Time with Family

This was the moment we'd all been waiting for! Together again... We took two vehicles and picked up the Brown's and Wieweck's at SeaTac Airport on Saturday morning. The lucky ones got to ride with me and get a second tour of the airport since I missed the turn and had to drive the loop again (Ha! Bet they wish they'd chosen the other driver). There was a limo in front of them at the curb and as we drove up, it drove away. I told them that I'd hired it to pick them up, but he wanted more money and so wouldn't stick around.

The weather on Saturday couldn't have been nicer. The kids had a great time playing outdoors.

Whitni swingin'

Brynne & Maddie
Maddie & Whitni - they were great pals!
Grandpa Hansen had to get out the little train he made when our kids were smaller.

Torey seemed happy to be the little caboose.

All the kids loved it! Well, except Whitni - she wasn't sure about climbing on.

Just hanging out and catching up.

Whitni sharing her M&M's with Mommy...
and Grandpa Wieweck.
Kids working in Grandpa Hansen's shop.

Sunday morning -
And I thought taking pictures of 3 kids was difficult!
The Brown Family
We told Jordan he was one of the cousins/kids and therefore a part of the picture.

He was happy to oblige. Aren't they a ca-yute bunch?!? You too, Jordan!

A huge SHOUT out to Jerry & Sue for hosting us and letting us use the Hansen Hotel for a night as well as Mom & Dad Hansen.

Thank you!!

Aunt Marge making sure she has her paperwork, etc together for their cruise.

Getting some last-minute quality time together before departure.

Silly Morgan!

We made it to the Seattle waterfront all in one piece and with all the luggage (we hope).
The baggage handler (?) was great with the kids and let them help put tags on.

We sure wish we were going to Alaska with you!

Love this picture of Momma and her chicks!

Bye everyone!!! Wait a minute - Aunt Marge, Mark & Uncle Lee -- aren't you supposed to be going, too?? You mean you're gonna let Laurie take the kids all by herself? Don't worry, we made sure everybody went! We hope everyone has great fun! Send a postcard...or call (ulp! at $5 a minute - I don't think so). We were so glad to have them for a quick weekend. Can't wait till they get back so we can hear all about their trip to Alaska!

Our Caribbean Cruise - Part 3

Wednesday - Roatan, Honduras

In Roatan, we hired a van and tour guide to take us around parts of the island to really see what it was like there. We wanted to experience a bit of the culture and see how the people lived. Fred was quite adept at negotiating our taxi and guide fees.

Fred and his mom-in-law Deanna with some of the natives in costume that were dancing for us as we came off the ship.

Many little shacks like this up on stilts. Must get quite a bit of flooding - maybe during hurricane season.
Everywhere we looked, clothes were hanging on the lines to dry.

Jenny and Jordan trying to look 'cool' in spite of the heat!

Local children going horseback riding.

A real shipwreck. Supposedly been there since the 80's. If I remember correctly, the ship was bringing lumber for the people to build homes.

The local people knew that cruise ships were stopping on this day, so this little family was set up by the side of the road selling little odds-n-ends. We bought some worthless Roatan money as a souvenir and the sweet little children picked some flowers for us women. Even though we didn't speak their language, it was amazing what expressions could communicate - especially a smile. Darling children - I just wanted to kiss and hold the baby. Would have loved to spend all day with them if we could have, even visiting their home. Brooklyn and the little girl were the same size - wonder if they were the same age? Debbie gave the children some sticks of gum and they unwrapped it and put it in their mouths as fast as they could. Must be quite a novelty to them.

The mayor's home. A bit extravagant compared to the majority of the people's. Next we stopped by an iguana farm. It turned out to be a bit of a miniature zoo.

Our dear tour guide, Reina, showing Brooklyn how to feed the iguanas. Lucky for us they're vegetarians.

Reina had seven of her own children at home on the other side of the island.

I didn't take any chances walking under a tree. They were full of iguanas. Didn't want one dropping down on top of me. No way!

Brooklyn getting friendly with a little monkey. He'd reach his hand out and hold fingers.

After viewing the animals, we could walk down to the water.

Sue and Jerry

Watching a float plane take off right in front of us.

One of many examples of sea-life we saw.

Fred, Debbie (Jolene's sis), Dick (her dad), Deanna (her mom) & Jolene.

Some of the older kids felt a little differently about snorkeling after seeing the barracuda in these waters.

Jolene and Fred contemplating the sea-life.

Ahhhhh......nothing like quenching your thirst with an ice cold soda.

Jordan, Kayla & Jenny having to drink it all so they could leave their bottles for recycling. Parrots

Neil waiting patiently for everyone to pack into the hot van.

Lots of lush foliage. Saw many banana trees (reminded me of Hawaii) and cashew trees.

Gorgeous panoramic views.

We were taken to yet another beautiful beach for some snorkeling.

Packing up to leave the beach. Jenny (center) had her hair braided by some locals.

Jordan and his usual smiling self.
Wish I knew what was amusing them...I feel left out. Think I was too busy taking a picture to catch the punch line.

Coming soon (since I obviously can't adhere to a "tomorrow" deadline): Belize, Cozumel and any other miscellaneous pictures of our cruise. There are very few left that I've taken so will beg some from other family members when possible.

May you be enjoying warm sunny weather wherever you are! Cold front moving in here today.