A blustery day in Washington (well, week)

Playing in the snow

Monday night we were inundated with a snow storm. We figured an inch or so, but come Tuesday they were predicting between 4 and 5 inches, which is a ton for us. Well, it is Thursday night and we have at least 9 inches on the ground. Needless to say, we are trapped in our house, and are going crazy!

Day one, roads all clear, beautiful dusting

The first day wasn't a big deal, we were still able to get around, and luckily we were able to stock up on necessities before the big dump on Wednesday. Now we are just waiting for the big thaw, and of course, now the flooding.

Helping shovel the driveway

Jackson doesn't like the snow much, he doesn't really like being cold in general, so, he goes out for a few minutes and then scampers back into the house.

Homemade sled, that he refuses to ride

Ready to go inside

We moved, again, we know

House from the outside

After about a year in the house we were living in we discovered that we were all allergic to something in the house. So, we spent some time looking and fell in love with the new place fairly quickly. It is about 500 sq feet bigger than the previous place, and a lot more functional for us as a family.

Side Yard, those stairs are the steps to the front door

Kitchen, doors lead to a large pantry and the garage

The kitchen was one of the biggest pluses for us in the new place. We both enjoy cooking but our last place really didn't give us the space to do so. It is also a really functional downstairs space for us because we can cook and Jackson can play at the table.

Dinning Room, the doors lead outside to the patio

Dinning room and family room from the front door

Loft, playroom

One of the best parts of the house is the loft at the top of the stairs. We have made this into a bit of a catch all (playroom, workout room, etc.), Jackson tends to play with his toys up here rather than dragging them all downstairs which keeps downstairs much cleaner and organized. This area is also right next to Jackson's room, so things can easily be swapped in and out from his room.

Jackson's room

We also have a ton more space for visitors, we have a guest room with a bed and then the playroom has a fold out futon, so we are hoping for more visitors!

Christmas with the Dooley's

When we left our cruise we were lucky enough to have Rick's dad come and pick us up from the pier. We drove the two and half hours to Cape Coral and spent the holiday with the Dooley's.

The first day we spent lounging around the house, relaxing and unwinding from our trip. We were luck to have Rick's parents, Aunt Peggy, Cousins, Helen and Krissy, Aunt Carol, brothers Sean and Patrick and sister Jen with us for the holidays. We were just missing JP from Rick's siblings.

The second day, December 23rd, we went to Santa Land, a carnival like event where Jackson got to enjoy some kiddie rides, and chat with Santa. He had a blast, he was a bit shy when it came time to talk to Santa, but who can blame him.

Riding the train

Riding the carousel with Aunt Jen

Riding in the fire truck

Race face on

Visiting with Santa Claus, yah, he is hiding behind me

Merry Christmas

 We spent the next couple days with family, and Christmas morning was perfect. Jackson was visited by Santa Claus at our hotel, at Grandma and Grandpa's house and back at our house. He had fun diving into his gifts and wanted to play with them each at that very moment. He did make sure that I opened every package that was clothing, he could spare a second with something that wasn't a toy. Something to work on next year.

Unwrapping gift

 

Unwrapping gifts

Later on Christmas day, Jen, Sean and Patrick took Jackson to the park nearby, giving Rick and I a much needed break. Jen took some great photos of their adventure.

Walking to the park

Uncle Pat and Jackson, on a dinosaur

Playing at the park

Jackson playing in the sand at the park

Uncle Sean and Jackson

Our last night we took some much needed time to get some more photos of the family, you never know when it will be when we are all together again.

Uncle Sean and Jackson

Uncle Pat and Jackson

Grandma Kathy, Grandpa Jim and Jackson

Family photo

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! We made it home on the 27th and have gone back to settling back into the groove of things! We actually moved about a month back, hopefully photos of the house soon!

Day 4, Fun on the Ship

Jackson and Rick making Sparrow

The last day on this ship was a full day at sea. We had a list of things to do, and had fun doing them all together again because Jackson was still protesting Camp Carnival. The first thing we did was a Build a Bear activity in one of the lounges. Pick your bear, stuff him, dress him up, keep him for forever. Jackson picked out a puppy and insisted on a pirate outfit and Santa Claus outfit.

Sparrow, all finished, dressed in his pirate suit

The ship

After we built sparrow, Jackson and Rick put their suits on and grabbed a book and we headed for the pool. Rick finally convinced Jackson to get into the big pool and they had a blast. I got a bit of reading in and got a few shots.

Jackson and Rick in the pool

Jackson and Rick in the pool

Fingers all wrinkled

Off the back of the ship

Last sunset on the ship

 At the days end we packed our bags and got ready to disembarkation of the ship the next morning. We had a blast on our trip and are already planning our next vacation!

Cozumel, Mexico, Day Three

Our ship, The Carnival Paradise

Day three proved to be a bit more difficult with our three year old. Luckily we had planned an excursion for the day so we got to get off the boat again. We headed into Cozumel, Mexico to a museum called Discover Mexico and Chankanaab National Park. We we pulled into port, we were greeted by another Carnival ship, they are huge, especially when you are sandwiched between them. We were again up against a storm, and it was sprinkling a bit when we arrived.

We docked next to the Paradise's sister ship while in Mexico

Right off the pier of the boat

We got off the boat a bit early and were able to shop around at the Duty Free shops, and see a few sites. Then we lined up for our excursion. Our tour guide, Rui, was awesome. We stopped first at Discover Mexico, which was a bit of a stretch for Jackson. First we went through an art area, with several rooms of ancient artwork, lots of talking by the guide and not much fun for Jackson. Then we went outside where they had small replicas of ancient ruins. Jackson was highly disappointed that he couldn't play with the miniature figures on each of the sculptures.

Jackson's feelings on the museum

Rick's feelings about the museum and Jackson's behavior

Mini-relics outside Discover Mexico museum

The guide took a photo from the bottom of the mini-relic, looks real, huh!

After about an hour at the museum, we finally headed to the water. Jackson was done looking and not touching. So, back on a bus, and about a five minute drive and we were there.

When do we get to swim?

They dropped us off right at the entrance to the park and when we walked in this is what we saw (below). Rick was quick to get the snorkel gear and Jackson and I got a life jacket and doggy paddled around the small lagoon together. There were a few fish here and there in our swimming area but Rick said he saw a ton of them out along the reefs.

Finally got to the beach. We swam right here in the front area, Rick snorkeled in the open area out there.

Seal show. It was pretty funny.

After Jackson and I swam a bit we got out to build a sandcastle. The entertainment there was limited but we quickly realized that the seal show was starting. So we quickly gathered our stuff and ran over to catch the show. Jackson thought they were very "silly." After that we caught back up with Rick and walked around looking at the dolphins.

Dolphin enclosure.

Before we knew it is was time to head back to the pier. Luckily for us, Jackson fell asleep on the ride back. So, we pushed him in  his stroller for a few, were greeted by the mariachi band at the nativity site, and then we stopped in at Three Amigos for a drink before we got back on the ship.

Feliz Navidad!

Fast asleep, time for drinks!

Sunset in Mexico.

Boat decorated for the holidays.

Dinner with the guys. The iPad was our dinner savior.

The third night, Jackson decided that he didn't like Camp Carnival anymore. Not sure why, but he refused to go. Thankfully, the iPad get Jackson entertained at dinners and shows. Fun day had by all.