Home Again, Home Again

After a wonderful block leave Mat and I have returned home to Ft. Riley safely. After a few delays in our travels we got back home at around 2am Monday morning.

I haven't had time yet to go through and download and edit the photos but as soon as I get to that I will get them up here.

The cruise was absolutely fantastic, Mat and I had more fun that we could have imagined. Cozumel was wonderful and warm. Grand Cayman was fun and interesting. Mat and I went SCUBA diving for the first time there. The water was warm and crystal clear. In Cozumel Mat and I went ATV riding through the Jungle. We got to stop and visit some of the Myan ruins while on our journey.

Visiting family is always a treat. I know that Mat and I always want to stay longer. It was fantastic seeing everyone and we can't wait to see everyone again.

Block Leave

Just wanted to blog a little before we leave on our vacation. On Monday we leave for an exciting trip. We are going on a cruise from Tampa, FL to Grand Cayman Islands and Cozumel Mexico. Mat and I are thrilled to be able to go. We didn't really ever get a real honeymoon so we're excited about this. After we get back from that we head up to PA and visit some of Mat's family then back down to Virginia to visit with family there and do Christmas.

Mat and I mailed off our packages to various locations around the US yesterday so now that that's taken care of and the packing of the suit cases is done we're ready to open the gifts we have for each other and we'll be ready to head out of town.

Please pray that our flights are on time and we make it to the boat without incident on Monday. Also pray that there are no pirates planning to hijack our boat.

Trust me, there will be many many pictures following our trip.

If we don't get to talk to you before Christmas, please have a safe and blessed Christmas. Remember to celebrate it not for the presents and material things, celebrate it for the birth of Christ, the ultimate gift. Merry Christmas.

Our First Christmas Season

As the Advent season begins, Mat and I have been busy getting our first Christmas season ready. Tuesday night we went and bought a Christmas tree and tried to set it up. It had to be tied to the curtain rod for a while b/c it wouldn't stay up straight. Wed. we went and bought a new stand and now it's nice and straight. We have decorated the outside of the house with a beautiful wreath (from OCSC) and icecycle lights. Poodle is reacting just like we thought she would...by eating the tree.

Tomorrow night we are headed out to an event called "Bethlehem Revisited". It's an outdoor walking tour of the nativity. I'm really excited about it. That is something I've always wanted to do.

We also hung a picture in our living room above the couch. Mat picked it out. I really like it.

We still have some things to get done like cards, wrapping gifts and packing for our cruise. I'm sure the next week will fly by and hopefully everything will get done.