We had got through the check in and this is us right before getting on the boat. Madison would have been here but her picture is of her screaming. Poor girl was WAY past nap time.
Our first stop... Freeport, Bahamas!! The anticipation was overwhelming. We wanted to absorb the culture and see what the Bahamas were all about. We enjoyed shopping, the beach and the guys even got some fishing in.
All the fun features of the boat
I love all the colors of the Bahamas. The vibrant atmosphere makes for some great memories.
No, I didnt cover up that big belly. The thought of spending $50 on a pregnant swimsuit was just too much. I rather spend that in the Bahamas! So everyone got to check out little brother growing!
Gary caught a few but Ben had none. Like Ben always says...At least someone caught something!
The kids would always swarm Grandma. What is it about the Grandma "pull" ?!?!
She warmed up to the sand...Next the water!
After a hot day in the sun, a girl needs her ice cream
These curls were extra curly with all the humidity
Waiting for dinner to start! Look at the little two...So cute!
We enjoyed a picnic next to a lake in Colorado Springs. Daddy decided fishing was a must and Mommy was not as prepared for it. I took off her shorts thinking that would be enough but by the end the shirt came off too. I could not stop her from the dirt, she was having just too much fun. Enjoying the summer days, messy hands and feet too!
She was OBSESSED with eating these weeds. Okay, I drew the line at that but couldn't stop her. Every time I turned around one was in her mouth!
Trying to dry the shorts out
I felt like that Mom I would never be, letting their child walk around naked. We were hidden in the weeds which made it feel "okay." I can't believe I did it myself!!
Just hanging out with Mommy while Dad caught some fish!
We are lucky enough to live in this beautiful Colorado Springs area. The mountains and rivers are beathe taking from every view. Unfortunately a fire started on Saturday that has hindered that view indefinantly. Here are a few snapshots.
Luckily for us we are farther east and at a safe distance but unfortunately families have been evacuated and homes have been lost. Makes my heart ache!!
Ben is the President of the Safety Committee at Western States Fire Protection in the Colorado Springs office. As most of you know my honey is an extremely smart mechanical engineer who I brag on every chance I get. He acts as the Project Manager which entails, but does not limit him to, designing, managing, budgeting, and collaborately with architects, plumbers, electicians, etc.
There is an "office" group and a "fitter" group who work on the jobs and actual puts the fire sprinkler pipe in. The running jokes is the "office" guys aren't as handy and able to do the "manly" pipe laying. Please!
Ben wanted to demonstrate in the safety committee the reason why the right tools are always needed in your tool belt when dealing with active fire sprinkler lines and also have the guys feel the pressure when a sprinkler head is "live." When I say "live," I mean when the water is still in the pipe and the pressure remains active. Instead of what is typically done, which is the water is turned off and only a small fountain with no pressure comes out. This allows the guys to practice and reinforce the need for all safety measures to be taken.
Well the fitters all tried pulling this live head and placing a small tube like device back into the water pressure to allow a streamlined flow into the bucket. The fitters were taunting the office guys to try it (plus secretely Ben wanted to anyway) so Ben was the first office guy to step up and try it. He actually completed the task as fast and even faster than a few of the fitters (which I find very entertaining). Thats my man!!
I love the video! Ben was telling me how he had arranged for the lift, connecting it to the fire hydrant and then piping the line in order for the experience to be genuine. The pressure will be that high in a building (the movies show a nice little shower but that doesn't really happen).
As many of you know we enjoyed a cruise with the Stewart family about 3 weeks ago. The cruise and the Bahamas were gorgeous! We could have not asked for better weather or company. Having the whole family together was the best part. Just great quality time.
As you can imagine, Ben and I took alot of pictures...For real alot! So I am going to divide it into a three part series (I just almost typed two and realized there was just no way to fit it all in). To choose which ones to not choose is much to difficulty and a decision I am just completely avoiding.
Our first adventure began the day before we boarded the cruise in Cape Canaveral, Florida at the Ron Jon Surf Shop. The activities were endless. We had a great time celebrating Ryan's 7th birthday. I mean what 7 year old gets a trip to the Bahamas as a birthday present!!! We had such a great time and the adventure had only began!
Ryan enjoying his OWN chocolate sundae as we celebrate his 7th birthday!!
On our way to the beach. This will be Madison's first time!!! Mommy and Daddy were so excited!!
She was unsure of the sand and the water. Lots of cuddles for Mommy and Daddy ;)
Look at that serious, not sure face
I love these two!
This represents just how different the two reacted. Lucas loving it and Madison scared to death...Then crying.
