WE DID IT!!

Believe it or not, folks, I actually convinced Jacob to go parasailing with me today. He's becoming a little more daring the older he gets. Honestly, it wasn't that hard to convince him because he was, surprisingly, pretty willing to go. All morning I kept debating....should we go or should we not, so I decided to call and get the details. The funny thing is when I called they only had one opening left for the rest of the day and that was at their 1:00 sail...guess what time I called? 12:45! At that point, there wasn't much time to really think about it, so I made a quick decision to reserve our spot, grabbed our stuff and we headed down the street.

Everything was good at first - Jacob was a tad quiet, but in his world that simply means he's a little nervous. There was a sister and brother going before us and the young teen boy was asking Jacob a lot of questions about baseball (he had on one of his baseball shirts), but all the boy could get out of Jacob was very short, one word answers. Although a little afraid and apprehensive, all was good until we got in the boat and I, foolishly, asked the captain, "how high do we go?" As soon as Jacob heard, "oh...about 350-400 feet," he started to get really nervous. He wasn't quite in panic mode, but you could tell he was more nervous...."What? 400 feet?" Plus, it didn't help when the young girl before us came back looking as white as a ghost and feeling sea-sick. The guys on the boat were great...they were laughing and joking with Jacob trying to lighten the mood. All in all, I have to say Jacob surprised me and handled it very well.

I only wished we could of gotten pictures. I have to admit 350-400 feet is pretty high in the sky and even I was a little nervous. By the time we got back to the boat, I thought they were going to have to peel my hands off the bars you hang onto because I had a death-grip on them. I did get to see some sea turtles and a shark.

I believe Jacob enjoyed it, but I do think he was expecting something maybe a little more fast paced. It was definitely a very quiet and serene experience high in the sky, and one I'm glad I got to experience with my favorite little guy.

XOXO

You may initially believe...

you are in South America when you see of these walk by, even if you are laying by the lagoon in Key West, FL...







and Momma's baby-



or perhaps sailing the ocean and you see one of these jump by-



Yep, we have iguanas walking the lagoon just as if they belong there and dolphins jumping in the water in the dolphin encounter right next to the lagoon. Crazy...

We spent most of the morning playing in the lagoon and relaxing by the pool. We just came in to take a quick break and eat some lunch, now it's off to the Indies Club for a little slipping and sliding on the Pirate ship and some more hot and sweating basketball fun.

XOXO

What a fabulous start...

to our vaca at Hawk's Cay in Duck Key, FL. There is a lot to do here. I'll try and get a lot of pictures posted, but it's late and I'm exhausted after an afternoon full of activities, so this post is going to be quick and consist mostly of our villa. A post full of activities will follow later...

A few outside shots of our cute and charming villa:

The family room as you enter the front door:

The kitchen is to the right as you enter through the front door (me taking a shot from the stairs):

The master bedroom:

The view/porch outside the family room sliders (there is also a porch outside the master suite, and the spare room):

This is a little path in between pools and play areas...it's very nature, kind of tropical looking:

One of many pools to swim in:

And a really cool firepit out by the lagoon and pool:

There is so much to see and do here. We've been here since late afternoon and I've already taken a ton of pictures, but I'll have to share the rest a little later. However, here are a few of my favorite shots from the day.

Jacob doing what he loves best:

A cute shot of Ellie at the lagoon. They loved jumping off that platform in the middle.

And, to end the day, a cute shot of my two favorite little people looking like they actually love each other (and I didn't even have to tell them to do that):

Wonderful day...I wonder what tomorrow will have in store. I'm thinking a little parasailing with my favorite little guy. We'll keep ya posted, but so far, so good! Wished you all could be here to join in the fun!

XOXO,

J

Hi-ya! Pow! Oof! Ouch!

Today my Mom took the kids to see The Karate Kid movie and once again they decided to do a little karate chopping and kung fu on each other in the pool...


need....



I....



say......



more......





Poor thing! She lost one this morning as she was wiggling it loose and her brother karate-chopped the other two out in the pool. She's a little self-conscious about it and had a difficult time eating her ice cream at snack time, but she's just as beautiful as ever!

I think the tooth-fairy is going to go broke tonight.

Good night, all!

Really?

Did my oh-so precious little boy, who at one time was called "Boo," just really turn...




12? Seriously? Will I really have a teen in t-minus 349 days? Oh my stars...someone please stop the clock!

I so love you, Boo!

Once again, I'm a very proud Mommy!

There she is...the little girl I'm so proud of as she received her exceptional award....Citizen of the Year! The day before she attended another ceremony where she got an award for "Greatest Overall Academics." I can't even begin to express how proud I am of her. Ellie has weathered a lot this past year and a half, but despite that storm, she is a miracle that never ceases to be miraculous. She is everything wonderful and precious and my love for her, as well as for my son, has no boundaries.

Ellie, you are so dynamic. You are such a

beautiful;
intelligent;
thoughtful;
sweet;
resilient;
loving;
caring;
goofy at times; and
fun...

soul who I am lucky to call my daughter. You are full of beauty and will forever be beautiful - just truly amazing.

I once read a quote that said, "A successful person is a dreamer whom someone believed in." I believe in you, Ellie, now spread those wings and soar confidently in your own sky...whatever that may be and whereever it may take you. You continue, day after day, to make me so proud to be your Mommy!

I love you, sweet girl!

In training for the next Karate Kid-

I wanted to take the kids to see The Karate Kid movie today, but I was bummed to learn it isn't even out yet. Jacob and I were watching a preview of the movie this morning and then a short time later as the kids were swimming in the pool I heard them talking to each other as they trained for the The Next Karate Kid movie. All it took was a pool cleaning pole and a little imagination and they were occupied for a good hour.

I was watching them through the window, so I quickly grabbed a few shots before they decided to get out.

I've been a little busy, so I haven't had much time to update my blog. However, there are a lot of activities and events that I need to post about, so stay tuned...

Enjoy your Sunday!