2016 is here and we are looking forward to what it brings us. We returned home from a trip to WA for Dan's Auntie Barb's memorial with just enough time to watch the ball drop marking the end of 2015 and beginning of 2016. Auntie Barb was such a wonderful person who we all loved to be with when we had the chance. She is dearly missed.
Dan is working at Falconwood, I now have 2 part time jobs and Zach and Maddie are managing school very well.
Our goals for 2016 - we are wanting better health - both food and exercise. Zach wants to make the A team in basketball and Maddie wants to achieve and maintain good grades.
We are joining a 30 day clean eating challenge with www.the30clean.com - I am hoping for transformation and better lifelong habits. This will start on January 11 - wish us luck! I will be sure to write our way through this journey here.
I want nothing more than to blog here about our life together as a family unit and what we do and go through to be the best version of us we can be. I see 2016 to be a "better me project".
Hugs to all!
Friday, January 1, 2016
Monday, August 24, 2015
Here we are!
Welcome back! It's only been 4 years. Ugh! So much has happened, of course! Dan has retired from 23 yrs in the Navy and is now on his 2nd career. Kristina is 21, living in Washington state and engaged to Kole. They are looking at a June 2017 wedding. Madalyn has started 7th grade, no longer dancing but playing basketball. Zachary is 10 started 5th grade and is playing basketball as well. Myself? Well, besides being the CEO/CFO of the Haase empire, I am a consultant for thirty-one gifts, just started a part time job as a admin and being creative.
We have settled in Poway, buying our forever home. I love my home. We are tucked back in a canyon, we have a pool and privacy. It's a peaceful place that we have dreamed about. We have a wish list a mile long of all the things we want to do. I am excited to watch us transform this house into our home.
I am blessed!
We have settled in Poway, buying our forever home. I love my home. We are tucked back in a canyon, we have a pool and privacy. It's a peaceful place that we have dreamed about. We have a wish list a mile long of all the things we want to do. I am excited to watch us transform this house into our home.
I am blessed!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Day 7 - Until we meet again!
It’s the last full day on the ship and we are heading towards Castaway Cay. I woke up early this morning and got a shower and dressed and out for coffee – everyone else is still fast asleep. The sun is rising just past some clouds. I get my coffee and walk the deck 10 to grab some snap shots. I head down stairs and get everyone up – we want to be off the ship at castaway around 930 . Realizing this will be the earliest we have woken up all week! As we sit at breakfast we get the announcement that due to the high winds and rough sea, as well as a generator out for about 30 minutes – that we would not arrive to castaway and disembark until 1045am. Hmmm….what to do with the time now? We could have slept in. So we were able to get pictures with Pluto and goofy! We went and got changed and packed up and headed off the ship. This process took a little while. I think after all the weather we have had everyone wanted off and into the sun! It seemed to only be sunny on our port visit days (which did make it easier to decided what to do). It was about a 10 minute walk to the family beach. We had gotten the getaway package – snorkeling, inner tube and 1 hr bike rental. Maddie went with me and helped me get our snorkel gear. Than we hit the water – it was cold at first – but all of us were eager to try snorkeling. Zach got his mask on and put his head right in and sucked in the salt water….ooops! He was not liking that salt water. The four of us tried really hard to have him try again – but with the mouth piece and tube. Nope! He did want to do it. So he swam around with us but missed out on the all the beautiful fish and hidden treasures. It didn’t take long before maddie was cold and zach was tired – so Dan took them back to shore. Krissy and I kept on – we found a sunken submarine, tug boat and the hidden mickey. There was also a sunken plaque that read “come on in the water is a pleasure”. And I swear the fish were swimming with us.
So we had got out and had some lunch and than went on our bike ride. This was a great leisurely ride. Flat ground and beautiful views. When we got back to the beach we let the kids play more for about an hour. I also wanted to mail post cards from the post office on the island – however I had also decided to do that when we headed back to the boat. Well, the post office had closed at 2pm and it was 415p. Ugh! I was so disappointed. We got back on the ship and we all needed to shower before our last dinner.
Dinner was back at Animators Palate. We were able to say goodbye to our waiters and dinning companions. However we found out that our breakfast time was 645am….what? I haven’t been up that early all week!! Ok – we can do this – reality is around the corner.
The kids go to the kids club for one last time, Dan heads to pack in our room (all our luggage had to be out between 830-1030pm).
After the packing is done and we head over to pick out our pictures we want. It was a mad house in there!! Luckily we have been cleaning out the photos throughout the week. We get the kids out and than head to the atrium for the “Til we meet again”. All the characters come out to say goodbye. You are given 15 minutes to take pics with them and then the all go to the grand staircase and wave goodbye to you. IT was so cute! WE went and got some postcards and I found out that they will post mark them and mail them out from castaway for me next week!! YEAH!! I am so excited!!
So we order our last order of Chocolate chip cookies to the room and went fast asleep because we have to be up and out of here in 6 short hours! Ugh!!
So we had got out and had some lunch and than went on our bike ride. This was a great leisurely ride. Flat ground and beautiful views. When we got back to the beach we let the kids play more for about an hour. I also wanted to mail post cards from the post office on the island – however I had also decided to do that when we headed back to the boat. Well, the post office had closed at 2pm and it was 415p. Ugh! I was so disappointed. We got back on the ship and we all needed to shower before our last dinner.
Dinner was back at Animators Palate. We were able to say goodbye to our waiters and dinning companions. However we found out that our breakfast time was 645am….what? I haven’t been up that early all week!! Ok – we can do this – reality is around the corner.
The kids go to the kids club for one last time, Dan heads to pack in our room (all our luggage had to be out between 830-1030pm).
