Saturday, so we had to leave Friday (yeah bummer, I know). So we rented a car, and got a hotel and had a good time. We went to the beach, drove down to Miami (which is nuts by the way) and went to the beach down there. Oh, and went to Walmart twice (no place like home!). Leaving the kids was harder then I thought it was going to be. I cried the night before we left, anticipating the separation in the morning. I cried/got teary that morning before we left, as we left, after we left on the way to the airport, at the airport, and in the air. Then again at bed time as I'd lay there trying to got to sleep for the next three days, thinking about them! I big baby I know, but we have never been away from then that long and SOOOO far away! I know they were in good hands and going to have a blast, but missed their cute faces! At one point as we were sitting in the Spokane airport waiting to board, the thought crossed my mind, "Just kidding, I can't do this, I want to go back home with the kids!" But it passed, I made it, and had a great time! As we'd see kids on the ship, or certain things would remind us of the kids, or something would come up and we'd say "Oh Garrick/Aleksia/Trestin/Cassiah would LOVE this!" we'd miss them like crazy and wish they were there with us, but over all it was best they weren't. Again, we had a great time, but hopefully our next BIG vacation is a family one! Enjoy!

McCormick Park

Every year alot of my Dad's side of the family goes to McCormick Park on the Idaho side of the Snake River. We head down 95 till we get to Cambridge, then head towards the Snake. We love it! I figured, I've been going for around 17 years! We've been able to go most of our married life, and the kids look forward to it every year! We stayed a week this year, and enjoyed every minute of it! The weather was great, hot enough to play in the water, but cool enough a couple days, especially the day we left! Nice and cool for packing up! We missed several family members that typically come, but was super fun that both my brothers were able to make it. Even Brenton's "lady friend" Cori who we got to meet for the first time! She handled our big crazy family great, and don't think we scared her off! Now to finish putting away/cleaning up everything! Yikes, it's a big job this year, hope you enjoy the slide show!

Little Dancer

So it's a really slow night, and I'm trying to stay awake! I had my camera in my purse, and found that I have pics that I can post! Especially since I've been really bad about putting them on here! So last month was Aleksia's recital, but this was the rehearsal for the recital. They had pictures before, and got the chance to have their hair and make-up done by some "big girls!" And my was it a treat!!!!

Aleksia starting to get her hair done

Curling...

Hair is done, now for the make-up!

WOW! We are in heaven!

The view from the back

The Kinder Trio Class danced to Spoonful of Sugar (ballet) and then Splish Splash (Jazz) and they were adorable. Aleksia is hiding behind the girl second from the left. Showing each other their skirts I guess.

Took a few pics of her all dolled up still outside, as it started to sprinkle

She posed, and I took the pictures!

New Camera!

I have wanted to get a nicer digital camera for a while. We have a Canon Rebel, but it's a 35mm. We have a bigger zoom lens for it, and was hoping I could find a digital one that it would fit on, so we could still use the big lens. Well I did, and I bought it today! I can notice a HUGE difference in the picture quality! Now I just have to learn how to use Photo Shop better to doctor my photos! The zoom lens will come in handy for Garrick's baseball, better pictures at swimming, Aleksia's dance recital next week, and our cruise...... Now I just have to be better at putting pics on here!

Trestin and his head tilt smile

Garrick being goofy with his baseball. You would think it's an accessory he has it with him enough!

Aleksia makin' a face

The older 3, Cassiah was down for a nap.

The picture quality is much better, you can see her poor rash on her face. That is slowly getting better. Almost gone! And her lop sided teethy smile! That 4th tooth on the bottom right is taking it's sweet time!

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Our Baby is ONE!

Wow how the time has flown by! Yesterday was Cassiah's 1st birthday! Than's sister from Spokane came down for Friday and Saturday with her family. On Saturday Than took Garrick and his niece Sloane fishing (her first time) and she was able to catch a couple fish. The rest of us did a bit of shopping, went to the school and played, visited, and played some Wii! Cassiah had fun with her very own cake, and made a huge mess just like all kids do with their first birthday cake. Cassiah was particularly fond of her Uncle Courtney, who got several snuggles!

