New York, New York

We are getting ready to head to the big apple tonight! I have work to do on Friday and then Saturday and Sunday will be all fun and games!

Here's the question:

What Broadway show should we go see while we're there?

We've already seen Hairspray, but other than that we're wide open for suggestions. Thanks!

Zebras Bite

Eric promised to take me for a trip to the Glen Rose Wildlife Park and we finally got to go this month. This wildlife park is a drive through park with fields holding different kinds of animals. Most of them were hoofed and horned but there were also the cheetah and giraffe type too. Even though it was about a 2 hours drive it was well worth it. Advantages of doing this over going to the zoo in July:

1. A.C.
2. Feed animals out of your hands
3. Stand up through your sunroof
4. A.C.

We were most excited about seeing the giraffes . Here are some of the pics we got.

Okay, so yes there are signs that warn against feeding the zebra. The signs plainly state that zebras bite but according to Eric "you only live once" so HE fed the zebra. Now these suckers are excited about food. They come running up to us full speed ahead with their mind on the prize. As you can see they enjoy the AC too.

Feed Me! No Me!

Looking down at Eric through the sunroof while trying to feed the giraffes.

We were sad that the giraffes had plenty to eat when we got to them and where not interested in the food we were so eagerly offering.

One of many horned, hungry, friendly friends we met and fed along the way.

This guys was very dirty and scruffy looking.

Our thoughts: If you have kids, GO! If you have like animals, GO! If you want to do something fun, GO!

Jamaica Vacation

It seems that we have made a full loop and have ended up at the place we started two years ago. After spending some time in the Caribbean, we were drawn back to Jamaica, the paradise that started our Caribbean journeys. Jamaica is great but we especially love the Couples properties within Jamaica.


We spent a week at Couples Swept away with our friends Monnia and Michael. Monnia is my college roommate. We had a great time and loved traveling with them.

Eric learned how to wind surf which he describes as one of the physically hardest things he has ever done. I think he might have spent most of his time trying to get the sail up out of the water or trying to keep his balance on the board. He did great though.

He and Michael also enjoying learning how to take the Hobie Cat out. Micheal had been sailing before but both boys had to attend a little session on how to sail before they could take the Hobie out. After Eric got stuck in the ocean in the pouring rain his first time he had the sailing thing figured out. I'm glad I opted to sit in our hammock and read that time. :)


We also got to go to Mexico, Bahamas and the US Virgin Islands. These are the names of the spots the workers have given certain snorkeling sites. My snorkeling skills are improving and I am panicking less in water. Eric and I went snorkeling twice. We got to see all sorts of fish and coral. I think my favorite must have been the Puffer fish I saw hiding in some coral. He was not blown up but camouflaged very well and had an angry looking face. We also so a little sting ray.








We also go to see some really beautiful sunsets! This is one of the several breath taking pictures we successfully took.

One of the special things about Swept Away are the big relaxing patios with hammocks. The outdoor living space was almost as big as the indoor area. Every afternoon we had a light rain shower that you could count on like clockwork. I loved sitting in the hammock and listening to the rain hit the palm tree leaves outside our patio. Our room had slats covering most walls and that opened to the outside so we could see and hear outside . When we wanted the room to cool off we would just close the slats. Yes we did get to hear our Jamaica sounds. We let the frogs and bugs sing us to sleep every night.

Although we did a lot of relaxing we also got in some tennis. We spent an hour with a Jamaican tennis pro who had a lot of wisdom to share with us. Eric did great and didn't need quite as much help as I did. I came a long way but I had a long way to come. I am not promising that I will win any tournament any time soon but I do feel like we improved.

Overall a great trip. We are taking reservations to be stuffed in our suitcase of our next trip. Those who would like to reserve their spot should leave their wishes in the comment section.

Queen of Sticker Charts!

Due to the higher than normal demand for sticker charts and the excessive number I have made for crazed fans, I have deemed myself Queen of Sticker Charts from this day on!

What is a sticker chart you might ask? It is a visual way to track a goal in your life. Somehow, beyond what I understand (and what I thought I had grown past), these stickers seem to motivate me (and apparently many others) to meet a goal. Eric and I set a goal to get more healthy before we left for our Jamaica vacation. We would give ourselves a sticker each time we worked out each week. Our goal was 3 times a week with 2 bonus slots. We didn't really ever decide what the bonuses were for but we did get bonuses for time to time. Other happy sticker charters have made bonuses to be things like lunges or crunches. Whatever floats your boat or gets you in shape.


Since my first on a whim creation of this sticker chart, I have had many requests to make other people a chart of their own. Since the requests are so numerous, all requests for sticker charts can now be made on this blog. Shipping and handling changes may apply. :) Simply leave your request as a comment. Happy stickering!

HAPPY B-DAY ERIC!!!

Big Balloons!

Eric turned the big 27 today. Since Danny and Susan are in town right now we decided to have a little party-cookout-get together.

Mom and Dad surprised him with tons of balloons and some party hats. Susan and I baked and prepared all morning whipping up sprinkle cupcakes and apple pie. Danny volunteered to be the master cook on the grill with the dogs and burgers in honor of Eric's B-day.

Mom and Dad in full party gear eating ice cream and pie.

27 candles on sprinkle cupcakes! Eric actually blew them out before we started to sing! I would think after 27 or so parties the logistics of candle blowing would be better ingrained. :)



This is the largest singing card on the market! We all had a good time enjoying the music of the dancing chipmunks!

Who does she look more like? Her Papa or her Aunt???

It is always fun to see our families together. Little Alison also joined in on the party. This was her first adult B-day party. Happy B-day Eric! Here's to another great year!!!

Coming Home Tomorrow

Eric and I are here in Jamaica! We have had a great time at Swept Away! Monnia and Michael had to head back yesterday so Eric and I have enjoyed a couple of low key days by ourselves. We will be coming home tomorrow. Our flight leaves around 3:00. We can't wait to tell you guys about everything. Kiss Bear, Zeke and Alison for us...kiss the baby a couple of times. We love you guys!