Baptism, Swimming and Snow

Last weeked Ryan and I were able to take the family to his nephew Brady's baptism.  It was a short trip, but we had a great time.  The kids loved seeing their cousins and since Mariah (Ryan's sister) stayed in a Hotel, got to take them all swimming.  My kids love water and love to swim.  Here are some pictures from the pool.

Later in the day, we watch Brady blow out the candles on his cake and open his birthday presents.  Here is a picture of all the cousins that were visiting for the weekend and of Brady with his presents and cake.

This kids loved playing and spending time with family.  They were sad to see us go so soon.  We were also questioning our decision when it took 9 hours to get home (a trip that usually takes 5 1/2 when Ryan is driving).  We hit a wonderful ice/snow storm on our way home and had to drive very slowly.  You just gotta love Michigan/Ohio winters.  Right?

More school days

Here are some more school pictures.  Rachel had a field trip to Champion Gymnastics and here are a couple pictures of her.  The others are of Gracie and Jaxen with various activities.

Blizzard of 2011

Last week was the most awesome blizzard of 2011.  It was the worst storm here since the 1950's and we were privileged enough to be here for it.  In 2002,  I drove in a horrible blizzard that made a 1 hour trip last 4 hours, and I never thought I would make it home.  This time, I was glad to get to stay home and not have to go anywhere. 

As it turns out, no one could go anywhere.  Even drivers with four wheel drive had to wait for the plow trucks to come and dig us out.  Three or four were stuck in front of our house which kept the kiddos entertained for a couple of hours.  Here are pictures of the kiddos and the snow outside our garage when Ryan went outside to plow the driveway.  The snow drifts were 3 1/2 - 4 feet high.  In the back yard, the kids could step over our fence without having to climb it.  They had a blast playing on the hills and valleys the drifts made.  In the end, we ended up with 19-20 inches of snow and 2 snow days.

Western Caribean Cruise 2011

Ryan and I were able to get away with my brother Bryan and his wife Becca to the Western Caribbean on a cruise.  We went to Cozumel, Mexico, Belize City, Belize, and Grand Cayman. We were supposed to go to Isla Roatan, but while you were all getting snow, we were getting rain and rough seas and the ship could not make the port.  Those 20-25 ft waves were a killer.  We enjoyed ourselves at all the stops, but Belize was not a place I need to go back to.  I'm just sorry we missed Isle Rotan because I've heard it is the best of all the stops.  Oh well. 

Our first stop in Cozumel we went to Tulum and saw the Mayan Ruins.

The had a great beach there.  Nice sand and warm water.   

Our second stop in Belize, we went on a Jeep expedition and saw some Mayan caves.  Ryan was thrilled to drive in Jungle terrain.

Our third stop in Grand Cayman, we went to the beach, Hell and did some shopping.  Supposedly the Caribbean is the best place to buy diamonds and tanzanite.  I did not disappoint I got some of both.  Love ya Ryan.

Hell.

In our room every evening, we were greeted by these cute animals.  We took pictures because we thought kids would really get a kick out of it.

Morgan's Birthday

For Christmas, Santa brought us a new camera and we immediatly lost the cord that connected it to our computer.  As luck would have it, I found it yesterday while cleaning the house and Ryan and the kids were at Deanna's playing.  Here are some pictures of Morgan's birthday.

She picked our her cake and was happy to show it off.  It was an ice cream cake from Cold Stone.  Yummy!

Preschool Pictures

Here are some more pictures of Gracie, Jaxen and Rachel at school.  I love it that their teachers take pictures and post it on Shutterfly for the parent's to see and download. 

Gracie with her Reading Partner

Jaxen with his JD his reading partner (JD used to go to our church until he moved in December).