After the packing is done and we head over to pick out our pictures we want. It was a mad house in there!! Luckily we have been cleaning out the photos throughout the week. We get the kids out and than head to the atrium for the “Til we meet again”. All the characters come out to say goodbye. You are given 15 minutes to take pics with them and then the all go to the grand staircase and wave goodbye to you. IT was so cute! WE went and got some postcards and I found out that they will post mark them and mail them out from castaway for me next week!! YEAH!! I am so excited!!
So we order our last order of Chocolate chip cookies to the room and went fast asleep because we have to be up and out of here in 6 short hours! Ugh!!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Day 6 - Spa, Spa, Spa
I feel like I spent all day in the spa today. I was up and at my pedicure by 8am. Time to get my Minnie mouse dots off and back to a solid color. While I was there – I decided to try out a detox program – which meant I would be back at 1245am. I met up with Dan and the kids at breakfast. Its quite rocky and raining and gray again today – which could be good – cause than we are not torn between pool and the kids club. The kids and I went to find a crew member to trade pins with and I slipped and fell on the deck…my entire hind end was soaking wet – but zach got to trade pins! Back to the room to change and figure out the plan for the day. Dan and I had a couple choice at the spa at 3pm.
Zach wanted to go to kids club – maddie & Krissy wanted to go see the movie tangled. So we checked zach in and the 4 of us went and saw the movie. It was adorable and in 3D. Maddie then headed to kids club. I headed to the spa and Dan got some much needed quiet time. Krissy hung out in the room for a bit.
After the spa I found Dan and we checked on the kids – it was almost time for us to head to the spa together. They were cooking with ratatouille – chocolate chip cookies. They had just learned how to be army men with one of the soldiers from toy story (dan and I ran into one of the soldiers in the hall). They were having so much fun and didn’t seem bothered that they were in there. yeah!
Our couples choice spa time: WOW! Is all I have to say. We got into our warm cozy robes and were taken to a large room with a deck that had a hot tub for 2 and a lounge for 2 on in. We both decided to have a hot stone massage with a mini facial. So Katie and Stephanie (both from the UK) took us out to the deck and gave us an invigorating foot scrub than we got to soak in the tub for 30 minutes. By now the weather had lighten up and the water was so blue and all we looked out on was the sea. They took us inside and began our massages. Amazing is all dan and I could say. And the facial was perfect. Now we got to head out to the lounge bed out on the deck where they served us tea and fruit and chocolate covered strawberries. I actually got emotional – not only was this a treat for us – but we rarely get this kind of time together. With no family around we rely on each other to cover the kids and it was so romantic and peaceful to be just sitting the two us quietly. This was a total of 2.5 hours long. ahhhhhhh
Now – tonight was semi formal night – and we were crunched for time. So we rushed to our room, got the kids and changed in record time. We were 30 minutes late for dinner. But our servers were great about it. We were dining for the last time in the fancy restaurant Lumieres. We had a marvelous dinner and headed out to the show. It was called Disney dreams. It had a little bit of all the Disney stories – it was incredible! I had to take pictures – it was like sitting at a broadway show! I have no idea where they keep all the stage props on this boat - its truly a production.
After that it was bed time – we want the kids’ to be rested because we are to be in castaway cay tomorrow and want to get off early. So rest is required. It hard to believe that we will be home in just a day! Wow - this time here went so fast.
Zach wanted to go to kids club – maddie & Krissy wanted to go see the movie tangled. So we checked zach in and the 4 of us went and saw the movie. It was adorable and in 3D. Maddie then headed to kids club. I headed to the spa and Dan got some much needed quiet time. Krissy hung out in the room for a bit.
After the spa I found Dan and we checked on the kids – it was almost time for us to head to the spa together. They were cooking with ratatouille – chocolate chip cookies. They had just learned how to be army men with one of the soldiers from toy story (dan and I ran into one of the soldiers in the hall). They were having so much fun and didn’t seem bothered that they were in there. yeah!
Our couples choice spa time: WOW! Is all I have to say. We got into our warm cozy robes and were taken to a large room with a deck that had a hot tub for 2 and a lounge for 2 on in. We both decided to have a hot stone massage with a mini facial. So Katie and Stephanie (both from the UK) took us out to the deck and gave us an invigorating foot scrub than we got to soak in the tub for 30 minutes. By now the weather had lighten up and the water was so blue and all we looked out on was the sea. They took us inside and began our massages. Amazing is all dan and I could say. And the facial was perfect. Now we got to head out to the lounge bed out on the deck where they served us tea and fruit and chocolate covered strawberries. I actually got emotional – not only was this a treat for us – but we rarely get this kind of time together. With no family around we rely on each other to cover the kids and it was so romantic and peaceful to be just sitting the two us quietly. This was a total of 2.5 hours long. ahhhhhhh
Now – tonight was semi formal night – and we were crunched for time. So we rushed to our room, got the kids and changed in record time. We were 30 minutes late for dinner. But our servers were great about it. We were dining for the last time in the fancy restaurant Lumieres. We had a marvelous dinner and headed out to the show. It was called Disney dreams. It had a little bit of all the Disney stories – it was incredible! I had to take pictures – it was like sitting at a broadway show! I have no idea where they keep all the stage props on this boat - its truly a production.
After that it was bed time – we want the kids’ to be rested because we are to be in castaway cay tomorrow and want to get off early. So rest is required. It hard to believe that we will be home in just a day! Wow - this time here went so fast.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Day 5 - St Thomas
Another warm and beautiful day. We woke up already anchored in St. Thomas. There were 6 cruise ships in port today. We were the only cruise ship tendered out in the bay. Our excursion today was Coral world Ocean Park. This was something we chose for Zach. And it was a good idea. The poor boy is so tired of the princess this and princess that – oh and lets stand in line to take a picture with princess Minnie. Once we got to the pier there was a small “market” that we went to and Krissy, maddie and I got a dress and zach and tropical shirt. Dan got some marble carved turtles.
