Cruise 2010

In February Marty and I went on a cruise to celebrate many things. Baby #4 on it's way, 7 year anniversary and our birthdays this year :) We went to Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Cozumel, Mexico. It was relaxing and nice to have a break from busy life. Marty ended up coming home to a new job possition so this was perfect timing for a vacation. I was 3 months pregnant and just got over the morning sickness the week before. It was good weather and great company. We met a table full of vacationers on the boat one dinner and I think I was laughing the whole time. One couldn't hear, but did all the talking; another could hear, but would make jokes under her breath about the one who couldn't hear; one was off in another world; another hated every piece of food placed in front of her; and the last was a middle aged or younger guy that was somebody's relative just on the cruise because he "does nothing" at home. Very interesting - so hilarious.

Marty's Dad was kind enough to fly in and watch our kids while we were gone. I still can't believe he was willing to take on such a task. The kids were ok for him and there were no big problems. Thanks Grandpa!

Cozumel: we rented a scooter and drove around the island. About 15 minutes after this picture we found our own beach with big waves and perfect sand. so fun.

Costa Maya: we took a taxi to see some Mayan ruins.

Roatan: Beautiful, green, lush island that had great snorkeling.

Roatan: Here is the snorkeling sight we went to. You walk into the water and there it is. It was so amazing and so close to the water's surface. We went out a little too far and got attacked by tiny jelly fish we couldn't see unless you really look hard. I freaked out and got stung more because of the flailing of arms and legs!

Roatan: picture from the boat.

Papa and the kids

Christmas with Papa

It was fun to share the Christmas joy with Papa this year. The kids each got Papa a Grandpa book to take home for his Grandpa library. We went to Galveston and let Papa throw the line in a few times to get a feel for ocean fishing. Even though it was raining the kids have a great memory of fishing with Papa Benson.

Christmas morning!

Happy to have Papa with us.

Jett and Papa loved playing games.
Marty got a nice marathon picture.

Presents, presents, presents!

Christmas Fun

Celie frosting a cookie at her school Polar Express Party. Pajamas at school is always fun . . . as long as everyone else is wearing them.

Celie and her friend Daryl. Awaiting their Hot Hot Hot, Hot Chocolate!

Celie was so proud of her candy from the school Polar Express Party!

Jack loved the stockings. He was ready for Santa to come. The things they hoped for the most where gatoraide and fruit snacks.

Celie is sick for Christmas :(

Fun with Friends

We had our friends from Austin come and visit us in November. We had fun with a little fire in the back yard and playing games until late at night. Yes, it is true, Marty won. He is very proud to have finally won some games. The kids had fun with their long time friends and didn't act like they haven't seen each other for a year, which is how long it has been. We love you guys!

Jett fell at the park and got quite the gash. We almost took him to the doctor, but it closed up nicely with a butterfly bandage.

Jett gets so excited when his best friend, Chloe, comes over to play. He gives her kisses and pets her long flowing hair. They do fight sometimes, but today they learned to share for a moment. They both love to sit in the toy basket. So they decided to do it at the same time. They are so cute together.

Of course Jett is extra happy now he has the basket to himself.

Harvest Party

Our church had a fun harvest party. Some people dressed up in farm attire and they had some contests too. We won the vegetable garden produce contest. Yea! Our peppers were pretty scary looking, but we won anyway. We had homemade root beer which attracted massive amounts of bees. The drink area was covered in bees so when you went to get a drink you were literally putting your hand into a swarm of bees. Some were not as brave as others. Jett ended up sitting in a puddle of root beer. I quickly had to remove his pants because of all the bees attacking him. He was like a cartoon character walking around with bees all over him. I don't think anyone got stung, thankfully. My kids look so cute in these pictures.

Pool in October

Celie is Crazy!

In October the kids were still playing in the little pool. Jett loved going down the slide and the kids were so good at catching him. It was so nice to still have pool days in October.

Jack's changes

This little boy has been growing up this past few months. His vocabulary is increasing, but he is still holding on to his troublesome s,r and l's. He also uses the word "my" in place of "I". I have to admit it is so cute though. I put a few pictures to show how his hair has darkened since July. I miss his blond wispy hair. He turned 3 in October and we had a fun party. He liked his cake that I made for him. He is so full of gratitude and hugs. I love that boy. Thanks to Grandma and friends for the gifts. He loves them! His favorite gift was the flashlight Daddy gave him. He has already used up multiple sets of batteries. He has also learned how to not get weaseled out of playing with it by Celie. It did take a while though. She is very good as weaseling. Jack loves to dance, cuddle, Diego, books, fozen (frozen) peas, playing with Celie, Jett, Lincoln, and Chloe, cars, ride a trike and his Daddy. My favorite words out of his mouth are, "My yuv you".