Colton's Surprise Gift

Colton, my soon to be 8 year old (oh my goodness I truly can't believe that's true) received his perfect dream gift this evening. An early birthday present that he never expected. It was a gift that he's been asking and asking for a long time now but I don't believe that he ever thought that he'd receive it.

I wish I could have better captured the look on his face when he saw that his dream was coming true. It truly was priceless.

{looking up at Daddy in disbelief}

And this is what he saw in the bag.

Colton always goes straight for Tessa, the white and gray kitty, and Gracie is pretty attached to sweet Ruby, the gray tiger one. What's funny, is at the Humane Society Josh right away went straight to Tessa while I was holding on tightly to Ruby. Finally the Humane Society worker explained that since they are sisters and have spent the first four months of their lives snuggled up together, that it would be terribly sad to separate them at this point. So there you have it. Our Tessa and Ruby.

Little Fletch doesn't care who he holds, just as long as he gets to hold one.

As you can see by the heart on Tessa's back, these kitties have a lot of love to give and we are grateful to have them as part of our family. And Colton has already let it be known that when he goes off to college, the kitties are getting packed in his bag. Thankfully we'll have plenty of time to enjoy them.

Welcome home girls!

Purr...

Meeting Denis Sullivan

This morning we were so excited to wake up and prepare the little ones to spend the day with their aunt Joyce. They didn't know why yet but they soon found out that it was Colton's special day to do something very exciting with his mama and daddy.

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After Joyce came and left, leaving just the three of us behind, we ventured to Ft. Pierce to begin our adventure.
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The whole way there Colton didn't have a clue where we were going and bless his heart he was so patient about it. This was his first glance to what we were doing seen out our car window as we headed over the bridge...
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The Denis Sullivan, a 137 foot three mast Schooner which we were about to embark on.

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Although we wound up having to postpone our actual sail until March due to some crazy and unexpected winds, we spent the day aboard this beautiful ship, which is based out of Milwaukee, with some other families from our homeschool group.

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Not only did we get a tour of the boat and really became comfortable with being aboard such a magnificent ship, we did things such as testing water quality, determining the depth of the water, examining plankton with microscopes, learning to tie several different knots, learning to raise the sails, seeing how an underwater robot works, and learning some good 'ole sea shanties (or the work songs used on ships). It was pretty neat to see the kids actually singing these while working together to raise the sails.

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Colton just after he raised a sail (with a little help)

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Collecting "stuff" from the bottom of the sea.

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Examining the stuff plankton that he collected.

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Before they began their knot tying lesson, they were asked to tie any knot they knew how to tie. This was Colton's. A figure eight. I then asked him to please teach me how to do that.

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It was so... very windy and down right cold at times, but we still managed to have a special time with our little sailor. Ft. Pierce is such a beautiful town especially with its pretty blue waters.

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Woo hoo, we're hungry and Daddy's got lunch!

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Back on the dock, a good 'ole fella was busy catching a puffer or two.

We are looking forward to visiting next month to sail the blue seas before she returns home again.
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Visit http://www.discoveryworld.org/denisSullivan.php to see more about this incredible ship.

I Love Surprises and I Love Love

I have gotten very behind on posting, so this is going to be very heavy with pictures.
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We celebrated Valentine's Day by attending another party, this time with our friends from Olivet Private School. Between the two parties, we wound up receiving hundreds of Valentine's Day cards and more candy than I prefer. Needless to say, the children received no candy from us this year, but just a few simple toys and a lot of lovin'. Isn't love what it's all about?

This sweet boy "T" was Fletcher's buddy for the day. They were stuck together like glue all throughout the party and it was great! He is the oldest of six, so I'd say he's a professional at brotherhood.

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And Fletcher's sweet friend "S" had a Valentines just for him.

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We had lots of fun and made a big 'ole mess by making homemade Valentines.

{the aftermath}

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We also tried our hand at stiching some cards, and the kids really, really enjoyed it.

And I think they turned out quite nice.

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Grandma also got creative (as she always does) and made the kids special Valentines.

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So for the special day devoted to love, we spent the day doing what we love best as a family...

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Exploring the ocean blue and all that it holds.

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And holding each other tight, because after all, that's why we celebrate Valentine's Day.

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Tomorrow morning, Josh and I will be surprising our soon to be 8 year old son on an adventure that will be new for the three of us. We are doing something that we have never done before and I am so completely excited about this experience we will be embarking on.
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And the best part, Colton has absolutely no idea about it. As far as he knows tomorrow will be just an ordinary Monday.

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I will be sure to take lots of pictures and fill you in on all the details.

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Oh, and in case you were curious to know, this here is my future home. I don't know who owns it but I know I lust after it each time we cruise by. Yes, I know lust is a sin so I make sure and repent after each of our boating trips.

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And one last thing (I told you I was behind), look what is now a frequent sight around our house...

Tennis racquets!

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The kids just started taking tennis and LOVE it! Colton was getting burned out on Tae Kwon Do, so we decided to try something new. He has always loved playing tennis at SAINTS, and really seems to love taking lessons so far.

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And while I'm at it, say hello to my girl Maria.

Isn't she just the sweetest thing ever? Her cuteness brings a smile to my face every day. And so do her chunky legs. ; )