White Christmas @ Grandmother's House (Almost)

Actually the snowfall started about 4:00 am on Dec. 26th. It continued for 12+ hours with an accumulation of 3-4 inches. We were blessed with a four day visit at our home by Abi and Logan's families prior to Christmas Eve. Even as young as they are, those two seem to really enjoy playing together. One can only imagine how wild things will be in the next few years. It's Great!! Logan is approaching 9 months, crawling and pulling up. Abi is 14 months old, walking and learning new words everyday, like "Gigi"!!

"The snowfall was beautiful looking out on the water"

"A beautiful White (day after) Christmas!"

"Bundled up for some outdoor playtime"

"Logan and Abi playing in the crawling tunnel"

"Abi crawls through the tunnel to her Princess Tent"



"Abi loved pushing Logan on her car, and he loved riding!"

"Daddys get to play too!"

"Gigi loves reading to her babies!"

"Enjoying Logan's wagon"

Thanksgiving with the "Grands"

Boy, we certainly had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We enjoyed our first Thanksgiving with both Abi and Logan. Watching them playing together was priceless. We were fortunate to be able to spend some time with all eight of our family members. It's just unbelievable how adorable those grandchildren are and how quickly they grow. They are continually changing. Abi is 13 months old and taking a few steps. Logan is 8 months old and trying to crawl.

"Logan enjoys getting ready for bathtime"

"Abi rides the rocking horse her Daddy received on his first Christmas"

"Abi loves her Papa Rod"

"Gigi gets some special time with Logan"

"We both had a baby to feed at mealtime"

"Abi driving the walker for Logan- they both loved this"

Test Cruise

We recently completed a four day cruise from Jacksonville, Fl to the Bahamas, stopping at Freeport and Nassau. After experiencing the most expensive suite on the ship during the Alaska Cruise (remember we got a free upgrade), this cruise was a test. We wondered how the cheapest cabin at the bottom of a ship would compare. Our accomodations moved from the highest deck to the lowest deck for passengers. However, we did splurge ($60) for a cabin with a window. We did notice a bit more noise from the crew's activities one deck below us as well as a slight bit of engine vibrations. We did miss the extra space and sitting area in the suite. While the food and entertainment were comparable there was a definite difference in the service and the clientel.
Considering the overall experience and what it cost, we still considered it a good value. While we'll still go on some nicer cruises, we will do some of these quick cruises, especially since they are an easy driving distance and we have discovered how to get an even better rate. "When it's cheaper than staying at home, you can't afford not to go!"

"Pool area on the ship"

"Tankers unloading fuel in Freeport"

"House on the tip of Paradise Island"

"Starfish for sale along the dock in Nassau"

"Fuel Barge as it pulls in to refuel our ship"

"Beautiful beach at Freeport"

"A favorite spot on the ship for us-the quiet Adult Only area on the ship's stern"