Puerto Rico--1st stop

Puerto Rico is a beautiful port to pull into. As the sun was beginning to set, the kids experienced their first steps off the boat and onto foreign land. We headed inland to the nearest national park, Fort El Morro and Fort San Cristobal. We were delighted to find a festival in progress, so their hours were extended and we were able to experience some traditional Puerto Rican songs and dances. The fort was filled with spirit and we walked about the grounds. We took tiny twirly staircases and dark walkways-- kinda gave Mommy the creeps, but the kids thought it was cool.

After a few hours at the Fort, we headed back to the ship to find "The Wild" playing on the big screen pool-side. We sat and watched the end of the movie and enjoyed a bag of popcorn too! Pretty cool to watch a movie in lounge chairs, at night, nestled against the Puerto Rico city lights.

After the movie, it was off to bed. We had an early morning planned--a morning Ferry (8:00 am) to catch in St. Thomas that would take us over to the beautiful island of St. John. Snorkel fun, here we come!

To Be Continued...

To be continued! Laundry awaits. Next stop--Puerto Rico!

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!