Day 3 - Costa Maya

I see land... you can see just miles of a little green and a LOT of white sandy shores! And it is just so far away. The white just grabs that little touch of sun and almost glows. The little port area was just beautiful. So much color, and just the perfect touch of quaint! But pretty much all that there is to the island!

We head into Costa Maya today for a little "Beach Break!" Not much for sandy/salty feeling, but the kids should enjoy the time ashore! Haven't taken many photos... today's goal: photos of Penny and James and Chuck and me! I really want some good ones of us!

***

Costa Maya at the port is about all that there is left of this little area. Obviously it has been absolutely devestated by the hurricane last year. The mangroves were just gone, houses gone, waterfronts gone!

The beach break turned to be quite pleasant. It was hot but not stifling, as there was always a breeze. Got settled into a great group of chairs after "beating" the college girls to it! I wanted those chairs, and by goodness, we were getting them! They took all the good chairs at the main pool all day yesterday! so HA!

Back to normal broadcasting!

They also had hammocks everywhere, so the kids had to give those a shot! Decided that they would rather swim...

Settled into our chairs and hit the water. It was cold, but amazingly clear. And just the views available... it was just peaceful and relaxing!The kids found sea stars. BIG ONES! Sea urchins, anemones, and all kinds of fish. It was so neat to see their faces when they realized that they could just reach down and pluck out the sea stars and urchins from their perches on the rocks.

A couple of urchin shells ready to go home... **yes, they made it all the way home**

They had great kayaks available to us, so T and I went out for a short run. Chuck and I went out later for a longer run. Almost tipped the kayak over chasing down a sea star, but Chuck was determined he was getting it. Just to put it right back where it belonged!

James picked up some snorkeling gear and T took right to it. I couldn't believe how easily he found it! He would give us a thumbs up when he saw something.

After a few drinks, a few rays of sun, pictures galore **even of the adults**, and a lot of laughs we were headed back to the ship. We didn't want to be stuck on the last few bus rides back with all those drunk college kids! They were hot, sticky, and drunk!

On the way back to the ship, the blue water reflected off the side of the boat! It just doesn't look real does it?

Back at the ship it was more of a day like yesterday. Stopped back into Raffles for lunch. The Indian food was amazing! More pool, more ping pong, and more relaxing!

Headed to the room for showers and changing... the sunset was to be RIGHT at the time we were heading to dinner! Determination set in! I got part of it, but right before it hit the water, the boat TURNED to leave port! Am I not meant to GET the photo! This one will work for today... there is always tomorrow...

We ate at the French restaurant Le Bistro for dinner! Oh My Gosh! My favorite meal of the entire trip! Mussels AND escargot... all you can eat! It was just too hard to believe! I ate the vegetarian Napolean **trust me I like meat** but this was divine! French creme brulee beat out the crepes! They almost had to roll me out of there!

Second City **where a ton of former comedians got their fame** was performing a family friendly show! It was hysterical! But to add to the entertainment was the large older gentleman that fell asleep behind T and me! He was snoring and NOT quietly! It was so funny!

Can't wait to see what Guatamala has to bring!

Lights Out!

me

Day 2 At Sea

We woke up WAAY too early for vacation time, but I think I was just so excited! I could see the sun peeking in through the curtains, and my curiosity was piqued! I probably could have been quieter, however, I wanted everyone up so we could enjoy the day!

We headed to breakfast at the Raffles buffet. Like yesterday's lunch, it was just so much food to choose from, however, everyone was happy with something! Makes like easy, and who can say no to fresh waffles with fruit on top?

Today was a day of doing... it is hard to sit still when there is just so much to do... And we did a bit of it all...

Checking out the view: and noticing that the water is definitely prettier than what we are used to in the gulf closer to home!

Swimming **multiple times**: there were two pools, but we spent most of the time at the kids pool. More kids T's size, he could reach the bottom, and fewer college aged kids hogging up all the chairs. Hey, the bar man found us there... nothing lost!
FYI or Note to Self: Be VERY careful where and when you mention that **YOU** never seem to be in the family vacation photos. And then make sure that you KNOW where your camera is at all times! Some of these just might show up on your camera card! Cass, this is for you to prove I was actually there!

Playing ping pong:

Posing: E was usually more up for posing, T I just caught when he would look at me... at this point, he is realizing that it is salt water he is swimming in... yeah, kinda messed up the pose, but I will take it...


Dinner tonight was Asian Fusion... another specialty restaurant, but it was all you can eat for a cover of $15. Kids were half price... I can promise you I ate my share of sushi... I probably ate my weight in sushi that night! It was awesome. And an Asian influenced creme brulee was a pretty nice way to top off the night!

Now to get that sunset I looked for yesterday... Saw it going down, reached in for my camera, and poof... it was gone. But this is pretty darn close for today! There is always tomorrow, right?

