Cruise part 2

This is on the streets of Nassau. Carlos loved the culture and atmosphere of the country.

The next day we spent on Castaway, which is a very small island owned by Disney. The beaches were beautiful and the weather was perfect. They had one of the pirate ships from the "Pirates" movies there. The picture doesn't do it justice, but I couldn't believe the detail in the ship.

The kids loved playing in the water and sand.

My mom, Danny and I went on a banana boat ride. The water was an amazing crystal clear blue color. We went out about a mile or so from the boat and were riding around. We stopped for a minute and I looked down expecting the water to be deep since we were very far from the shore. I was shocked to see the water was only about 10 feet deep and you could see all the way to the bottom! Bahamas actually means "low waters." Now I can understand why!

That night we ate at Triton's. All of the restaurants were delicious and it was fun to talk to the servers who were from all over the country.

The morning we left we went to the top and walked around a little and saw the sun come up. It was a great end to an unforgettable cruise- now off to Disney world! As we drove away my mom asked Nicholas what his favorite part was. He said he liked it, but where was the Dumbo ride and the Fasari? (Safari) She told him we were on our way...

Cruise part one

What a cruise! It was the first time we had been on a cruise and we LOVED it! It was a Disney cruise for 3 days that stopped in Nassau and Castway. We started out at check in and there was Mickey himself to greet us! The kids were estactic!

I was amazed at how much there was to do. As soon as we got on the ship we had a wonderful buffet lunch and then took a tour of the boat. It was HUGE! Then some of us headed to the spa while Nicholas, Carlos and I went to the embarcation party. It was a huge dance party with all the Disney characters. We took off and didn't even feel anything. I didn't even know we were moving until about a half hour late when I look out the window. That night the kids when to their kid's club groups and the rest of us headed to a nice dinner. It was a dining experience like none else. We looked outside and saw the sun was setting so we ran out to take a quick picture.
The second day we spent on Nassau. We first took a tour of the city and then went to some gardens. They had a few animals, mostly birds there. They did have a flock of flamingos that marched together. It was funny to see. Then we walked around the city a little and did some sight seeing and shopping. The people were all very nice and the beaches and water looked amazing. That night back on the boat we ate at the Animator's Palate. They had Disney painting on the walls that changed color throughout the night. They also had a huge pirate party that night called "Pirates IN the Carabean" They gave everyone bandanas and Nicholas even had a telescope and gun to add to the outfit.

Sacrifice?

Ok I know I am really behind, but I am going to try to catch up on this last month. My sister, Melissa, announced they are having a GIRL when they came down for Sean's wedding a few weeks ago. YEA!!! We are so excited. They asked Nicholas what they should name the baby and he said sacrifice. I thought that was a very strange word to pick, especially since I can't remember any FHE's or other lessons on sacrifice. He was didn't want to pick any other name- just sacrifice. After a few minutes my mom commented that it was probably a very appropriate name. Think about it. When you are getting up for the third time in the night and it is only 1:00 AM- SACRIFICE. When the hospital bill comes in the mail- SACRIFICE. When you are changing the 5th dirty diaper of the day- SACRIFICE. When they have a breakdown in the store and they are inconsolable and screaming- SACRIFICE.

The week after that Nicholas had to say the closing prayer in primary. I came it to watch and make sure he was ok. He wasn't nervous and all and got right up there and said a beautiful prayer. At the end he said, "Please bless the missionaries so they can teach the people and get baptized, (slight pause) and help them to be safe in the water because there are crocodiles. In the name of Jesus Christ amen." As soon as he said amen the whole primary burst out laughing. It was hilarious. That kid always keeps us laughing!

Freestone Park

Last Friday Anna and I thought it would be fun to have a picnic in the park. The day before was a beautiful and sunny spring days in AZ , but for as our luck would have it it started to rain just after we arrived. Then we went over to the playground and it was closed for cleaning. We still had fun eating our snacks and blowing bubbles. The boys loved throwing the chips as far as they could in the pond to the eager and hungry ducks. Nicholas and I are so lucky so have such great friends!

Future Missionary... in 16 years

Last week Nicholas wore a new white shirt and tie and he looked like a little future missionary. I remember my Grandma Porter had given me a little future missionary badge when I was young and I managed to hang on to it till now. I got it out and Nicholas was so excited to wear it. So look out world- 16 more years and he will be able to wear a real tag!

Eliza's First Haircut!

Today we took Eliza for her first official haircut. She was a very good girl and didn't cry or move around at all. She seem a little scared at first, but after a few minutes seemed a little better. Her favorite part was getting a sucker at the end.

I've been tagged!

I've been tagged I was tagged by Tallie Menzie. I'll do my best answering these...


4 "people" who email me regularly: 1. Mom 2. Carlos 3. Flylady 4. RS reminders



4 places I would like to visit: 1. Italty 2. London (to see where Carlos grew up) 3. New York, NY just haven't ever been 4. back to Jerusalem


4 favorite restaurants:1. Wildflower Bread Co 2. Sweet Cakes 3. Tia Rosa's (green salsa yummmm) 4. Picnic Co



4 things I am looking forward to in the coming year:1. Disneyworld in less than 1 months! 2. Sean's wedding in March 3. 2 new counsins in June and July. 4. Getting totally organized and staying that way.

4 things I am not looking forward to in the coming year:1. My baby brother Danny leaving in Oct for his mission, I don't know who will miss him more me or the kids... 2. My friend Anna moving to Utah 3. having vacations over with early and no place to go for the long hot summer. 4. My kids turning 2 and 4 this year- they are growing up too fast!


All right, I tag Becky, Steph, Mom and Anna.

Girl for Gaby and a vote for Mitt

This picture of Eliza was taken today. I think she was trying to pose for the camera.




Yesterday Carlos was able to vote in his first election EVER! Since becoming a citizen last Oct he has been so excited to be able to vote for Mitt Romney. He said it felt great to be able to vote. Watching his excitement to vote to participate in electing our government officials has really made me realize how greatful I am to live in this country and what a privelage it is to be able to vote!






Gaby (Carlos' sister) called us yesterday to let us know they are going to be having a GIRL!!! YEA! We are so excited for Gaby and Luis and for Erick to have a baby sister!

I just had to add this picture of Nicholas becuase I think it is so funny. If you can't tell buy the box it is a pair of shoes and his face just makes me laugh.