Back from Paradise…

Before Josh leaves on his mission, we planned a Caribbean cruise to go on with the family.  It was unanimous, Best. Vacation. Ever…

I’ll post later about our excursions, but first boarding this beautiful ship below

Disney Magic 2013 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Bon Voyage party

Bon Voyage party on top deck.  It was windy the first day, but that didn’t stop the fun.  Although it was a full ship they accommodated everyone very well without feeling over crowded (except for the elevators, good excuse to use the stairs).  Disney Magic holds 2,400 passengers, has 11 decks, and is almost 1000’ long.  They have 945 crew members from all over the world.  Exciting! 

 

First night dining at Animator’s Palate, the walls and paintbrush columns lit up with different Disney scenes, then a special surprise visit from Mickey. 

We took the red eye flight from Vegas, so a bit drowsy the first day.

Promenade Lounge VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Pictionary in the Promenade Lounge.  Team awesome (us) beat team amazing

 

Refreshed for day 2, Parrot Cay.  You could see the ocean from both side of the restaurant

 

A dress up dinner with the family, looks like all we did was eat…  almost ;) but that was a good time for pictures.  The food was wonderful as we dined in different restaurants with different cuisine each night, but with the same fun servers.

The ship had 4 or 5 pools, this was a fun one for the kids.

 

With the head chef.  Paul and I enjoyed a date night with some fine dining at Palo’s (top deck, beautiful ocean view), while the kids enjoyed their Pirate Party dinner.  Blissful evening with my baby! 

There were often sweet surprises in our room.  They carved the carrot into a mermaid, impressive.  Top notch service!

 

Our awesome waiter, it was fun getting to know them as they seemed to thoroughly enjoy our family

 

Nick (who usually doesn’t like his pic taken) photo bombing the girls with the Captain. 

The shows on the ship were charming, funny, and entertaining, in the state of the art Walt Disney Theater.  Twice charmed has won best show on any cruise ship.

 

What is breakfast without a Mickey waffle?

 

The girls thought it was cool seeing all the princesses and Disney characters on the ship.

 

A room with a view.  We enjoyed relaxing on the veranda while at Sea, the boys had a room next door.  Such a good mix of family, social, beach time, and R & R!  

Bon Voyage

The Call

Josh’s Mission Call VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

Josh is hereby called to serve in the Arcadia, CA mission.  Mandarin speaking! 

On June 26th (Trevor’s B-day), Josh will be joining the ranks of thousands of missionaries around the world, seeking those who are spiritually ready to hear the words of Jesus Christ.   These full-time missionaries dedicate 2 years, or 18 months for the sisters, of their lives with no pay for their service, but they and/or their family pay to keep them in the field.  

As words of our prophet, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  ‘This cause will continue to go forth, changing and blessing lives.  No force in the entire world can stop the word of God.’”     ~President Monson

We are so happy for him and know this is where the Lord wants him to be for the next 2 years.  He is thrilled to be speaking Mandarin and working with this great culture.  I’m sure it won’t be easy saying good-bye to my boy, but I’m willing to give up my son for two years, so others can be with theirs forever.

Trevor, Sophie, and Sage will miss him tons too, but they’re excited for him.

Happy Easter

Egg Hunt VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Grandma D. planned a great Easter Egg hunt with the cousins at the park, she always makes the holidays special!  Sophie gave an egg to her cousin (lower right), since he didn’t have much, sweet.  

Jump! VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

 

Designer Easter Eggs

Flashlight Easter Egg hunt, a fun new tradition my friend hosts each year.  Sophie (left), Sage (right), with their good friend from school.  It was cold this year but the kids didn’t seem to mind, they had a great time finding the eggs in the dark!  Thanks Dawnita!!

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kept it sweet & simple, I also got ties for my boys

 

Finding their baskets VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

my mom always hid our baskets when we were home, even as teenagers, so I do the same.  As long as the boys get some sort of chocolate, their happy :)

 

homemade cards from Grandma VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Grandma B. makes the best homemade cards, they are keepsakes. 

 

Great message from our bishop today at church… “Heaven won’t feel like heaven if we’re not heavenly.”  Use our time now to practice heaven on earth- how we raise our family and with our good works :)  I’m so thankful for our Savior!

Hope everyone had a delightful Easter!