So we get to this “coral world” (which sounded a lot like a aquarium in the description) it’s small but we don’t have a lot of time on our hands. The first sign I see is – “do not feed the Iguanas”…..hmmm I am wondering – isn’t this about fish? Well, you know how its usually “don’t feed the squirrels or don’t feed the sea gulls” back home – here it is the pesky iguana! They were everywhere. So of course I got lots of pictures of them. And Dan was able to pet one! We saw the biggest, most beautiful sea turtles I have ever seen in water to crystal clear. Sharks and sting rays. We happen to catch feeding time so we got to see them get excited and swim around. We than almost missed out ride back to the boat – not to worry we made it – last ones on! The driver took us around to megans bay and a look out over where the ship was anchored. Zach and I were lucky enough to sit next to our Disney cruise line tour guide. His name is Brad and this was his first time working on the boat – he has always been on Castaway Cay. So we got some great tips from him about things to do there.
We get back to the boat and we are hungry, tired and hot. We come to the room and rest. The kids and I ran up one deck and got some food and brought it back – but we just hung out here. Dan and I had our reservation at Palo’s tonight at 8 so we wanted the kids to rest before going to the kids club.
The kids went up and traded pins with some of the crew and then we checked them into the kids club in time for goofys pajama party.
Dan and I had a great dinner together. I was stuffed! We headed back down and checked out the shops again and then got the kids. Maddie was excited because Tiana, belle and aurora all came into the kids club. They also got to color pillow cases. We are now back in our room heading to bed. Tomorrow is a day at sea! Chance of rain……..hmmmm
So we get to this “coral world” (which sounded a lot like a aquarium in the description) it’s small but we don’t have a lot of time on our hands. The first sign I see is – “do not feed the Iguanas”…..hmmm I am wondering – isn’t this about fish? Well, you know how its usually “don’t feed the squirrels or don’t feed the sea gulls” back home – here it is the pesky iguana! They were everywhere. So of course I got lots of pictures of them. And Dan was able to pet one! We saw the biggest, most beautiful sea turtles I have ever seen in water to crystal clear. Sharks and sting rays. We happen to catch feeding time so we got to see them get excited and swim around. We than almost missed out ride back to the boat – not to worry we made it – last ones on! The driver took us around to megans bay and a look out over where the ship was anchored. Zach and I were lucky enough to sit next to our Disney cruise line tour guide. His name is Brad and this was his first time working on the boat – he has always been on Castaway Cay. So we got some great tips from him about things to do there.
We get back to the boat and we are hungry, tired and hot. We come to the room and rest. The kids and I ran up one deck and got some food and brought it back – but we just hung out here. Dan and I had our reservation at Palo’s tonight at 8 so we wanted the kids to rest before going to the kids club.
The kids went up and traded pins with some of the crew and then we checked them into the kids club in time for goofys pajama party.
Dan and I had a great dinner together. I was stuffed! We headed back down and checked out the shops again and then got the kids. Maddie was excited because Tiana, belle and aurora all came into the kids club. They also got to color pillow cases. We are now back in our room heading to bed. Tomorrow is a day at sea! Chance of rain……..hmmmm
Day 4 - EXHAUSTED!!
Ok I never thought I would be this tired on vacation. There is so much to do and now we are in port – St Maarten!
We woke up this morning to no rocking! Oh yeah – we were suppose to arrive in St. Maarten. Yeah! I look out our deck and for the first time in 3 days I see land. The kids still sleeping and our excursion not until 1130am – we had plenty of time. We all got up around 830 and headed to breakfast. We than changed and headed to the pool with the kids. It was great – we got some lounge chairs right in front and the kids were happy using the side and playing in Mickey’s Pool. We grabbed some lunch there and then headed to our meeting place for our excursion. We were doing the “Afternoon Beach Bash”.
We were taken to a beach on the French Side of the island. We drove straight into gray clouds. As we got off the bus it was raining. Well, at least it was warm outside. We found a couple lounge chairs with an umbrella and maddie went straight for the water and zach for the sand – krissy went for a lounge chair and laid out…..in the rain – good thing she likes it! Dan is not feeling all that well – nothing I should discuss here. So he sat by zach for a bit and than in the lounge. I hung out in the waist deep warm sea water with maddie. I met a really nice Lady named Kerry. She and her son and daughter were playing with Maddie in the water. Her husband has MS and is in a wheelchair. He sat up in the sand waiting for when his son wanted to play in the sand. Wow – how humbling! It was 2 great hours fighting the current and making sure Maddie didn’t get swept away.
We got back on board and are exhausted – but wait – it’s Pirate Night!! So we all get our costumes on – inlcluding Zach and head to dinner. They had cute bandana’s for us at the table. Dan looked the part – thanks to some friends that loaned us their pirate gear. From there we headed up for the Pirates of the Caribbean deck party. Now this didn’t start until 930pm. Zach doesn’t like the loud music etc and Maddie had a headache. There is a lot of bickering going on too. So to our room we went. I did stay to get some pictures. We were all asleep in bed by 1030pm. EXHAUSTED!
We woke up this morning to no rocking! Oh yeah – we were suppose to arrive in St. Maarten. Yeah! I look out our deck and for the first time in 3 days I see land. The kids still sleeping and our excursion not until 1130am – we had plenty of time. We all got up around 830 and headed to breakfast. We than changed and headed to the pool with the kids. It was great – we got some lounge chairs right in front and the kids were happy using the side and playing in Mickey’s Pool. We grabbed some lunch there and then headed to our meeting place for our excursion. We were doing the “Afternoon Beach Bash”.
We were taken to a beach on the French Side of the island. We drove straight into gray clouds. As we got off the bus it was raining. Well, at least it was warm outside. We found a couple lounge chairs with an umbrella and maddie went straight for the water and zach for the sand – krissy went for a lounge chair and laid out…..in the rain – good thing she likes it! Dan is not feeling all that well – nothing I should discuss here. So he sat by zach for a bit and than in the lounge. I hung out in the waist deep warm sea water with maddie. I met a really nice Lady named Kerry. She and her son and daughter were playing with Maddie in the water. Her husband has MS and is in a wheelchair. He sat up in the sand waiting for when his son wanted to play in the sand. Wow – how humbling! It was 2 great hours fighting the current and making sure Maddie didn’t get swept away.
