First Day of School 2012

Well, here we are again at the very First Day of School 2012. Adalie is a 2nd grader in Mrs. Durrell's class and Josiah is a 4th grader in Mrs. Wave's class.  Both girls chose their cutsie outfits the week before school started and looked adorable.   They were so sweet as they excitedly packed backpacks and binders.  And the morning of, they were ready in a flash! 

Once at school, both girls were quickly surrounded by their little girlfriends.  I snapped a few pictures all the while biting my lip, knowing I would not be able to hold it in much longer. Some changes occurred this year as Josiah moved over to the big field with the big kids. Yikes!

As Adalie lined up with her class, we ran over to wish Josiah good luck and give her one last "I Love You" sign with my fingers.  Thank goodness I was leaving her in the care of my very best friend in the world making it not quite as hard this year.  And so with one last glance over my shoulder at her smiling face, I turned to go. 

I was then able to sneak in the classroom for just a minute with Adalie before having to wave goodbye.  Something about that moment, with her sitting in her desk, looking so adorable.... I gave her a wink and an I Love You, and turned to go. 

Once at the car, I let the floods wash over me.  Thank goodness Seth was there to drive us both home!  Although my lip may be raw from biting it, I am getting some better at keeping the tears at bay (until out of sight that is)!

I am so thankful for the little school and devoted teachers we have!

Adalie 6years (with Ashlyn and Kaiya)

Josiah 9years (with Kaia, Rylee and Piper)

 

A Piece of Home

I found Josiah on the computer one night, just before school was to start, making this collage.  She told me it was to decorate her binder for school.  I thought it was a sweet collage of many fun memories! 

Good luck in 4th grade my little girl!

Out of the Pool

We headed to the water park for one of our very last family adventures before school starts.  Josiah rode all the slides as usual and Adalie decided to get adventuresome with Daddy by her side.  Just like we did for Josiah's first time, Mommy goes first (most likely because she is the most cautious one and will occasionally give a thumbs down), then gives the thumbs up or down.  Once they see the thumbs up at the top, down the shoot they go!  Both girls were thrill seekers for the rest of the day.   

A fun way to beat the heat and bring our summer days to a close! 

Family Vacation 2012

An afternoon playing in the pool, overlooking the sea.

Trying to master the Slack Line.

Daytime sail across the island.  The water so clear and blue, the wildlife teaming, wind in the sails..... a glorious day!

Meals made by Lucy were to die for!  Such a treat to not cook or clean for an entire week!

 

A day snorkeling in multiple locations with Martin.  It was so fun snorkelling with the girls and enjoying them seeing the sea animals, turtles and all!

 

Playing by the pool and sailing from our beach.

 

Deep sea fishing for those who don't get sea sick.  Seth wrestled with a sea monster and lost in the end, but still caught some yummy fish for dinner.

 

A first time adventure of Para Sailing. 

So high, so beautiful, so exciting.

Sunset cruise where we took a copy cat picture of Libby and Adalie from our very 1st Family Vacation in 2006.

 

Day dives with Martin (aka Inspector Clouso) where the sea life was just as incredible as the reef.  The day dives were spectacular.  In the midst of a lightening storm, the night dive was breathtaking with it's glowing creatures.

 

Hanging out at the beach after snorkelling a National Preserve.

Papa's perfect surprise.... Swimming with Dolphins!  It was incredible.  To be so near to such a powerful and beautiful creature.

 

Watch out.... she will give you an extra exciting ride!

 

 

Our daytime sailing adventure where we fished, snorkelled, ate, spinickered and laughed so hard we cried!

 

 Snorkelling, spinickering, discovering.

 

 

The family enjoying the last sunset on the roof of our villa.  What an amazing week!

Thank you Papa and Grammy.

We missed you Mimi and Papa CT.

Cozumel 2012

My Friend

Often times I feel so blessed because of our sweet family, but that is really only part of the picture.  Truly, I am blessed because I have dear friend.  One that, on the edge of a cliff, will hold my hand and jump!  She stretches me, encourages me, challenges me.  Some days we laugh and others we cry, but the best ones are the days we laugh so hard we cry.  Thank you for loving me...

My cup runs over....

Dinky Creek Slides

Dinkey Creek Rock Slides with friends and family. 

We hiked, picnicked, warmed against the rocks, jumped off waterfalls, slid down the slides, splashed, swam and scuba too!

A perfect day...

4th of July

It's the 4th of July. 

First comes the parade with GiPa, then playing in the water with cousins, then BBQing and eating potato salad, then party barging, ice cream eating and fireworks watching!  4 generations together.

July 2012