An Amazing Day in America

This is a repeat photo, but it was so appropriate to repost today. Yesterday, we witnessed history as we learned that Osama Bin Laden was found and killed. It's an odd feeling - it's a just and good thing, yet I can't rejoice in anyone's death. It did make me feel proud as an American and sad for the families of those who lost 9/11, yet happy that they might have a small portion of peace.

So back to the picture... I took this on Ellis Island in New York. What a better way to honor those lost in 9/11 and thank those who continue to fight for our freedom. And those Navy Seals kick some serious butt!

The Royal Wedding, or My Confession

I have a confession. For the last few weeks, I've been one of those people who shake their head at the mention of the Royal Wedding & wonder why people are making such a huge deal. I mean, we're not British, they're not our future royalty, right?

I do care about fashion, however, so this morning when I got to work, I went to CNN.com to get a look at the dress. It took all of 5 seconds to get sucked in! So yes, I spent my day watching the video (I still maintain it was crazy to wake up for it) and oohing and aahing at all the coverage. I teared up when Wills said, "I love you. You're beautiful" when Kate made it to the end of the alter.

So in tribute, I tried to find a romantic picture to commemorate the day. I've been wanting to show these for a while, so we're going to pretend that the names carved into this bamboo tree in Jamica say "Wills & Kate".

We're also going to pretend that's her way off in the background on the right - maybe on her honeymoon, gazing wistfully at the sea while thinking, "Oh my God, I married a PRINCE!"

And for the record, I've also decided that Harry is quite the hottie, much like his older brother. But that's a topic for another day.

Happy Belated Easter

I had this photo all ready to go & didn't realize until today that I never posted. Um, what's that about good intentions?

This was taken at Petit Jean Mountain State Park on the trail to the waterfall. I got some good pictures, plus I still have so many from our Spring Break vacation. Maybe I'll remember to post again soon. ;-)

Water Colors

I'm always fascinated by the vibrant colors of anywhere tropical and Jamaica was no exception. The ocean looks amazing and I like the other patches of color here and there.

Loving the Light

This was me trying to be a little artsy while I was taking pictures one day when we were at sea. I like how the colors & lighting turned out. This just says "spa" & "clean" to me.

Matthew would be proud

While in Jamaica, my husband & daughter climbed Dunn's River Falls. I decided to go the observer route, due to bad knees, but selfishly, it also gave me the opportunity to take tons of pictures. I got some gorgeous ones, but after a while, I decided to use what I learned in class last year & play with my shutter speed for a different effect. I loved the result on this one!

But... I don't wanna leave!

We got home from our vacation last night - **heavy sigh** - it was wonderful. I thought about refusing to leave & just wrapping myself around the balcony of the ship, but I figured my family might be a tad embarrassed. It was everything I wanted it to be - relaxing, fun, no worries. I've been going through pictures tonight & thought this was a good one to start with:

This was a view of the Boardwalk, from above, where you can see the Carousel, the Aqua Theater & the rooms overlooking this area of the ship. The smaller red umbrellas that can be seen are outside of Johnny Rocket's - YUM!

Bon Voyage!

I originally posted a different picture, then realized I had already posted it last September. I needed something tropical to post, since we're leaving for a cruise tomorrow! I've been so excited, given all that the past year has brought. I can't wait! I should be packing now, but I'm a procrastinator, so I'd rather wait until the last minute so I get to experience the panic of not having enough time to think clearly while I pack.

This is a private island right off of Key West that I took on our last cruise in 2009. I plan to live there one day, since it's only accessible by boat. Until that day comes (i.e. I win the lottery), I'll settle by taking cruises & beach trips.

Besides the obvious reasons for being excited, I'm really looking forward to all the photo ops I'll have! See you in a week.

The Earthquake Cake

The 8th graders at my daughter's school had a project for Science this weekend & the task was to bake an Earthquake cake & take pictures of the process. My daughter & her partner did their project at my house today & let me document the process. They're using other pictures for their project, but I liked these.

Teamwork

Helping Hands

The Finished Product

There was a bit that spilled over the edge onto the cookie sheet, so I got a small taste... it was GOOD! My husband didn't like that they had to take it to school, instead of letting us taste test. :-)  Google earthquake cake if you're interested in the recipe. 

Patch

I'm officially on the vacation countdown (10 more days!), so to keep myself from getting too excited, I thought I'd post more snow pictures. It's sort of fitting, considering our Spring has all but disappeared. We've gone from sunny 60+ degree days to rain & highs in the low 50s.

Not funny, Mother Nature. Not funny at all.