Chinese New Year 2022 -- Year of The Tiger!

Happy New Year!! 

It's the Year of the Tiger! 

We did celebrations a little different this year. Addy absolutely loves school and all of her teachers and all things 4th grade. 

So....we did Chinese New Year presentations for the ENTIRE FOURTH GRADE! 

We reserved the school cafeteria and 4 different stations. 

Bingo

Snacks (Popcorn with chopsticks) and Photo Booth 

Trivia 

Chinese traditions 

We had an absolute blast! 

It was so fun and the kids were wonderful!

They even did an article in the school newspaper!

 

Ava's 7th Grade Basketball

 Ava Kate's 7th Grade Basketball ended on Valentine's Day. 

They ended up finishing 4th in the district. They were amazing. I absolutely loved watching them play. They grew so much and had wonderful guidance. 

Ava started the season a little timid (what???) but truly came into her own by season end. 

Little sister had some important jobs during the games. 

She helped keep score and kept film. 

While the 7th grade girls were amazing, our 7th and 8th grade boys both WON their divisions! 

This class is going to be a force when they are in high school.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

We made it home from the cruise a day early (for basketball!) which meant this girl was able celebrate Valentine's Day at school! We sent in her box and valentines earlier because we didn't know if she would make it, but we did!

This year, she chose a chocolate chip cookie box. I think it turned out so cute! 

There is nothing quite like the day after a party and going through the loot! 

I love to read their Valentines! 

Stole some photos from her teacher!!

 

COVID Cruise, Day 7 {At Sea}

Our last official day on the ship was At Sea. 

We indulged in all of the things. 

Ice cream swans

Card Games

Towel animal class. Which Addy loved!! We bought her the little book to show the different animals and we didn't hear a peep the rest of the day. 

We booked our last dinner at the Steak House. 

It was a little too fancy for most of the party...

...But not Ava. She indulged in all of the things! 

Oysters!

It was a great vacation. We are happy to have the cruise done. It's been hanging over our heads for a few years now. Glad we had a good experience!

COVID Cruise, Day 6 {Cozumel}

Our last port was Cozumel. 

We were planning on taking a taxi to the beach but we woke up and were "all sunned out". 

We had received quite a bit of sun in Belize and the thought of another day in the sun was too much. 

So we stayed at the port and shopped. 

Followed by lunch and a couple of a few margarita stops. 

It was a very fun day followed by naps for the adults. 

Margaritas in Mexico are potent! Haha!

 

COVID Cruise, Day 5 {Belize}

While it poured rain in Honduras, we had the completely opposite weather in Belize, which was perfect. 

We had another excursion planned, Snorkeling with Sea Turtles. 

We took a shuttle to the dock and had to wait for a bit. 

We grabbed some drinks and chilled. 

Addy was completely cracking me up. She was just enjoying the moment. 

 

We boarded our boat and headed out to the snorkel spot. 

It was a long boat ride which was very bumpy. Addy didn't enjoy it too much but some snuggles with Mama cured that. 

I love their faces in snorkel gear!

No photos of the snorkeling but I am hear to tell you, it was amazing! 

It was like something out of a movie. We saw thousands of fish. Thousands. 

We also saw multiple sting rays, turtles (which were so cool!) and nurse sharks. 

John was actually able to hold one of the sharks. 

It was crazy cool! 

After snorkeling, we went to a little private island and had an amazing lunch! 

I sent this photo to Addy's teachers and told them she was sad to miss school! 

Ha!!

It was a fantastic day!!! 

One that will hold a Top Five Memory for sure!