Our family just returned from a fabulous week at sea
onboard Grandeur of the Seas. We had a couple of days
at sea and made a couple of stops in Mexico.

It was great to hang together as a family.
Despite two small rooms, two extra small bathrooms
and a few rambunctious college spring breakers it was delightful!
There were lots of late nights,
plenty of sleeping in, lounging poolside
with a favorite book, Ocean Kids Club until the wee hours,
shopping, nightly shows, afternoon scones, piano bar,
lots of laughs and food galore!

Our spring break vacation is officially behind us!
This cross was one of the small purchases to be declared and
Gregg has already hung it in our kitchen!
As we celebrate Easter we cannot help but feel the love
of Christ as we acknowledge and receive his sacrifice on our behalf.

Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated!
Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down!
Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is Risen, and life is liberated!
Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead;
for Christ having risen from the dead,
is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen!

John Chrysostom (349-407)

Happy Easter

Brynne says bye-bye to about 8 inches and goes short!

Gregg has gone to extreme measures
to get the ducks out of the pool.
(just kidding...sort of...)

Lacey and some of her best swim friends gather pre-banquet
for lots and lots of photos...which in the short term makes
the parents happy and in
the long term end up on Facebook!

The Mustang and the Panther proving that
although they are two high schools they really
are good friends.

It's time for the swim banquet!
So soon? Already?
Lacey's long time friend, Haley, came over
to fix Lacey's hair under the close supervision
of Capt. Jack Sparrow!

What month is it and where do I live?
This is crazy with a capital "C"!
For the 2nd time in less then a week there is snow!
Huge, wet, sticky flakes!
Jacob was filled with glee to walk across the street before hopping in my car.
He didn't share my concern about cold ears, no hat, wet clothes...
Nosireeeeeee he wanted to throw a snowball...have a snowball thrown at him...
and make snowangels in our pathetically exciting Texas March accumulation.

Jacob has enjoyed politics for the last two years.
Last year he was a student council rep at his old school.
This year he is student council president at his new school.
He has followed the presidential campaign more closely then your
average 11 year old and
can hold up his end of the political conversation quite well.
He has inquired repeatedly about the number
of "delicates" the candidates have.
A couple of months ago he took an online candidate match and
was amazed to discover thatMike Huckabee
shared Jacob's positions on issues. From that time forward Jacob had been a
die hard Huckabee supporter.

On Tuesday I heard that the Huckabee watch was going
to be at The Four Seasons
not too far from our home. Since American Idol was safely on our TIVO
season pass I asked Jacob if he wanted to go. He did and so off we went
with great enthusiasm. It is not every day you get to be
in the same room with your favorite presidential candidate...
who is dropping out of the race before your very eyes!
Poor Jacob...he wasn't anticipating that...
frankly I wasn't at the moment either...
give it a day or two... However, his disappointment was short lived
thanks to a piece of chocolate cake and a firm handshake,
warm smile and genuine greeting from Governor Huckabee.
Jacob was at the right spot at the right time and he was first to have an audience with the Governor - a truly memorable evening
that provided a tiny slice of US history up close and personal.