A couple of days ago, I stopped by a nutrition store to purchase some ginger for our cruise. It is said to help with motion sickness. I took some on our first cruise a couple of years ago and wanted some again – just in case.
I told Ellie we were going to run into a store to pick something up for my cruise. Her face lit up, “Oh, are you getting some new earrings?” Not sure where that came from, but continuing the chit-chat I said no, but, gee, I would like to get a new outfit before I leave on the trip.
She said, “I know! You should get a pirate outfit. A Mommy pirate outfit for your cruise.”
Some days I just shake my head.
This is Hannah and Maddy playing “thanksgiving” with the Little People Thanksgiving centerpiece. The turkey was being carved as this picture was taken. Everyone was hungry and ready for our feast!
There is a picture somewhere of Ellie and Gabby sharing a piece of bread just like this on Ellie’s first thanksgiving at home. I took this one for posterity, our little models were happy to participate. It is obvious these two ladies have done quite a bit of growing in two years and they have been great friends from the start!
The Hartzell Family: My brother Daren, his wife, Theresa and Makayla who is 7 and Logan who is 5. They are treasures!
The McCallister Clan: My sister, Sharon, her husband, Thad. Andrew will be 13 next week! Nicholas is 10, Madelyn is 7, Gabrielle is 3, and Eli is 8 mo. Seventh Heaven!
And the Hale’s: Hannah is 8 and Ellie is 3.
And one more picture….Dessert! Aunt Theresa is a great cook!
Okay….just one last shot. A big part of what I am so thankful for this year.
This is a fantastic movie. The other day my girls were playing the portion of the movie where Will and “County” come around asking for work so they can earn some food. Hannah got the point from the movie that they worked first and ate second after they earned it. That is a good point to get.
Ellie is “County” who in the movie always had a hat down low over his eyes. Hannah made up another name besides “Will” since we know that 8 year-old girls do not play boy parts!
Hannah woke up this morning with the count down to our trip to Florida for Christmas. We will take the girls to Ryan’s parents in Venice, then Ryan and I will be off for a 7-day western caribbean cruise. I am thankful to take this trip and enjoy spending some time with my husband. We will have our 13th anniversary after Christmas and probably won’t be getting away again for awhile, especially after Treasure comes home.
My Mom gave me some sound advice a few months ago telling me that if my husband wants to take me on a cruise, I should say yes. I was wanting to avoid the expense altogether or just take the girls along with us so they wouldn’t miss out on the adventure.
All the details fell into place; Grandma and Grandpa said yes about the girls, the timing is great to coordinate Christmas in Florida with our family, the girls are looking forward to two weeks in the sun at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. The gifts are ready to be shipped to Florida, the stockings and a couple of wreaths are the only decorations coming out of storage, school will wrap up next Friday, and off we will go on our grand adventure. Every December should be so glorious.
I could pinch myself!