We got back on board and are exhausted – but wait – it’s Pirate Night!! So we all get our costumes on – inlcluding Zach and head to dinner. They had cute bandana’s for us at the table. Dan looked the part – thanks to some friends that loaned us their pirate gear. From there we headed up for the Pirates of the Caribbean deck party. Now this didn’t start until 930pm. Zach doesn’t like the loud music etc and Maddie had a headache. There is a lot of bickering going on too. So to our room we went. I did stay to get some pictures. We were all asleep in bed by 1030pm. EXHAUSTED!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Pictures
I am not able to post pictures because the satellite is too slow and errors out every single time. I will post as soon as I can - we could have free internet in the morning once we are in port. I will see - that what we heard.
Day 2 - Sun + Fun!! Happy Valentines Day!
First of all – we (ok - me – Jan) didn’t even wake up until 820am. Then of course I had to wake Dan to tell him how late it was. Poor guy! Zach was up shortly after, but Maddie was not up until 930a and krissy until after 1130am – she didn’t get in until 2am though…..teens! Guess she hasn’t had a problem making friends! The sun is out the sailing is much smoother and it looks like it will be a great day.
So I headed off to get a good breakfast and to the scrapbooking session. I then met back up with Dan and the kids to have brunch with them and to hold our spot in line to see 4 of the princesses (Tiana, Aurora, snow white and Belle). We ended up close to the front and got Krissy down to get in the pictures with them. Zach is tired of seeing all the “girly” characters so he and Dan headed back to the room. As the girls and I finish with the princesses we see Alice and the Queen of hearts. We headed upstairs to them and ended up also getting pics with Peter Pan. The queen and Alice we hilarious, the queen purposely dropped the pen cap, was upset that Maddie’s shirt said “If you think I am cute you should see my grammy” and not “the queen of hearts”. She ruffled Krissy’s hair too.
After all that excitement we all changed and headed to the pool……and to our surprise so did the other 500 passengers….wow was it a bit crazy. None of us had any sun until today so of course everyone went to the pool. We stayed there for about an hour and head back to get ready for the show. We thought it would be good to try the early showing (2pm) and that would open up our evening. We saw Twice Charmed – a twisted tail of Cinderella. Loved it! So did the kids. Krissy and maddie sat on the edge of their seats.
After the show we changed for Tea with Alice. We got to learn how to properly have Tea from Alice in Wonderland. There was maybe only 50 people total. So it made it intimate. We also got pictures and autographs. We got to enjoy apple juice and chocolate chip cookies. So much fun!
From there we changed (yes again) for dinner. Finally able to enjoy the whole dinner. None of us sick from the rocking, nowhere to rush off to. We got to know the family sharing our table with us and Cornwall and Bojan (our table host) showed us some tricks with our wine bottles and gave us some tips for our port in St Maarten tomorrow. We even brought some dessert back to the room.
The kids came back and got into their pajamas for Plutos pajama party at the Oceaneers club. Krissy went to hang out with the teens and Dan and I got to enjoy some Adult comedy in the Rockin’ D Bar.
When we wake up tomorrow we will be in St Maarten. We are doing the afternoon Beach Bash tour. 3 hours. But who know if we will decide to explore more on our own.
I was thrilled to have the sun today. We will see what tomorrow brings – its 1203am now. Phew! I am beat!
So I headed off to get a good breakfast and to the scrapbooking session. I then met back up with Dan and the kids to have brunch with them and to hold our spot in line to see 4 of the princesses (Tiana, Aurora, snow white and Belle). We ended up close to the front and got Krissy down to get in the pictures with them. Zach is tired of seeing all the “girly” characters so he and Dan headed back to the room. As the girls and I finish with the princesses we see Alice and the Queen of hearts. We headed upstairs to them and ended up also getting pics with Peter Pan. The queen and Alice we hilarious, the queen purposely dropped the pen cap, was upset that Maddie’s shirt said “If you think I am cute you should see my grammy” and not “the queen of hearts”. She ruffled Krissy’s hair too.
After all that excitement we all changed and headed to the pool……and to our surprise so did the other 500 passengers….wow was it a bit crazy. None of us had any sun until today so of course everyone went to the pool. We stayed there for about an hour and head back to get ready for the show. We thought it would be good to try the early showing (2pm) and that would open up our evening. We saw Twice Charmed – a twisted tail of Cinderella. Loved it! So did the kids. Krissy and maddie sat on the edge of their seats.
After the show we changed for Tea with Alice. We got to learn how to properly have Tea from Alice in Wonderland. There was maybe only 50 people total. So it made it intimate. We also got pictures and autographs. We got to enjoy apple juice and chocolate chip cookies. So much fun!
From there we changed (yes again) for dinner. Finally able to enjoy the whole dinner. None of us sick from the rocking, nowhere to rush off to. We got to know the family sharing our table with us and Cornwall and Bojan (our table host) showed us some tricks with our wine bottles and gave us some tips for our port in St Maarten tomorrow. We even brought some dessert back to the room.
The kids came back and got into their pajamas for Plutos pajama party at the Oceaneers club. Krissy went to hang out with the teens and Dan and I got to enjoy some Adult comedy in the Rockin’ D Bar.
When we wake up tomorrow we will be in St Maarten. We are doing the afternoon Beach Bash tour. 3 hours. But who know if we will decide to explore more on our own.
