LET'S BRING IN 2013

The nice touch of Drew Daffron

Whats up Drew

Getting the fire ready!

Back to land and road trip home

Arriving in port at 7ish and getting off the ship by 9ish went better than I had thought. We were at our van and on the way home to NC at a little after 10am. Stopping for breakfast at Crackle Barrel and a few pee break got us to SC. We stopped for a big purchase of fireworks and a dinner of Cookout and were on our way. Arriving home after 10 seemed a bit unreal to me. The 10 hour plus ride had been accomplished and we were all alive. I must confess that having the van made the trip so doable and the kids were awesome. I loved having Drew's  undivided attention during the trip and enjoyed all of our family time. On the drive home Drew asked if he could host a New Years Eve party and after a little talk me said yes. Our goal for Sunday and Monday was unpack, do laundry and prepare for the party. Hope you have great plans for New Years Eve. 

Lots of WIND on the ship

The last day is proving to be full of lots of basketball and trying to find Mariah on this huge ship and keep track of her. She is boy crazy and lets just say there are a few boys on board. Dinner as a family and packing is what we had in store for our evening. This has been a wonderful vacation.

Mexico kind of

We were in port today and did not leave the ship. After breakfast we walked around on the ship and discovered things we had not seen before like the adult only section and then we sat in lounge chairs and watched and listened to the rain. It has been a cool day and I was thankful for Drew's jacket. The kids have made friends and are having fun playing basketball, swimming, and just hanging with new folks. Its hard to believe that tomorrow is a day at sea and we will be back in port on Saturday morning. The saying that time flies when your having fun is so true. I totally wish we could push pause and hang for another week. Much love to you all.

Honduras

Christmas in Belize

In Cozumel for Christmas Eve

A day at sea.

Mariah on top

Drew on bottom

Taking a ride on the elevator

Beautiful sunset

This photo is taken from Carnival Dream. We are off on our holiday cruise.

Heading to the ship. The time has finally arrived!

Road trip to Florida.

Thursday night at midnight we packed up the van to drive to Florida so that we could meet our cruise ship that would take us on our holiday 7 day cruise. Doug drove all  of the way  which was over 10 hours because the wind was so strong. We arrived at the hotel close to 3pm, checked in and unloaded our suit cases. We drove the strip of Coca Beach and finished a bit of shopping. The most memorable moment was dinner at a restaurant where I ordered a fresh lobster. Messy but oh so good.
Back to the hotel for a early bedtime so we could catch up on the missed sleep the night before.
SO excited for our cruise.

Christmas Joy

Happy Kids

We decided to celebrate Christmas before we left on Thursday evening to drive to Florida. He is a few pics to share. Many blessings to you and yours. Wishing you lots of love peace and joy this holiday and always.

Home for the Holidays

Ready to go home for a few weeks.

Another road trip to Lynchburg to bring Drew home was how I started my week. Going up and back seems to exhaust me and my body but for my Drew it is well worth it. Our trunk was pack with Drew's things and our back seat was packed with another guys things that we were giving a ride home also. Drew was semi ready to leave but not completely so we got his things together and had a visit with a few teachers and were on our way. Just having him here makes me feel at peace. Now to celebrate Christmas tomorrow night with Larry. Doug, Drew and Mariah and packing for our cruise.
Peace and Love to you all.

Birthday parties are the best.

Team work

The birthday girl and her wheel barrel. 

Trying to get Mariah to take a serious group shot. FAIL

Last night we had a blast at a party to celebrate Aloyna's _ _ birthday. Doug, Mariah and I were excited to visit and see there beautiful condo for the first time. Kolt reminded me that they have been living there for 3+years and he had invited me on at least 2 different occasions. What a slacker I am. I vow to do better in 2013. We had a great meal and the cake was so yummy. I thought we would stay for maybe 30 minutes and be on our way because we were so exhausted from the all day meet. We had such a great time we stay for almost 4 hours. Loved seeing folks I haven't seen in a while. The feeling of the holiday's is all around us. I love this season.

Operation Christmas Card

Doug and I were busy elf's preparing this years Christmas cards.