The "Newlywed/Not so Newlywed Game" was going on in the Galaxy of the Stars. We played along and did fairly well! it was a hoot to watch those poor people on the "stage" having to give their answers out in public... and to watch Penny's face change a 1000 shades of red when she had to answer one of them! Nope... won't divulge the question OR the answer... her secret is safe with me!

Costa Maya tomorrow...

Lights Out!

me

In the Beginning...

It was definitely time to be on break! My students had been going crazy, the weather turned cooler, and we just needed this nice family break!

I had been packed for a while, but completely since the Sunday before! I didn't want ANY surprises! I told you I was ready!

Friday the 13th... probably not the best travel day, but we are on vacation! It was 44* when we left, so we had to do a little replanning our travel attire! Definitely looking forward to warmer weather!

We arrive at Chuck's sister's (Penny) house about an hour south of New Orleans Friday afternoon. Some family came over and Penny made an amazing lasagna and had some nice "hanging with the fam" time!

Saturday was pampering day. Penny treated "The Girls" to a mani/pedi to look nice for the trip. And a really great lunch. Everyone was just so tickled with anticipation. Our goal was to wake up and leave by 10AM Sunday morning! We were up WAY early! Man it was tough to kill that time before we left!

We got to the port in time to be in the first throng of people on the boat! Trav was amazed at the size! We toured the boat with our first stop at our room to drop carry on bags, and then at Raffles (buffet) for lunch. It was almost TOO much food to decide what you want to eat!

With full bellies, we headed back to our rooms to look for our luggage! Two bags down, NINE to go! We packed! Lets see what this boat is made of! We toured around some more, but the weater just wasn't all that nice! We saw the pools, casinos, etc and even thought we saw it all... boy were we wrong! Muster (mustard to a six year old) Drill was entertaining... T asked if we had to do that EVERYDAY and when would it be the Ketchup Drill? HA! This was what New Orleans looked like when it was time to leave! I sure hope that the weather improves!

Decided to give the luggage one more shot! Yeah... everything arrived! We unpacked everything... the room is tiny - with T's bed pulled out, we were wall to wall beds! E will sleep with Penny and James in their room down the hall! I cant' stand living out of a suit case, and there just isn't room for them to be out! After we settled in, we headed to dinner!

Teppenyaki at one of the specialty restaurants. It was a pretty good show, and the scallops were amazing!

Drinks at the bar and headed off to bed! Missed the sunset... there is always tomorrow's!

Lights Out!

me

One More Wakeup...

as T would say! Bags are packed, batteries charged, camera cards are dumped, we are ready for ELEVEN days of fun!

If I don't get a chance to tell you... have a safe and happy Spring Break. And if you are one of the poor souls that don't get a break... I really do feel sorry for you, and I will enjoy a frosty beverage, pool side, on the boat just for you!

Penny and James... you are the best! We can't even begin to tell you enough how gracious you are to us! We love you!

Lights Out!
me

Well... hello there!

Today's message is brought to you by ME! My name is Spikes (I was apparently named long before they realized I was a female) and I am a Bearded Dragon. I belong to one precocious 13 year old girl. She feeds me daily, brings me fresh water, and occasionally drops in some really yummy meal worms or crickets.

Yep, I know what you are thinking, how is it that that lizard is owned by a girl... well, I believe after listening to multiple conversations, that there is an older female that tends to tell her it is time to do this. I hear that this happens quite a bit in the human race...

Kid wants pet
parent says kid won't take care of it
kid promises to do it
kid doesn't
mom does!
Bless those moms!

Lights Out!
me

Travisism...

OK, look'e there! Two posts in one day!

I forgot I had a quirky funny little man thing to say! I didn't forget I had the quirky funny little man, just that he said something funny!

So, we started baseball (photos to come later, I am waiting for good ones). Ran to Academy after the first practice to get gear! On the way out, he grabs my hand and is just grinning! The following conversation happened next!

Me: You excited about baseball?

T: Yep!

Me: What part?

T: It is fun out there...

Me: Oh yeah

T: And I like my hat!

T: And I like my new jersey!

T: but...

Me: yeah?

T: That weiner cover HAS TO GO!

Out of the mouth of Little Man!

Lights Out!
me

Random...

Now I know why it took me so long to post between the last two... I just don't feel I have anything worthwhile to say. Nothing ground breaking has happened! Nothing earth shattering! Nothing overall sad, exciting, funny! Nothing but day-to-day life!



And I am OK with that!

Do you...

ever wait SO long between posts to where it seems like it will be a chore just to finally post? This month is almost over and I am JUST "finding" time to put something up here! I am going to just peruse my camera flash card to see what happened, so I can tell all! Yep, this is going to be really BIG in the photo arena! But you are due, aren't you?

So...

February in review **and I am sure I will miss something**

Turned 40! And after that last post, we met up with Mom and Dad for some lunch and they gave me a MM Carousel. This is what it looked like AFTER I was finished with it! It just makes me giddy!

Basketball ended, so I made E sit for a little photo shoot! She had fun and even made a basket!