I was thrilled to have the sun today. We will see what tomorrow brings – its 1203am now. Phew! I am beat!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Day 2- gray rocky day at sea
Well, the kids and I are learning what it is like to have sea legs. This boat is rocking ALOT! Even the crew is telling us this is worse than normal. Dan is right at home. :) Today was busy but relaxing. The kids and Dan had a Character breakfast at 8am - I had a manicure. But I was able to meet up with them late. The wait staff made silly hats for everyone out of napkins, cups and silver plate covers. It was hilarious to walk in on. Than the kids went up to the "lab"...we did not see them until 3pm!! They made flubber, cooked cookies with ratatouille and had lunch with new friends. We would check in on them and they didnt want to leave. Kristina and I went and played bingo - Dan went and took a nap than Kristina headed up to the "vibe" to play cards with other teens - so Dan and I went and had a coffee on deck (they provided blanket for those of us crazy enough to sit out there) together. We went and worked out together and came back got ready and had lunch - just the 2 of us. So nice. Wondered around some shops and made our way to "shutters" to check out our pictures the ship staff had taken. Than back to get the kids and rest in our room. Tonight was formal night and we all looked the part. Zach cried as he got dressed but he got it together long enough for us to make it to dinner on time. I am feeling a bit "out of it" I am not sure if its all this swaying or if its being overly tired? Not that I feel sick - not sure - so I had a lite dinner and skipped desert. But no worries - there's a ice cream machine on the upper deck that you can help yourself too. Dan had a massage after dinner- no not by me - at the spa! He says its been a long time since he had a massage like that. He is a noodle. He met me and the kids at the Show - "Villians Tonight". All about the disney villians. It was spectular. After it was over we headed back to the room and changed for the pool. The kids enjoyed that pool as is sloshed from one end to the other. It didnt even phase them. We came back here and changed - its now midnight and sleeping in tomorrow is a must. Should be easy to do since we have no scheduled breakfast to be at. Oh - but there is scrapbooking!! Yes you heard me correct! I am excited - not sure Dan is. Good night!!
Day 1 - let the Magic begin!
We were up earlier than I thought. We had to have our bads ready for pick up. We headed down to the atruim of the hotel and into the shoping area of the airport to get some "breakfast". For the first time ever my kids refused McDonalds! Huh - who would ahve thought? I personally think its because they werent getting a "toy" with breakfast. However I talked them into some pancakes with sausage and thank goodness for Starbucks. The famiyl was happy. We were able to sit still for a little bit before heading to the "Disney Magical Express".
We made our way the the check in counter and onto and bus with windows just like large port holes. IT would be a 50 minute ride to the port. They kept us entertained with trivia questions, short cartoons and a short movie of the boat we would be cruising on.
We made it to the port and once up stairs we saw Mickey first thing!! And Pluto came out next. We had to wait for our boarding group which thankfully was #6. We walked up the gang way (which was a large yellow mickey head) They took our picture and than annouced to the entire ship "Welcome Haase Family". Ok - I cried - I was so over whelmed that we were there and really going on this cruise.
Although our room was not ready for another 2 hours we headed up stairs by a pool and had pizza. Maddie ate 4 pieces - Zach -1. Dan and I enjoyed a bahama mama!! Now - thats a great start to a vacation! We headed to the oceaneers Lab and Club and got the kids checked in and got their bracelets on.
We roamed around the boat some more and got into our room around 130. Our luggage would not come til around 5pm. So we decorated our room and headed up for a late lunch at Top siders beach blanket buffet. Even the water cups had mickey heads on them.
We had our emergency drill at 4pm and than headed straight to goofy's pool stage for the "kick off party". Now this was fun. We danced with the kids, they us all streemers to shake around. And they brought out all the characters! We staryed and danced a bit more (although Zach was in Dans arms almost the entire time) and Maddie got right up there and danced with Daisy Duck! We had tocome back down to the room and get ready for dinner at 545.
Tonight we ate at Animators Palate. We have a nice family from Canada dinning with us. This dinning room is made to start out as black and white and turn into a colorful palate with lots of Disney pictures on the walls coming to life. After Dinner we checked the kids in at the oceaneers kids club and Dan, Krissy and I did some shopping. But we only had 45 minutes before we checked them out of the club and headed to the show.
the show was about a young boy who was going on a disney cruise and wanted to be a captain some day. They also had a couple of the comedians there to give you a sample of their show that you could go see later in the week.
We had 2 very tired kids and so we headed back to our room and ordered milk and cookies for all! After all - it was 1045p!! And we have our character breakfast at 8am tomorrow!! What a fanatastic day!
We made our way the the check in counter and onto and bus with windows just like large port holes. IT would be a 50 minute ride to the port. They kept us entertained with trivia questions, short cartoons and a short movie of the boat we would be cruising on.
We made it to the port and once up stairs we saw Mickey first thing!! And Pluto came out next. We had to wait for our boarding group which thankfully was #6. We walked up the gang way (which was a large yellow mickey head) They took our picture and than annouced to the entire ship "Welcome Haase Family". Ok - I cried - I was so over whelmed that we were there and really going on this cruise.
Although our room was not ready for another 2 hours we headed up stairs by a pool and had pizza. Maddie ate 4 pieces - Zach -1. Dan and I enjoyed a bahama mama!! Now - thats a great start to a vacation! We headed to the oceaneers Lab and Club and got the kids checked in and got their bracelets on.
We roamed around the boat some more and got into our room around 130. Our luggage would not come til around 5pm. So we decorated our room and headed up for a late lunch at Top siders beach blanket buffet. Even the water cups had mickey heads on them.
We had our emergency drill at 4pm and than headed straight to goofy's pool stage for the "kick off party". Now this was fun. We danced with the kids, they us all streemers to shake around. And they brought out all the characters! We staryed and danced a bit more (although Zach was in Dans arms almost the entire time) and Maddie got right up there and danced with Daisy Duck! We had tocome back down to the room and get ready for dinner at 545.
