Caribbean Cruise 2011

Back from our wonderful Caribbean vacation. We flew in to San Juan, Puerto Rico checked in with the cruise then headed back out for some sight seeing. We went to San Cristobal Fort one of the largest military installations the Spanish built in the Americas. It was quite impressive and we all learned a little about history. Then we headed to old San Juan but the long day and red eye flight started to effect Jacob and he wanted to "go back to the ship". Michael convinced him to stay a little longer with dessert from a local restaurant which he ate in the park (pictured in slide show).

First island was St. Croix, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. We went to Fort Frederik Museum where we learned a little about the Danish Monarchy and a lot about slavery. The picture of Jacob with the cannons is Fort Frederik.

The next island was Antigua. The ships anchored in the city of St. John's which was a busy port with 3 cruise ships. Our destination that day was Darkwood beach. Jacob was thrilled to dig a hole and get inside (pictured above). It was a white sandy beach and very quiet.

By the third island our luck of being illness free on every cruise wore off. Jacob woke up with a fever and wanted to stay on ship. We loaded him up Tylenol and let him take a 2 hour nap. He felt much better in the afternoon and the promise of a jet ski ride got him off of the ship. We were now on the island of St. Lucia. The plan for the day was another beach. This beach was very busy but still pretty and had many shells. Jacob loved digging a hole again and of course the jet ski ride. We had a great day but by dinner Jacob's fever had returned and he was back in bed.

Our last stop was the island of St. Kitts. Jacob was still not feeling well so we stayed on board until the afternoon. We toured around the port city of Basseterre which was know for its many shops. We told Jacob he could pick out a souvenir and he chose a wood turtle and a postcard map of the Caribbean. We have a picture of the lady we bought it from and she also told us about Jacob beads.

A good time was had by all. Where to next year...

Merry Christmas

Jacob and Zaide started the week out with this cute rendition of a fireplace.


Making kringles Christmas morning.

Jay getting the job of untangling the reindeer on Santa's sleigh.

Dolly and Jaclyn.

Jason with his prized World of Warcraft cup.

The fun bunch.

Dad telling us all about our Ancestry account, can't wait to see it.

Paper airplane calendar. Jacob says "it even has a stand". He keeps it by his bedside.

Thea and her Mickey gear.

I was awoken to the unmistakable tink, tink, tink of Lego pieces at 6 AM. It is a great game and we have played it a few times already.

Harry Potter theme continues.

Let's build Lego!

Jacob loves his pop-up book.

Clowning around.

Dad and the mystery gift.

We had a very merry Christmas.

Holiday Sing 2010

My favorite school event, the holiday sing. I think all the kids are so cute, but especially mine:)

All the second graders sang Silver Bells and Shine! Shine! Shine! Michael took the pictures and I took the video. You will see that my biggest problem was trying to avoid other parents cameras.

Keeping Up with Jacob

When I cannot attend one of Jacob's events at school, I am lucky that there is always a nice Mommy armed with a camera to take pictures.

Today at school the kids got to frost cookies and pile them high with candy.

Jacob's table mates. The kids get to switch desks after the break so he will get a new crew.

Jog-o-thon. Jacob ran 6 laps this year.

That wraps up Jacob's school events for 2010. On to new ones in 2011!

Fourth Night of Hanukkah

Jacob received Kung Zhu battle arena from Scott but he wanted to bring it to share. He had fun playing with Zaide.


Famous neighbor Kristen who came bearing gifts, flowers and a chocolate cake. Nana has named her the fairy god mother as she is always bringing gifts, we should all be so lucky.



In keeping with the Harry Potter theme, Lego's Hagrid Hut.

Playing with Lego immediately after opening present.

Finishing touches to first portion of Hagrid's Hut. Jacob got up today at 5 AM to finish Hagrid's Hut. Happy Hanukkah!

We Have Concrete

Day 2 of Hanukkah brought new concrete. We are moving right along with our backyard project. Austin is a bit upset that he can't go in the backyard right now but at least he gets to go for a walk.

First Night of Hanukkah

Luckily Jacob is still young enough that new pajamas and slippers makes him happy. I try to give low key presents on school nights but it does not seem to keep Jacob from bouncing off the walls.