We are very thankful this year for being able to spend another great Thanksgiving with family. As long as I have been able to remember we have followed the same routine for holidays - we go to Grandma & Grandpa Pahls for lunch and out to Grandma Jewells for our second feast of the day. This year was no different. I have learned to have even a greater respect and appreciation for my grandmothers and their preparations for these big days. I can barely manage organizing a meal for the four of us, much less 20+. They are amazing!
Thanksgiving and Friday were especially special because we were able to spend both days with my parents, Julie, Tommy and their families. Since none of us children will be able to be in Fredericksburg for Christmas we did our family Christmas the Friday after Thanksgiving. We celebrated at our house with everyone gathering in time for the big football game. William has learned that yes, there are days that we do like the Aggies (especially when Grandpa, Uncle Tommy and Aunt Stacie are around!) Uncle Tommy was the center of attention during marshmallow roasting time. He had four children climbing, yelling and clapping for each marshmallow.
Elizabeth was able to get a few pointers from her brother and cousins on opening presents.
Here a few more pics of the day. Elizabeth had fun with the trucks - no doubt she is the only girl in the family so far!
Well we have been a little out of touch lately since we were on our first family vacation to a destination other than visiting family. We spent 8 days on a cruise ship and had a wonderful time. It was certainly different not having cell phones or Internet privileges for that length of time. Of course, we could have used both, but we opted not to pay those heavy charges. We traveled with my parents, Billy and Clarie and my Grandmother Jewell. I am so thankful they were all able to come with us. They were a huge help with the children. Although, somehow William could manage to wear all five of us out each day.
Goodbye to Galveston!
Day 1: We departed from our house that morning and headed to Galveston to board our ship, the Carnival Conquest. By that afternoon we were on board and exploring our new home for the next week. One of William's highlights was that his "bunk bed" came down from the ceiling. He thought that was so cool and had a great time each night climbing the ladder into his bed. That evening, my parents, grandmother, Elizabeth and I went to our first dinner. The food was amazing, I know I gained a least a few pounds. Elizabeth also ate very well - I'm anxious to see if she has now bumped herself up a few percentiles. William and Heath stayed in the room that night to watch the Cowboy's game and ordered room service. The room service was another ingenious invention for William. He mentioned it many other times on the trip, "Let's order some room service, mom!"
Our room
Day 2 & 3: These days were sea days. We ate, relaxed, and ate some more. I have always heard about the food on a cruise ship, but it was just amazing. We had many conversations wondering how they possibly prepare to feed 4,000 people at least three meals a day. I would not want to be responsible for that! William spent some time at Camp Carnival. This was a wonderful service, and I know we are all grateful for it. It was free of charge each day and they had so many fun activities for the kids - they painted their faces, scavenger hunts, crafts and lastly a talent show.
William painted as a pirate.
Day 4: Our first stop, Montego Bay, Jamaica.
We left the ship very early and were almost the first people off of the ship. We decided to buy a full day pass for the bus that takes you all over town. As we got off at the first stop (a little shopping area), we realized that we were the only tourists about to be bombarded by 50 merchants each wanting to sell us their stuff.
It was a great stop and we ended up at Margaritaville for a little dancing from Heath. Click here to see that video.
Day 5: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands:
This was quite a bit bumpier than the Jamaica stop, as we had to take a 5 minute boat ride to the shore. However, the little boat did not take waves like the cruise ship. We were all about to be sick. Elizabeth slept through the entire ride.
Another great destination, as we made it to the beach and could not get William to leave the water. The water is so clear!!
Again, we ended up at Margaritaville so that William could go down the famous slide. He was about 6 inches too short, but Heath finally talked the lady into it and away he went. And again!! Kinda scares me that nothing scares him.
Day 6: Cozumel, Mexico
Definitely the best stop of the trip. It was very commercialized and safe, but it was easy to find some side streets for good deals on whatever you were looking for. We found a great Mexican restaurant off the beaten path with awesome music and scenery. Like father..like son. It was William's turn to jam with the staff. He was not as bad as dad, though. Here is the video.
It was kinda sad that all of our stops were over. However, I think we all agreed that it was more fun on the ship anyway.
Day 7: Showtime! Our family was very fortunate to have been entertained by our own family, William and Heath in two different shows. First up was William. The Camp he went to each day had a Talent Show program. Initially Heath and I did not sign him up because he was one of the youngest and we weren't really sure what talent he could perform. However, that morning I went to pick him up and his counselor said, "We'll see you at the talent show!" I told her that we hadn't registered him and she replied, "William signed himself up. He will be singing the ABC's." Heath and I were very nervous because he wouldn't practice for us and even had a tantrum minutes before the show. But once we got to the show he was ready and did awesome.
Act 2 for the day was Heath as Garth Brooks. For the final show of the cruise a Legends Concert was performed. Heath has never sang in front of 1,500 people, but he did very well and the crowd went crazy. I think my family finally welcomed Heath to the family.
Our room