Tonight we ate at Animators Palate. We have a nice family from Canada dinning with us. This dinning room is made to start out as black and white and turn into a colorful palate with lots of Disney pictures on the walls coming to life. After Dinner we checked the kids in at the oceaneers kids club and Dan, Krissy and I did some shopping. But we only had 45 minutes before we checked them out of the club and headed to the show.
the show was about a young boy who was going on a disney cruise and wanted to be a captain some day. They also had a couple of the comedians there to give you a sample of their show that you could go see later in the week.
We had 2 very tired kids and so we headed back to our room and ordered milk and cookies for all! After all - it was 1045p!! And we have our character breakfast at 8am tomorrow!! What a fanatastic day!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Arrived in Orlando!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
back at it again!! There must be something on the horizon?
So here I am agian! another almost 2 years later - posting! I even struggled to be able to sign in! I am hoping to be able to keep up with this a little better. I also want to record our newest adventure - A Disney Cruise-7 day eastern carribean!! We leave this coming Friday and are so excited. I will be re-sending this link to our families so that they can see what we are up to if they want. This will be a vacation of a lifetime! I am rushing around to get this prepared. I made the kids autograph books, journals and all the decorations for our door to our room. hopefully I wont be so tired that I sleep through our vacation - ha! Ok - now that I got back on and I can post here again - I will keep it all updated. Good night - for now! xoxo
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Time to start over....
it's been almost a year since I have posted here and I have been inspired by my friend to update and keep it updated. :) She shares so much on hers and it helps to keep me connected to her.
We are now in Monterey CA and my kids are all about to start school. Kristina will be starting High school and Maddie will start Kindergarten - ohhhhh. Zach will be in pre-school M/W/F 9-12 - so I will still have one here with me for the next 2 years. Ahhh......
Dan is going to school to. He is in the Systems Engineering class at NPS (Naval Post Graduate School). He has started up basketball again and is looking for a softball team. He seems to be up late working on homework and we dont seem to have much time together just the 2 of us. But we will find our groove here and find that time (we may have to make the time).
I am still unpacking a few of the boxes we have left here and trying to get my scrapbooking space setup in the garage. Then I will need to work on getting my business back up and running. I have had 1 lady contact me about CM - which is exciting.
Blog you later......
We are now in Monterey CA and my kids are all about to start school. Kristina will be starting High school and Maddie will start Kindergarten - ohhhhh. Zach will be in pre-school M/W/F 9-12 - so I will still have one here with me for the next 2 years. Ahhh......
Dan is going to school to. He is in the Systems Engineering class at NPS (Naval Post Graduate School). He has started up basketball again and is looking for a softball team. He seems to be up late working on homework and we dont seem to have much time together just the 2 of us. But we will find our groove here and find that time (we may have to make the time).
I am still unpacking a few of the boxes we have left here and trying to get my scrapbooking space setup in the garage. Then I will need to work on getting my business back up and running. I have had 1 lady contact me about CM - which is exciting.
Blog you later......
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Wednesday August 22, 2007
Today we were not up until 8am!!! Ahhhh.....this is the life. Got up and got the coffee going - Dan went to the gym to lift weights. Soon papapa got up and Krissy was wakened because....well her bed is a Murphy bed in the living room. Lucky her! And soon after Zach, Maddie and Mamama were up too! It was a beautiful morning. The sun was out - no marine layer existed and the heat was incredible. Krissy and I ran to the Mini Mart and got a few breakfast supplies and we got breakfast going. We were at the pool by 10am again - and you could just tell by the heat outside that it was going to be hot!! Today is Krissy's first day of school too!
Papapa stayed up in the room for a little while - but he soon joined all of us. Dan and Krissy played water volleyball most of the morning and Mamama and I were with the kids. I had a Chi-Chi by 10:30 am.....boy - this is the life - you just swim up to the bar and order!! :) I am thinking I should put a pool in at home??? Of course with a swim up bar!!
Maddie was grumpy and stopped listening and was not being nice to her "friends" so I promptly took her and Zach up to the room...Krissy joined us followed by Mamama - and the kids were STARVING!! Of course it was 12:55 - no wonder! Boy time sure does fly when you are having fun. Daddy was still into his volleyball game - but came up shortly. There was strong odor of "paint fumes" in our room and I called down to the front desk to ask how to air out the room - since the kids would be napping. Dan grabbed a bite to eat and headed back down to the pool - papapa was there and holding our "spot" around the pool. Mamama and I got the kids down for a nap and Krissy and I went back down to the pool. Dan was playing poolside BINGO and it was 2:30pm....30 minutes to happy hour...2 for 1 chi-chi's for me!! :) Dan then joined in on a Texas hold 'em poker game... I still haven't asked how he did.
I went up at about 4pm to check on Mamama and the kids since we never did hear back from the front desk. All was good...I did take her a Chi-Chi to enjoy! Kids were still asleep so I went back down and got papapa, Dan and Krissy and all the gear to go up and start dinner.
We had Cornish game hens with rice, corn and peaches. Dan did a wonderful job....he is really sun burned and miserable - but he made dinner for all of us. We went for a "night swim". This is were we go when the pool is no longer in the sun and we swim until the lights come on in the pool. The kids love this....it's so fun to point out to them that the lights come on - they really light up. Zach had his first pool side "accident".....but thank goodness it wasn't in the pool. the couples there got a chuckle out of him putting his knees together and whimpering as he wet his swim trunks....but the sweet little guy wanted to go up to the room as soon as that happened. Dan took him up and got him ready for bed. Krissy, papapa and I played some water volleyball. We all headed up stairs - it was 9pm......another 2 hours at the pool.
Today was so hot that you couldn't step on the stones around the pool without feeling as if you were burning your feet. But to look around at the beauty and see the moon in it fullness shine down was breath taking. Another day with family that could never be forgotten.
