Michelle and Jack

Here's a picture of the four of us when we were in Orlando.

Flag Football Pictures

Florida and Bahamas

Thanks to the willingness of my mom to come to Tucson and watch my four (some of them sick) kids, Mario and I were able to take a "real" vacation last week. We flew to Florida and spent a couple days with my dad, sister, brother, and their families. We enjoyed a picnic at the Englewood beach, a birthday party for Gabriella, and some family time at Missy's. We got to go see our old (small) house in Punta Gorda that we rented from my parents when we were first married. We toured neighborhoods and found an area in Venice that we hope to eventually retire to. On Sunday Mario and I left to go to Cocoa Beach and attend our old ward (we were stationed there 10 years ago.) We got there just as the meeting was starting and we left 2/3 of the way through Sacrament meeting, so we didn't get to talk to some old acquaintances. But I looked around and saw many people that I recognized. I was sad when I noticed that some of the couples who had children who were in their early teens when we lived there now sat alone on the bench. Their kids must all be grown and off to college or married. It made me incredibly sad to see how fast the time goes. Mario quickly took advantage of my sad state and asked if I wanted anymore. I was sad...but not that sad! I guess I just realize that our time is short with the kids and I better make the most of these years. I am very grateful for the 4 that I have and I must admit, I think that having one more baby wouldn't be bad, but the chances are too great that I would have twins again. I am too old for another set of twins. Plus, the baby would be incredibly spoiled and lonely since their is a big age difference between him/her and the twins. After leaving church, we drove by the hospital where Erin was born, then we drove to our old neighborhood in Satellite Beach. We were disappointed to find that our house (and whole neighborhood) had been demolished and now you can't even tell there were ever homes built there. It was a very old house but the location was incredible. It was across the street from the beach.

Our first home in Punta Gorda

Erin's hospital

The field where we used to live (Satellite Beach)

After our trip down memory lane, we headed for Cape Canaveral to board the Carnival Cruise. I jokingly asked Nate if I could take Pooh with us and he gave me "Little Pooh" instead. So Mario and I embarrassed ourselves and took lots of pics of Pooh on our cruise. We knew Nate would enjoy seeing how much fun Pooh had.

First stop was Freeport, Bahamas. Mario reluctantly agreed to rent scooters for a couple hours. We rode them out to a couple private beaches. Mario was nervous that I would forget to drive on the left side of the rode.

The next day in Nassau, we took a catamaran out to a reef and went snorkeling in the freezing cold water. But I haven't been snorkeling in probably 6 years or more so it was great. What was even greater was that we didn't book the trip through the cruise line so we saved 50%.

We enjoyed watching the sun rise and set almost every day.

After the cruise, Mario and I drove to the Orlando Temple. After that, we met up with Mario's sister, Michelle, and her husband, Jack. We had lunch at Perkins. It was a nice visit and she seems to have a very nice husband.

After that visit, we left for Tampa and drove around the area since Mario and I lived there for 3 years while attending college and a year after. We were saddened to see how badly the area had deteriorated. Our old apartment complex seems to be well maintained though. We stayed the night in Tampa and then flew home Friday morning.

The days went by way too fast and I was sad to see my alone time with Mario end, but I missed my kids and I was ready to get back. Mario and I will have many years to ourselves in the future, so we are anxious to spend most of our time with our kids now. But I think it is important that couples have time away occasionally so we are thankful for my mom's willingness to help us out.

School Pictures

These are school pictures taken in August and Sept that I forgot to post. Unfortunately the class pictures won't rotate, so I will have to post them sideways.

Nate-1st grade

Eric-8th grade

Zach-1st grade

Erin-6th grade

Spotlight Last Sunday

Desert to Beach

We have traded in the desert for a week at the beach. Mario and I are on a cruise to the Bahamas.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Zach and the ER visit

Zach woke up complaining about his leg hurting. He was limping. Papa and dad thought he was faking to get out of a family hike. So we drove an hour, stopped for lunch and realized it was his hip hurting and he wasn't faking. Fortunately there was an ER next to the Pizza Hut. After contacting the Dr, they told us to take him to the ER. So here we sit with the family waiting outside in the van. We may not make the hike after all.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5