7th grade celebrates the end of their medieval unit with a feast! Costumes, games, art, and food. And what Medieval feast is complete without a PIG? My darling sister-in-law made E's precious dress!

Can't remember if I mentioned this before, but I was published in Scrapbook, News, and Review. It is an online magazine and this layout was featured for their Obsessions section!

Made the DT for a cute little sketch site called NutsAboutSketches and Shawn has really gotten my mojo back in the groove! Here are some of the goods from her sketches.

Valentines just can't be complete without homemade cards made at the very last minute with two adorable and COOPERATIVE kids. And they really were BOTH!

Track started and E just amazes me with her endurance. I would love to be able to say I ran the distance that she runs each day. And I would LOVE the legs that would come WITH that mileage! Will post running photos once I get some! **the layout below is from last year's season** I guess I could have cheated and just given you THAT photo!

Art Happened! It feels so good to just get into the scraproom everyonce in a while and actually USE it for what its purpose is. It gets used to store stuff more than anything else!

And finally... I leave the end of the month with Rodeo Day... those of you that know that Go Texan day is a huge event in the Houston area! It is tomorrow, but today was the kindergarten rodeo day! They ate cowboy lunches, danced, and taught their parents to dance! Look at the fun!

OK, for MY sanity and your server limits, I promise to post more often!

Lights out

me!

4-0!

It is just a number! A wonderful number! A larger number than 39! A GREAT number! And I embrace it! Maybe that should be my "Ali Edwards Word of the Year!" (since I haven't picked one yet)! EMBRACE! I didn't wake up with any new wrinkles, gray hair, or creaks! In fact, after having the flu for the past week, I woke up feeling rather young!

Had a wonderful, quiet day at home, went bowling with the family, and came home and let Chuck spoil me with an amazing dinner and my favorite dessert... angel food cake with strawberries! They tasted a ton better than that photo might reveal! Look at all that yummy strawberry goodness!

The ladies at school did some scheming while I was sick... they all showed up in black, decorated my room, the kids brought me flowers, and my room mom brought in donuts for my homeroom! That makes coming back after a week off quite delightful! Kelly even made another fave of mine... Dr Pepper cake! It is just divine!

And to top it all off... in my email box was a note from Shawn over at Nuts About Sketches... she asked me to be on her DT for her sketch site! I am actually thrilled, as she will get me thinking outside my "one photo layout" box that I seem to be stuck in! Check in over there if you ever needs some inspiration!

Smooches to all that wished me happy times and even to those that made fun of my big 4-0! I embrace it all!

Lights Out!

me

Less than one week...

I will be FORTY! The Big 4-0! Nah... it doesn't bother me... I don't really feel like that is old anymore! Now... I am noticing more lines on my face that weren't there last week, Chuck found more grey hairs than I knew I had, and my bones/muscles seem to bother me more when it is cold outside... but I don't feel OLD!

I can handle this! It is just another day! Everyone has been giving me a hard time, but I am riding it out in style! Chuck went out and got a tattoo when he turned 40! I doubt I will go and do something as drastic as that... but it would be fun to say I did that because I was 40! Now to figure out what "that" could be that doesn't make a permanent mark on my body!

Just random thoughts on a random day! and with NO photos to add!

Lights Out!
me

7 Random Facts - Final Installment!

Little Man! Today is his "half birthday!" His birthday is in the summer, so for school purposes, they celebrate "half birthdays!" They get their free dress, snacks, birthday crown, line leader, and just to be king for a day! He can live with that!

So... in honor of his "half birthday" I will get to his 7 Random Facts! Kelly, I am finally done!

TDM
1. This boy is my little reader! Finally someone in my family that can just sit and read and forget about the rest of the world! I am right there with you kid!
2. He has a laugh that will turn the biggest Scrooge into a giggling fool!
3. He gives the very best hugs!
4. Is a Momma's Boy through and through... but like his dad, it isn't a bad thing!
5. This kid has seen more of this world being dragged from one of his sister's activities to another!
6. He is NOT a morning person!
7. Can throw more "why's" at you faster than anyone I know! He is just so curious!

Love you Little Man! Our world is a better place with you in it!

Yeah, I know Christmas is over, and it is time to change my background, but the "cutestblog" site is giving me issues! I will get it changed! :)


Lights Out!
me

7 Random Facts: Part 2

OK, things seemed to have settled down, so I guess I need to get back to my random facts. Sorry Kelly that it has taken so long!

I was going to do T... but since Chuck and I just celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary, I decided that he should go next!

CTM!

1. This man knows the most random stuff. He doesn't know WHY or HOW he knows it, but he does. Sports, Music, history, you name it... he knows something about it!

2. He HATES it when his feet get wet!

3. He is a Momma's Boy, but in his case, that isn't bad at all!

4. He really does not like to read!

5. He is really funny and has a great sense of humor!

6. He loves to work around the house. Tinkering in the yard, fixing stuff around the house, building stuff.

7. He is loving, supportive, and MINE! Ok, I know that isn't random... but so true!

I love you!

Lights Out!

me