Lots of good laughs and a few mistakes happened when we were writing our cards. Its seems that in recent years we have sent very few cards. We are making up for it this year. Look for yours in a mailbox nearby. I will post pictures of the 3 cards we sent this year. The weather his been wet, gray and mild I don't think we will be having a white Christmas in North Carolina. Blessings to you and yours.

2012-2013 Gymnastic season begins.

The first meet of the gymnastics season was held today in Greensboro. We left home a bit before 9 and were on time for check in and warm up at 10:15. The one big stress for me today was having to put Mariah's hair in a pony tail. I think this girl has more hair that a horse tail has and my arms were aching half way through and I had to dry the beads of sweat from my brow, it was a work out. I plan to get her to the hair salon or butcher if need be soon.
Mariah started the meet on the balance beam, I may have written before that this is one event that is truly hit or miss when she is on she nails it and the world is peaceful but when she is off its torture to watch. After her back walk over she bobbled for what seemed like ages but was a few seconds and finally fell but gave it one hell of a fight. I was trying to video the event with my new awesome camera and something came over me as usual and I threw my left leg in the air and missed the actual fall and re mount. My reaction is hilarious. Her score was 8.3 and I thought that was decent.
Vault she was a beast and nailed it. Floor is the best I have ever seen her perform and bars score was low but I thought she look awesome and clean. She won Bars, Vault, Floor and Overall and was so excited to get her medals but the snow globe with the dancer inside was truly the jackpot for her she was more than thrilled. We had a great linner with the team and stopped for a little shopping on the way home. We went to a party later and that will be another post tomorrow. I have got to get some sleep so that I can function tomorrow.
Praying for peace.

Please Pray

Sick

The news today makes me feel ill. The mad man that opened fire on all of those innocent children and staff is in humane. I can't image sending my sweet Mariah to her elementary school where all children are thought to be safe and your sweet child is killed. This is my blog so I can write my thoughts and opinion and express my raw feelings and I just want everyone that reads my blog to know I HATE GUNS! We have to have some better way of controlling guns. I hope you will join with me in saying a special prayer for all the people affected and pray for our country what is our world coming to. Please join me in hugging your sweet children just a little tighter and letting your  spouse, partner, family, friends know how much you love them.
Peace, Love and Strength to you and yours.

Holiday Concert and Dance

Mariah with her dance teacher.

Singing a song.

Oh what a night. Doug and I were delighted to attend the music and dance concert that Mariah performed in tonight. They sang several songs and performed a fun dance. I am excited about the new camera that arrived this week. I hope the photos look as amazing to you as they do to Doug and I.

Christmas Lights, Contest and Giving

Out side of Drew's Dorm

Doing what he does best sharing the love!!

VES Basketball

What is he thinking. Maybe the next play.

Guarding his guy. This was a tough player to guard. Drew is one strong player.

Playing a pushing game. Oh no its basketball.

Are they nervous?

I made the road trip to VES to watch Drew's team play and win by a good amount. This was the first game the team has won and I was super excited. After the game we grabbed some mexican food and got to catch up. Drew has been under the weather but we hope hope he gets to feeling better soon. Exams start on Friday and Drew has a 3000 word paper due on Friday night.

Charleston Fred Astaire Competition

Awards

Where's the HEAT!

Annie in her sling created by Mariah. She is warm.

We are without heat today. I have had the oven on, gas fireplace, most of the lights and the clothes dryer. The thermostat say 66 so its bearable. Hoping the repair guys comes after 5.

**special up date the repair guy arrived after 5 and both of our units were broken with the exact same thing. The total cost in repair was $675 USD WOW. Thankful for a warm house tonight and awesome dinner with Drew, Mariah and Doug. We are excited to be heading to Charleston tomorrow. Oh man, I gotta remember to call my sis and tell her I will be in her city tomorrow or close enough anyway.

Last day of class!

Sweet girls

I made cupcakes and cookies for class today.

Happy Teachers!!

They are all smiles!!

We love the KHES staff!

Merry Christmas!

This is the photos Mrs.Fariley sent to me today. Looks like Santa Mariah delivered all her presents and they were much appreciated. The holidays always make me smile.