Felix's Pinewood Derby Car

Check out Felix's Pinewood Derby car. It won best of show for design. His dad helped him make it.

The Cruise to Mexico with the Girls

I have wanted to go on a cruise for years but Greg has never wanted to go. So he said go with you girlfriends. We finally planned and executed. These are my dear friends I have traveled with for over 25 years. Actually our friend Marilyn, did most all the planning. I arranged a hotel for our stay in New Orleans on the way home. It was crazy to go in December, but the price was right.

We all met in New Orleans and spent the night. Angie and I flew in from Richmond and Idaho Falls and Theresa and Marilyn drove in from Birmingham , Alabama... where we met and all once lived.

We had half the first day to explore (we had all been there before) We made our way to the famous "Cafe Du Monde" for beignets (little donut type things with powdered sugar or cinnamon). And shopped a little before heading out on the cruise ship. We were gone for 5 days with port stops to Cozumel and Progresso in Mexico.We had a ball eating , eating and eating some more. The average weight gain in 10 lbs...I gained 6. Then I had to come home and lose it during the holidays. Yikes. We had a fun table at dinner every night and laughed alot. We had great shows with lots of Christmas costumes.. We were on Carnival, the party ship, and there was lots of partying going on. The ship was all decorated for Christmas which made it fun and festive. And fun for the shows too. The boat was a bit rocky for a few days and a little too big for me with my bad leg. But I survived. We were all crammed in one room with cords going everywhere for our breathing machines and fans. It was a miracle we actually fit in there with all our stuff. The ports were fun but we only had part of a day at each. Our $20 massages were a highlight:) And putting me in a wheelchair going on and coming off (which I really needed) bumped us up to the front of the line with a few extra bucks for tips.

We had a day back in New Orleans on the way home...so we shopped some more. And we did a tour of a neat old house that Marilyn had arranged. We also checked out a cool graveyard with these amazing tomb type things pictured. But the best part of the whole trip was being away from my phone for a week. Greg and I traded phones and he answered all the business calls. I haven't had a break from that for over 9 years. It was great to spend time with " the girls". I love these girls like sisters and we have the best fun in the whole world together.

We got home December 9th. Greg surprised me and had taken off 4 days to build in a giant pantry where my baker's rack was. I have wanted one for years to house my dishes. He ordered special shelves and a rolling cart for my place mats. He stayed up all night to get it done....almost made it. He has a few more things to finish. But Christmas had to come and go and he will work on in sometime in January. It was a great surprise when I walked in the door. What a good guy.

It was a little crazy pulling Christmas off this year with a week gone, but it was a great time and a memory for a lifetime. Thanks Marilyn for all your hard work planning and couponing our "deals".