Papapa stayed up in the room for a little while - but he soon joined all of us. Dan and Krissy played water volleyball most of the morning and Mamama and I were with the kids. I had a Chi-Chi by 10:30 am.....boy - this is the life - you just swim up to the bar and order!! :) I am thinking I should put a pool in at home??? Of course with a swim up bar!!
Maddie was grumpy and stopped listening and was not being nice to her "friends" so I promptly took her and Zach up to the room...Krissy joined us followed by Mamama - and the kids were STARVING!! Of course it was 12:55 - no wonder! Boy time sure does fly when you are having fun. Daddy was still into his volleyball game - but came up shortly. There was strong odor of "paint fumes" in our room and I called down to the front desk to ask how to air out the room - since the kids would be napping. Dan grabbed a bite to eat and headed back down to the pool - papapa was there and holding our "spot" around the pool. Mamama and I got the kids down for a nap and Krissy and I went back down to the pool. Dan was playing poolside BINGO and it was 2:30pm....30 minutes to happy hour...2 for 1 chi-chi's for me!! :) Dan then joined in on a Texas hold 'em poker game... I still haven't asked how he did.
I went up at about 4pm to check on Mamama and the kids since we never did hear back from the front desk. All was good...I did take her a Chi-Chi to enjoy! Kids were still asleep so I went back down and got papapa, Dan and Krissy and all the gear to go up and start dinner.
We had Cornish game hens with rice, corn and peaches. Dan did a wonderful job....he is really sun burned and miserable - but he made dinner for all of us. We went for a "night swim". This is were we go when the pool is no longer in the sun and we swim until the lights come on in the pool. The kids love this....it's so fun to point out to them that the lights come on - they really light up. Zach had his first pool side "accident".....but thank goodness it wasn't in the pool. the couples there got a chuckle out of him putting his knees together and whimpering as he wet his swim trunks....but the sweet little guy wanted to go up to the room as soon as that happened. Dan took him up and got him ready for bed. Krissy, papapa and I played some water volleyball. We all headed up stairs - it was 9pm......another 2 hours at the pool.
Today was so hot that you couldn't step on the stones around the pool without feeling as if you were burning your feet. But to look around at the beauty and see the moon in it fullness shine down was breath taking. Another day with family that could never be forgotten.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Tuesday August 21st - Cabo
Well today was a great day. We started off by not getting up until 7:45am - and well - that was just me. :) I made coffee and headed out to the deck to journal. There was a marine layer that cover the view of the ocean, but none the less the view was beautiful. The rest of us stirred soon after. We slowly moved on to breakfast and got ready to head to the pool. We did decide to head to "lovers Island" on Thursday. A small island where one side has rough water and the other is smooth.
We got to the pool and secured a spot under the umbrella's by the kiddo pool. Dan is feeling a little better today so he got in with us too. Krissy and Maddie painted today at the wagon. All us girls got ankle bracelets and Zach found a turtle whistle. We swam for about 2 1/2 hours and then Mamama took Zach up for lunch and Dan headed up with Maddie about a half hour later. Krissy and I stayed down and swam and laid out in the sun the rest of the afternoon. There was a boy there in the afternoon that was checking Krissy out - I cant believe that we are at that point already. Happy Hour came and mommy got here Chi-Chi's. Krissy had her Mango smoothie.....it's 2 for 1 - cant beat it right? Mamama came down around 5pm and we decided to pack up and get ready for the "Fiesta Night" at Mama Mia's - we had made reservations to attend - Maddie was still asleep - so there was not going to be any afternoon swims for them. Krissy had been playing water volleyball with some girls - so she decided to stop and come up and get ready with us. I was glad to see her have some girls her age to hang out with.
We all got ready and headed to the fiesta. We got a group picture that turned out beautiful and the food was wonderful.....or Fabulous as mamama puts it! :) They had a great DJ and MC - the kids got to bat at a pinata and they had some traditional dances. I took Zach up early since I was worried at how hot he was...Zach and I did get to see the fireworks from our balcony - but we missed out on Daddy and Maddie dancing for everyone at the fiesta. The MC had many "dance compettions" and so Maddie went to daddy and told him she wanted to dance on stage....when they got there everyone left.....leaving Dan and Maddie there dancing together with a older couple. Krissy rushed and got some pictures - but I am disappointed to have missed it. Maddie got a "prize" like all the dancers too! Well - they are all up in bed so I better sign off and we will see what tomorrow brings. We are blessed to have such opportunities to do things like this... and to have family to travel and enjoy life with. God Bless!
We got to the pool and secured a spot under the umbrella's by the kiddo pool. Dan is feeling a little better today so he got in with us too. Krissy and Maddie painted today at the wagon. All us girls got ankle bracelets and Zach found a turtle whistle. We swam for about 2 1/2 hours and then Mamama took Zach up for lunch and Dan headed up with Maddie about a half hour later. Krissy and I stayed down and swam and laid out in the sun the rest of the afternoon. There was a boy there in the afternoon that was checking Krissy out - I cant believe that we are at that point already. Happy Hour came and mommy got here Chi-Chi's. Krissy had her Mango smoothie.....it's 2 for 1 - cant beat it right? Mamama came down around 5pm and we decided to pack up and get ready for the "Fiesta Night" at Mama Mia's - we had made reservations to attend - Maddie was still asleep - so there was not going to be any afternoon swims for them. Krissy had been playing water volleyball with some girls - so she decided to stop and come up and get ready with us. I was glad to see her have some girls her age to hang out with.
We all got ready and headed to the fiesta. We got a group picture that turned out beautiful and the food was wonderful.....or Fabulous as mamama puts it! :) They had a great DJ and MC - the kids got to bat at a pinata and they had some traditional dances. I took Zach up early since I was worried at how hot he was...Zach and I did get to see the fireworks from our balcony - but we missed out on Daddy and Maddie dancing for everyone at the fiesta. The MC had many "dance compettions" and so Maddie went to daddy and told him she wanted to dance on stage....when they got there everyone left.....leaving Dan and Maddie there dancing together with a older couple. Krissy rushed and got some pictures - but I am disappointed to have missed it. Maddie got a "prize" like all the dancers too! Well - they are all up in bed so I better sign off and we will see what tomorrow brings. We are blessed to have such opportunities to do things like this... and to have family to travel and enjoy life with. God Bless!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
On our way to Cabo!!
