*WINTER*

After cruising through a few state parks over Spring Break we ended up at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Home of WINTER

She truly is an amazing creature.  Just watching her interact with the other dolphins and with the patrons of the aquarium, you can tell she is one smart cookie!  Definitely an inspiration to all those who come in contact with her.

These are the 2 pelicans that took turns playing "Rufus" from the movie.  They were so funny to watch.

And, of course, the boat where Hazel's family lived according to the movie.  The only thing missing were the "lemon icicles".

It was a great day to see the true Winter and how she has changed so many lives.

Florida Caverns State Park

It was our 1st day of Spring Break and we decided to head west towards Tallahassee to the Florida Caverns State Park.  It was gorgeous there.

First, we went through the nature center which had pictures of wildlife you can find in the park as well as a live Turtle Display.  Our kids were very excited to hold and touch these reptiles.

Then we took the 1.5 mile loop hike along their nature trail.  It was the perfect time to go as there were tons of wildflowers.

Then it was our turn for the tour of the caverns.  There were incredible.  The science behind Heavenly Father's masterpieces is ingenious.  

We were instructed not to touch any of the stalagtites or stalagmites throughout the caverns with a promise that there would be ONE that we would be allowed to touch towards the end.  It was a great lesson for the kids to see because the other formations were clean and beautiful while this one, that they allowed everyone to touch had turned black.

It was an awesome day.  Now we can't wait for Truman, Elliot, and Nolan to see them on their move to Pensacola!

Enchantment of the Seas

We had a blast just being on the ship.  There was always something to do and keep us busy.  Not to mention the delicious food.  We kept going into the buffet to snitch more cookies.

Enjoying some sunshine and the "Jason Bourne" series.

 Here's Chloe up on the trampoline.

 And after watching Chloe for 30 seconds....he was ready!

 

 Here's Chloe on the rock wall.  She says it's harder than it looks.  She had a dozen or more people cheering her on the sidelines.  She was the youngest willing to try it (at least while we were around).  Go Chloe!

 And Paul......he just makes it look way too easy!

 Callista wasn't feeling adventurous, but she was feeling left out of the picture taking.

 We even participated in the "Harry Potter" trivia game.  We did pretty good , or should I say Chloe did pretty good.  She was the brains of the group!

 It was a trip we will always remember.  We give thanks for the opportunity to see so many of our Heavenly Father's amazing creations.

Bahamas, January 2014

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau was definitely very commercial. Right when we got off the ship the taxi drivers were hitting us up for business.  We picked one who was dressed in a shirt and tie and said his name was "Sam the Man" in a very cool Bahamanian accent.  He took us around the sights of Nassau for the next 4 hours.

First stop was the Queen's Staircase.  Nassau has a lot of history beginning with the Native Arawakans.  Once Columbus discovered it's beauty and it began to settled, the natives died out, and slaves from Africa were brought in.  It changed owner's many times through wars and take overs and England eventually won out.  The Queen freed the slaves and made them independent people.  They carved this staircase out of this thick limestone mountain in her honor.  It is 116 steps and truly is impressive! 

The next stop was the "Old Fort of Nassau".

 Then we asked Sam to take us to the beach he took his kids too.  It was gorgeous and I wanted to stay there ALL day.  However, it was off the beaten path and there was no way a taxi would have ever come by to take us back to the ship.

 This is "Sam the Man".

Our last stop with him was to his favorite local restaurant to try conch.  I have to say, deep fried, in this sweet hush puppy......it was delicious.

Just Cruising

Our first destination was Coco Cay.   Royal Caribbean's private island.  It was gorgeous.  The crystal blue waters were a little chill in my opinion but that didn't stop anyone else.

 There was a beautiful nature walk that went between the island greenery and the water.  At one point where it opened up to the beach we saw these 2 iguanas ready to go for a swim.  

 This is us waiting for the evening show.  The things around the kids' necks are their identification cards.  They also had to wear bracelets that wouldn't come off to identify them as well as their life boat station.  They took the kids' safety very serious...it was very reassuring.

Callista is 7!

Where does the time go...it flies, that's for sure.  Here are the highlights from Callista's birthday.

 She had a date to Build A Bear with her Dad where she made a cute Polar Bear and named him "Icicle".

 Chloe gave her a Magic Tree House Book about Panda Bears.

 Ryan gave her the movie "Rio".

 Dad gave her the Precious Moment collectible that goes with her set for "7".

 She also got roller skates.....watch out!

 She also wanted a doughnut cake without a shape though...just stacked.

Nana gave her PJ's for both her and her doll Saige.

Happy Birthday Callista....we wish you another fun and joy filled year!