Disney Cruise

Cameron's mom recently turned 60!! Happy Birthday!!

To celebrate, Cameron's parents took the whole family on a Disney Cruise. Cameron and I went with a full understanding that this was not be a romantic getaway, but rather a fun-filled, character-packed four days with family. Every expectation was met and exceeded!!!

In addition to our time on board the ship, we spent half a day in Nassau, and a full day on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Truly, Castaway Cay alone is worth taking a Disney Cruise.

We had beautiful rooms on the newest ship in the Disney fleet-- the Dream. If you are looking for a week of being spoiled, this is the way to go!

You will notice from our photos, that most of our time on the ship was spent with ToyStory themed activites. There was much more in the way of Princesses, Pirates of the Carribean, and classic Disney characters, but our kids favored the Toy Story attractions.

(click on any photo to see it larger)

This photo was taken shortly after our return. Joseph, AKA buzz Lightyear, watching himself on TV!

Excuses

An amazing marriage life, 3 kids under 5, highly active church life, beautiful Florida weather, ... all of these are valid reasons why we DO NOT keep up with our blog. But for the masses, we will stop enjoying ourselves for 5 minutes and post some pictures....

FYI: Rebecca is 13 months, Joseph is 2 1/2, Ruth is 4 1/2


Rebecca's first birthday-- always a big celebration for the first one!


AWANA Grand Prix contestants: Joseph had Mommy's van, and Ruth had Daddy's car. Joseph won two trophies-- he shared one with Ruth ;-)


Playing outside in the Florida sunshine!

Lost and Found

(Remember to click on any photo to see it larger)

Since we arrived from Kansas last month we haven't been able to find our USB cable to connect the camera to the computer. Today I found a replacement and was finally able to upload a month's worth of photos... ENJOY!!

This weekend, Rebecca completed 6 months, and Joseph will be two at the end of this month. So, expect more updates as doctor visits and birthday parties take place!

Also, Rebecca has moved from our room to Joseph's room (until she is old enough for Ruth's room). For now, Ruth and Joseph sleep in the same room. Ruth on the bottom bunk and Joseph on a mattress on the floor-- well that was the plan at least. Every night that is how we start them out, but they don't always stay that way. We are grateful that our children are not just siblings but best friends!

Too Cute not to photograph

...just precious!

Brasilian Invasion

Last week, our church hosted 23 Brasilian missionaries, most of whom are current or former professional Brasilian soccer players. We took two of these GENTLEMEN into our home and inevitably, our hearts.

The week was full with soccer clinics for the community, testimonies at local churches, and time shopping for their families back home. But, we found time for long chats over late dinners, and were amazed at how perfectly matched these two men were for our family!

Our children now have two Brasilian uncles. We miss you, Sergio and Claudiney!!

Kansas trip

We did a long, lazy summer trip through Kansas. Four days at Doug and Kim's, one day visiting Liberty and Jewell, three days celebrating Grandma Pauline's 85h birthday with the entire Greenhaw clan, and two more days with Kim and Doug.

It was our longest and best family vacation: plane rides were great, car rides were great, all the cousins were SOOOO happy to be together, adult siblings got to catch up, grandparents got to ooh and aah...all the makings of a successful summer touring!

Here are some photos:

We are "Go" for launch

Friday was the third to last shuttle launch from Kennedy Space Center. Being so close and never having gone to a launch, we decided it was time. We did our homework, found the best spots to watch the launch from (the best free spots that is), printed our maps, packed lots of diapers and snacks... we were off. Mapquest told us to plan for 2 hours 13 minutes of travel time, We figured 3 hours and 20 minutes would be plenty. Apparently so did everyone else! At one point we drove 36 miles in 1 hour and 45 minutes!!!

Only by God's grace did we arrive at a beach opposite the launch pad with only 2 minutes to spare before lift off. We saw the launch, and the kids (and adults) were fully impressed with the fire, smoke, and time delay of sound.

When the clapping and cheering subsided, we decided to spend the rest of the day relaxing at a park opposite the launch site, eating Chik-fil-A dinner and taking the long, less crowded way home.

We took some really good video, but for now you will have to settle for these still photos.

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Mama's Princess

Ready for church on Saturday night... she is just adorable!