No more posts until.....

....we get our refund from Dell!!

Long story, many wasted hours but hopefully over soon. Our new computer crashed twice since December and Dell just didn't seem to be able to get us a new replacement, so we sent the computer back and are waiting for our money before we purchase a new one. So until then we are using the computers of our visitors!, (and our neighbor's wireless connection).

Not much is happening lately, Asher has been sick, my sister and family came over this weekend and last, loving the weather, and my mom is coming on Tuesday (she won't be bringing a computer! unless a lot has changed since I've been 'home').

Till then.

Our Vacation in the Bahamas

Cor & I just got back from a cruise to the Bahamas. The two ports of call were CocoCay and Nassau. CocoCay is a small private island that is owned by Royal Caribbean. Nassau is the capital of Bahamas. We had a great vacation, the weather was beautiful and the relaxation was needed. (hope you have high speed)

The Majesty of the Seas

The Majesty of the Creator

the presentation was beautiful, but the drink was not worth the money

The church we attended. We were two of 12 that were present!

Paradise Island

the beautiful building in the background is the famous Atlantis Building. It is absolutely gorgeous.

The streets of Nassau, Bahamas

The beach at Paradise Island

the waves were very strong, I wasn't very deep but I almost got knocked over

Amazing talent, it was very hard to walk in the sand without drinks on my head

I have never drank so many drinks without knowing what was in them, but this one was a VERY good one. I was a little hesitant to have one because in the box were fresh coconuts and two jugs, one with icecubes and one with a mixture. The Bahamians are very smart... they don't listen to you and they don't tell you the price before they make you a drink and they sugar you up with compliments. Cor said we would have one to share and he made us two, handed them over and said $20! (actually it would be more correct to say we aren't very smart, we never asked the price) Then 15 minutes later he comes back and asks if we wanted another one, Cor said not for $10! He cut us a deal... $5 bucks for a refill. We got to keep the coconut!

we walked up this bridge and the next few pictures are of the view

Fishing boats

We love our beach at home but the Bahamas is out of this world. The water was so clean and beautiful. We loved the island feel...maybe one day we will live on one selling drinks or being taxi drivers.

Arianna Michele is 8 years old!

Can you believe it?! 8 years old. I remember the day Arianna was born vividly. It was such a emotional, exciting day. Congratulations Arianna and we pray that you will continue to experience the love of your Heavenly Father and be filled with His Spirit.

Here are some the pictures of the celebrations this morning. I made the cake and Nana and Arianna decorated this morning. It is beautiful.






We are out of here...literally, Cor and I are 'leaving on a jet plane' flying to Miami to hop on a cruise ship sailing to the Bahamas!!! Yes, we are excited....but very sad to leave the kids. Pictures to follow next week. A post with no kids in it....hmm, that's different.

Cor Boy is 33!

Cor turned 33 on Saturday. His birthday was shared with Arianna's birthday sleepover in the morning, and a country hoe-down at church in the evening. We gave him his gifts after Arianna's party and had a wonderful meal shared with our friends Reg and Michelle and their kids on Sunday. The menu was stuffed mushrooms, chicken stuffed asparagus, caesar salad, and broccoli and cauliflower with cheese sauce. It was delicious.

Cor's favorite cake -Black Forest cake with real whipping cream
The 3 tall candles are for the 3 groups of ten and the small ones are for three more
(can you tell I teach 1st grade math)

Reg and Cor

opening Asher's gift - a ball cap

Julianna helping Cor open her gift, a picture of her for his desk

Arianna's 8th Birthday Party!

We celebrated Arianna's birthday this weekend. She had 7 girls over for her party last night and 4 girls slept over. We had a great time. Her birthday is March 9. I guess we'll have 2 cakes. Lucky girl!

castle birthday cake

Arianna picked out the plates, napkins and coordinating cups

painting a plaster mold

the birthday gang

winding down before bed

breakfast this morning

It was a fun party, she got spoiled and now we are all tired! I slept with the girls last night...they sure can giggle, it was very interesting hearing what little 8 year olds talk about. All was quiet from 11:30 pm till 8:00 am.