We pulled off the perfect surprise party for Tyler's 15th birthday. We took him out for supper and when we got to Martini's his friends were already there and when we walked in they yelled , "Surprise!" He admitted that we got him good.
Chase, Megan, Brynna, Tyler, Kallie,and Erin with his cake. After supper, the kids came to the house for Tyler's traditional ice cream birthday cake from DQ. After cake we gave the kids tickets to go see the movie, Fast Five. I can't believe Tyler is 15 already! The years have gone so fast.
When Tyler got home from school today a birthday package had been delivered from Rich and Andrea. He loves his ISU shirt and Scheel's gift card. It's been a great birthday month. Thank you all for making his birthday so very special.

Since our family does nothing small we continue to celebrate Tyler's 15th birthday month in a big fashion. This afternoon Grandma and Grandpa came up to share in the fun. They brought gifts of "LeBron" apparel that he absolutely loves! He loves it so much that he changed into an outfit 1 minute after opening the gifts to wear to tennis practice. After practice, they treated us to supper at Legacy. Since we love our desserts we ordered a birthday chimichanga. It was delicious! He also received cards with birthday cash in them from Hollie, Jason and Chloe,Grandma and Grandpa Devos, and Donna.

We absolutely loved our first cruise! The people, the food, the entertainment, the sights! It was all grand. I enjoyed the trip because I got to cross going to another country off my bucket list, read 2 books in 4 days, and have 4 stress free days. Most of all I enjoyed spending time with Tyler. No work, no cell phones, no xbox live, no computer. Just us 2 spending quality time together. There is so many stories that we share from our trip. 1 year ago Tyler asked if we could go on a cruise. I saved, scrimped, and scrounged to be able to afford this vacation for us. It was all worth it. The memories and the time I spent with him will be in my heart forever. I love you very much Tyler. I can't wait for our next cruise;)

Our last night on ship: a heart. We loved our service staff too!
Our table group: Dalton, Christian, Katherine, Brigett, Tyler, Pam, and Nick. They are all from Texas. Sunday night we went to the Punchliner Comedy Club to see the shows. The 2 comedians were very funny.
Yes 2 people with 4 desserts. The desserts were magnificent!!!
Sunday night at our last supper together the wait staff singing their "goodbye" song to us.
Saturday night we came back to our cabin to an elephant.
Every night at supper the wait staff would sing and dance for us.
Saying goodbye to Cozumel.
The shopping district
Outside the Ron Jon surf Shop where we picked up some souvenirs.
The water is up to our knees and we coud see our feet! We literally had fish swimming right next to us. While at the Park we also had outdoor massages, shopped, relaxed in hammocks, and of course ate.
For our excursion we picked going to the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park. The first thing Tyler wanted to do was stand in the ocean.
In the shopping district when you get off the pier we went to this tiny shop called, Fiesta Maya. There is where they make these bracelets: all by hand, all in 5 minutes, and all while answering our questions. It is truly amazing to see.
standing on the pier with the ship behind him.
A closer look at the Puerta Maya Pier.
From the 12th floor sports deck looking down. The water is sooo blue.
Our first glimpse of the Puerta Maya Pier in Cozumel, Mexico.
Saturday am we saw land!
Friday night a bunny was left on the bed.
Tyler and I both read the book, "Heaven is for Real." It is a must read!
Everyday the ship offers a "drink of the day" in a souvenir cup. Friday while relaxing and catching some rays we order drinks. It is a monkey carved out of a coconut.

Every morning we would have breakfast on the 10th floor Lido deck over looking the ocean. Our favorite was the omelet station.
This is the grand atrium in the middle of the ship.
Every night the staff came into tear down our bed while we were at supper. They also would leave a towel animal on our bed with chocolates. This is a walrus.
Friday am I got up early to workout on the 12th floor sports deck. From the treadmill this was my view.
Every evening you have the option of eating in the Windstar dining room. We chose the early option of 6:00pm. We sat with 5 other people.
Our vacation started last Thursday am. 2:23 is the time we left the house to head to Omaha to catch our 6:10am flight to Memphis. From there we connected and flew to Houston. At the bag terminal a Carnival associate was waiting for us to transfer us on a 1.5 hour bus ride to the ship off of Galveston Island.

Tyler and Darren won their first doubles match against Alex and Ileck 6-0. They played challenges against teammates due to Cherokee only having 10 players. It was good practice for all the kids to play alot of games.
Ross, Caleb, Darren, and Tyler after their doubles match. Tyler and Darren lost 1-6.

Tyler also played a singles match against Chris and won 6-2 but due to the amount of pics I'm taking latley I couldn't take a pic of them.

Celebrating Great Great Aunt Vivian's 90th Birthday! She is still sharp as a tack. Joe and her just got back from Arizona. They spend 5 months of the year down there. That's my kind of "winter break." My favorite memory of visiting Aunt Vivian when I was younger was when we stayed at my grandma and grandpas house we'd walk around the corner to Aunt Vivian's house and swing on her porch swing. She'd always bring us out cookies and we'd get to eat while we were swinging. What a treat when your 6 years old.
This morning we drove to Kingsley to celebrate Great Aunt Vivian's 90th birthday. It was so fun to see everyone and catch up. It was funny that people I haven't seen for 29 years recognized me right away. In the picture are a few of the people that gathered for the celebration. Amy, Mary, Kathy, Sherry, Vivian, Clara Belle, Tyler, Brigett, Lee Ann, Rich, Travis and Sue. I haven't heard mom called the nickname "Punky" in a while but it was fun to hear it again. It brought back the good memories of the olden days. Clara Belle told me that Mom is so much like her father. She's got his mannerisms and features. When Clara Belle sees mom she sees Grandpa in her so much. I'm glad I got to share in this special celebration.

Friday Tyler and Darren lost their match 1-6. Before the match Tyler was sitting in the car with Kallie and Darren was swinging on the park swings. Their match was coming up next and both were oblivious to the fact. Coach Kuker came up to Tyler and said, "Hey Mr. Romantic go get your boy off the swings. You're up next." Steve and I sitting in front of the car heard his comment and laughed. We're actually still laughing.....

Today, Tyler played in his first doubles tennis match at Spencer. Him and Darren lost 6-8. They both did such a good job. I'm so proud of Tyler to try a new sport. Darren is serving while Tyler waits for the return.
Tyler, Ross, Darren, Caleb

After Tyler and Darren's doubles match they joined the others to watch their teammates. Tyler is really enjoying Tennis. He didn't want anyone to watch him today except me. He is enjoying playing a sport, having fun, and not having any pressure on him. Amen!

On another note, this past weekend I went to Ankeny to see my family. Tyler wanted to stay home and hang with his friends so Steve offered the parental supervision in my absence. I left on Friday afternoon. When I was driving Steve called me and said he arrrived at the house, front door wide open, house a pig sty, and Tyler no where to be found not answering his phone calls. I was a bit nervous but I called Tyler to find out what was going on. When I spoke with Tyler he said he was at the corner of "April" and "Fools." We all had a great chuckle. Then I realized I had missed my exit and had to turn around. They had got me!!! And good!!!