August 18th - 5am
Dan sets his alarm so that he can go for a run before getting ready to head to airport. However when the time comes - he pushes "snooze" until about 5:45am when he decides that traveling with 3 kids to Mexico would need all of his "energy" to accomplish. :)
We get to airport about 8am and get checked in. We traveled "lite" so 3 suitcases for 5 of us isn't that bad right? Well after transfer some items from our suitcase to the kids, we were finally under the weight limit. We grabbed a quick bite and headed through security. This was probably the funniest scene to everyone else. After finally getting all the kids shoes off and all the carry on gear into those gray trays - we attempt the security arch....Maddie first - she drug her hands along the sides, so she had to do it a second time. Then Zach - he was fine, and finally mom - because Dan and Krissy were still trying to get all the DVD players, DS's and cameras out to the trays. Maddie continues past the scanners - thankfully there was a security person who stopped her and brought her back - because I was - well, trying to get Zach back through security since he went out again. Ugh!! And we are not even out of San Diego.
We all made it through security, shoes and all and on to the plane. Maddie, Zach and me where in seats D,E,F - Maddie had the window, Zach the middle and I was on the aisle. Dan and Krissy where across the ailse in B and C. We left 50 minutes late and the little ones where excellent on the take off. They quickly settled in with movies and sticker books for our 1hr 53 minute flight. They each used the bathroom a couple times on the plane - wait - this is our first trip without diapers!! Hallelujah! Our landing in Cabo San Lucas (which is how Maddie prefers to say it) was a little rough - there was a small rain storm coming in. We walked off right on to the tarmack and into immigration. Breazed through that into customs and out to meet Mamama and Papapa. They got there before us!! We finally figured out that we were 1 hour ahead of San Diego - which made sense. We had a short wait then got on the shuttle to the resort.....I was not believing the we were anywhere near the water - since all I could see landing and from the airport was desert!! But we dropped down a small hill and there was the water - the white stucco houses and I was so very excited!
We got off the shuttle and needed to wait a few minutes for our room to be ready so we head off to the "cantina" for some lunch!! It was fabulous! I had the Chicken Fajitas and Dan had the fish taco's, krissy chicken tacos. The kids - grilled cheese. Smoothies all around.
We got to the room and settled in. Mamama and kids and I headed straight for the pool and swam for about a hour. Then we went up and enjoyed our deck with a beach view for a while - there was live music starting out at the restuarant and it was beach side. So Dad, Dan, Krissy and I went down to check it out. Zach was crashed out asleep so Mamama and Maddie stayed in the room.
We finally headed to bed around 10pm and slept ok - Zach was up and down all night but at least it was sleep. We will see what happens tomorrow.
Dan sets his alarm so that he can go for a run before getting ready to head to airport. However when the time comes - he pushes "snooze" until about 5:45am when he decides that traveling with 3 kids to Mexico would need all of his "energy" to accomplish. :)
We get to airport about 8am and get checked in. We traveled "lite" so 3 suitcases for 5 of us isn't that bad right? Well after transfer some items from our suitcase to the kids, we were finally under the weight limit. We grabbed a quick bite and headed through security. This was probably the funniest scene to everyone else. After finally getting all the kids shoes off and all the carry on gear into those gray trays - we attempt the security arch....Maddie first - she drug her hands along the sides, so she had to do it a second time. Then Zach - he was fine, and finally mom - because Dan and Krissy were still trying to get all the DVD players, DS's and cameras out to the trays. Maddie continues past the scanners - thankfully there was a security person who stopped her and brought her back - because I was - well, trying to get Zach back through security since he went out again. Ugh!! And we are not even out of San Diego.
We all made it through security, shoes and all and on to the plane. Maddie, Zach and me where in seats D,E,F - Maddie had the window, Zach the middle and I was on the aisle. Dan and Krissy where across the ailse in B and C. We left 50 minutes late and the little ones where excellent on the take off. They quickly settled in with movies and sticker books for our 1hr 53 minute flight. They each used the bathroom a couple times on the plane - wait - this is our first trip without diapers!! Hallelujah! Our landing in Cabo San Lucas (which is how Maddie prefers to say it) was a little rough - there was a small rain storm coming in. We walked off right on to the tarmack and into immigration. Breazed through that into customs and out to meet Mamama and Papapa. They got there before us!! We finally figured out that we were 1 hour ahead of San Diego - which made sense. We had a short wait then got on the shuttle to the resort.....I was not believing the we were anywhere near the water - since all I could see landing and from the airport was desert!! But we dropped down a small hill and there was the water - the white stucco houses and I was so very excited!
We got off the shuttle and needed to wait a few minutes for our room to be ready so we head off to the "cantina" for some lunch!! It was fabulous! I had the Chicken Fajitas and Dan had the fish taco's, krissy chicken tacos. The kids - grilled cheese. Smoothies all around.
We got to the room and settled in. Mamama and kids and I headed straight for the pool and swam for about a hour. Then we went up and enjoyed our deck with a beach view for a while - there was live music starting out at the restuarant and it was beach side. So Dad, Dan, Krissy and I went down to check it out. Zach was crashed out asleep so Mamama and Maddie stayed in the room.
We finally headed to bed around 10pm and slept ok - Zach was up and down all night but at least it was sleep. We will see what happens tomorrow.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Krissy's Hip Hop is HOT Dawg!!!
I was so proud of Krissy - she was so nervous about performing! But she did so well!! Great Job Sweetie!! You make us so proud!Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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