The Ship

After a short nights sleep in Ft. Lauderdale--our flight arrived about 2:00am there, we pushed through the humidity (Kent and I both think the worst humidity we faced the whole trip was our first day in Florida) and loaded up our crazy pile of luggage in a friendly taxi. Both kids gasped when they saw the ship in the distance as we approached the Port. "That's our ship!" Kyle yelled! Kent and I just smiled at noting the excitement found in the perspective of little eyes. Our embarkation went so easily it was remarkable. We arrived before noon and spent very little time in lines! Whaoo! We received our room keys and headed up the gangway to find the buffet lines ready to feed us. We walked about the ship a bit, and at 1:30 we were able to find our cabin. Our muster drill was well organized and over quickly--though never quickly enough. The second round of instructions in Spanish tested our patience and pores. Ft. Lauderdale humidity combined with wearing life vests isn't too comfy.

While we originally booked an ocean view room, Kent had later upgraded us to a balcony room. The BEST extra money we spent. We used it for hours each day whether to check out the ports of call or for Kent and I in the evenings. We were able to put the kids down at a decent time and still stay up just the two of us out on the balcony. We played cribbage, sipped some wine, watched the stars, organized for our next days destination and even sorted laundry while the kids were sleeping. I doubt we'll cruise again without a balcony!

Where to Start?

We have nearly 500 pictures from our cruise and a few more still to download so I am at lost as to where to even begin! We had an AMAZING trip! Adventures, countless smiles and crazy fun all wrapped into ten days of travel. It all started with a jar--the rest is Kern family history!

Bon Voyage

Twenty four hours and counting until we leave for our Cruise! Kent has our bags packed, I've got us organized, our excursions are planned and we just couldn't be more ready! Today is full of last minute this and thats--including manicures and pedicures for Karly and I. Can't wait to hit those Caribbean waters!

Bon Voyage!!!

Matching Numbers

So the scale tipped matching numbers for the Kern kids tonight. Right before heading for bed both kids jumped on to reveal a matching 56.4 pounds. Not something I think we'll see again in their lifetimes! Both kids thought it was pretty cool!

Kyle has Karly beat in height by about four inches now, but that's old news for Karly. He topped her out at 18 months and hasn't lost his reign since. She could frankly care less. She's the big sister, the fast talker and "Little Miss Information"--he adores that about her.

Summertime Mommy

I must admit that I have a true love for summer! The hot days, Kent's light schedule, no lunches to pack and no rush to school. Kyle has been sleeping almost to nine. Karly sleeping past seven. The fruits so yummy--watermelon, cherries and strawberries! Less laundry since we traded our jeans and long sleeves for shorts and tanks. Otter pops for the kids and ice cubes for Gilligan. BBQ everything and evenings outdoors. Definitely my favorite time of year!

BUT,

I am beginning to miss routine. I'm growing tired of my role as social planner --setting play dates here and driving to camps and activities there. Weird bedtimes just happen somehow (??) which lead to grumpy risings and all the questions. "Uh, the gym, again?" "Why do we have to go to Winco today?" "How many things do we have to get?" They are smart too, once I have my 20 items (my guess), they let me know and insist I said 20 and it's time to go. Mommy is finally getting brighter herself and no longer estimates items. "We're getting what we need to get. You'll find out how many items very soon." And these are good kids. GREAT kids. I can't imagine what mothers do in the summer with children who are challenging. It is interesting that keeping a "schedule" that isn't much of a "schedule" can bring about it's own challenges. But isn't that what summer is all about?

What a catch 22. The flexibility of summer is fabulous. I love doing what we decide that day to do and doing the things we can't do while school is in session. I love children who sleep in, let Mama sleep in, and who have water fights. I love hearing "Mama" throughout the day and putting band aids on ouchies. Yet, I miss my time. I miss the quiet lunch with a book or a DVR taping. I miss my writing at the computer without three interruptions per paragraph. I miss strolling through the supermarket or just stopping in at Starbucks because I have no one else to bribe or lecture along the way.

I guess this is the life of a Mommy during the summer! A role, in the end, I wouldn't trade for anything!

One Big Party

Fourth of July is one big party here! We started our day with Daddy's 5k Run. While more of a sprinter, Kent pushed himself to go the distance and actually did better than he thought coming in with a decent time just over 25 minutes. We were all there to cheer Daddy on and next year looks like it will be a family affair as Kyle wishes to run as well. Mommy will probably run/walk along side of him. As for Karly, well, she isn't showing much interest. Running is just not social enough for her!

The fourth also brings Kent's dad's birthday. Born in Canada on America's celebratory birth date, he's grow accustom to sharing his birthday wishes with the good old red, white, and blue. We spent the afternoon eating watermelon and fried chicken with the kids taking a quick dip in the neighbors pool. High heat met us here, well over 100 degrees, so ice cream was a must-have as well. !

The final party for the day was an ice cream sundae buffet held just before the sparklers were lit. You name it we had it. The cream, the toppings, the cookies and even the cherry on top! The kids were on cloud nine! After licking sticky fingers, the kids had sparkler fun. Twenty plus kids running about the court with fire in their hands. After dark, we put all of the neighborhoods fireworks together and had one spectacular showing of every color of sparkle and pop imaginable. I can't figure out why they have to be so noisy. Surely a mother didn't create the screamers!


The kids are still recovering from all the fun. We've done some extra sleeping in this week and I expect there will be more! Yay!

Cool Creations

Karly and Kyle captured the rain forest this week with their cool art creations. Using chalks, sharpies, watercolor pencils, felt tip pens and watercolors, the kids made chameleons, frogs, leopards, and parrots. This program is designed to teach them about the subjects they draw as well as new techniques and drawing skills.
Kyle's favorite drawing was his frog. Kyle wants you to know, "It was amazing as our teacher told us a whole bunch of new stuff we didn't know about the animals or art."
Karly chose her chameleon as her favorite. She shared, "I made new friends, and I really like the pictures we drew."

Drawing Camp at Monart Art Studio was a big success. Both kids would like to sign up for more art fun!