Easter

Well as usual I had to work the weekend, but still managed to do Easter festivities! What's alittle more sleep deprivation, really! The kids seemed to have fun, and easter candy is good bribary!

Tri-Cities

At the very beginning of Spring Break the kids and I went down to Tri-Cities. I went to a very fun Baby Shower on Than's side, and got to hang with my family. Here are some of the things we did during our short 4 day stay....
-Playground of dreams
-bow makin'
-playing

Science Fair

The kids participated in the optional Science Fair at school this year. Garrick dropped eggs in a tupperwear container surrounded buy soft or hard stuff, to see which would protect the egg or not. Aleksia soaked 4 different kinds of beans (100 each) in 1 cup of water, then found out which kind soaked up the most water.

These two should have been at the end, so pretend! For participating, they each got a medal! Which they obviously like, because they wear it around the house like jewelry!

Closer view of the medal

Garrick dropping one of the eggs. I think this was his favorite part!

Nope, not protected in the beans

Nope, not in the rice either!

Aleksia's pics are mainly on another memory card, but here's some of her beans that soaked for 19 hours.

The kidney beans were the winner, at 1.25 oz of water soaked up by 100 beans. She thought the garbanzo beans would win.

Garrick by his finished poster

And Aleksia by hers

Bows, bows, and more bows!

These floral hair bows are ALL OVER the blogging world right now. Super cute, and looks super easy! I want to have a bow making party sometime soon with some girl friends (where everyone brings a stem of flowers, then we all share and make super cute bows!), but needed to make some for a baby shower coming up soon. So we decided to try it out. WOW! Aleksia really got into it, and we ended up making 0ver 25 bows just for her! Plus some for a co worker's girls, and some for the baby.

Here is Aleksia creating some combos. She had to be redirected a little, "No honey, a pink flower doesn't go with a blue and yellow button."

Well then Garrick came home and wanted to get in on the action. At first he said he'd make some for the girls in his class, but then with some redirection from Mom, ended up just making one for his teacher. Although he had a ball too, and wanted to keep going. Luckily it was time to put it all away and start on dinner!

Here are some of the finished product!

Here are the baby ones. There is a ribbon around the elastic headband, so the flowers will just clip on to it, and then they are interchangeable for her cute little bald head!

So yesterday I showed them to my Activity Day Girls, to see if it's something they would want to do as an activity in the future. They LOVED them! And then put a bunch in Cassiah's hair! She tolerated it so well, and just LOVES all the attention that they give her!

Hooray!

We have been working on a gate for the stairs for quite a while now, and we finally got it up!!!

Here is Than finding studs to secure it right.

Tada! It hinges, and swings open from the wall. And is held in place by a very high tech bungee cord! Hey it works! Now I'm not paranoid of Cassiah falling down the stairs and ending up on the cement at the bottom!

A view from the stairs of our little jail bird! She thinks it's funny to chuck her toys down and watch as they bounce down all the steps!

Happy St Patricks Day!

Aleksia's "homework" for this week was to build a leprechaun trap. So here is what we came up with!

Her favorite part was stamping clovers on the paper with a potato! She thought a potato stamp was pretty cool! So the leprechaun climbs the straw/toothpick ladder, and as he walks towards the money, falls in! Because the top of the box is open! Here she is posing (sorry, didn't have the red eye on, and haven't fixed it in Photo Shop) with it before bed!

The leprechaun fell through!

But he escaped with the money! Luckily he was a nice leprechaun and left some decorations and some green goodies for the kids (shampoo to share, notebook, pencil, gum, and Andes mints)

And also left a fun clover "thing" for the kids to walk through as they came down the stairs from their bedrooms!

Aleksia was excited about the "nice leprechaun" that left us stuff.

Garrick and Trestin checking out their stuff. Garrick asked, "Why didn't he trash our house and turn stuff upside down like in our class room last year at school?" I told him be cause this was a nicer leprechaun, and also since we baited the trap with money, he then thought he'd give us a nice "treat" in return for taking the money!" They bought my story!

Made green clover pancakes for breakfast!

Cassiah wasn't too excited about her pancake. She shredded it, and chucked it all on the floor! So she ate 1 1/2 sausage patties instead! She is SUCH a meat eater! Our little carnivore!