Wow! Our Spring Vacation was over in a blink. What wonderful memories we made together. I'm not sure which one is my favorite.

It was a joy to feel the excitement before we left. Did we pack everything? Would we have a ride to the airport? It was great. We did forget a few things. And we had a last minute change in who drove us to the airport. But we worried for nothing because in the end it didn't change our experience. It made for great stories afterwards.

I found a new found hope in Mankind on our trip. We found kindness in the most unexpected places.

Our first day was spent in Ft. Lauderdale. We had the most amazing hotel. The staff there was so cheerful and helpful. On an outing that day to pick up sunblock and drinks we had a frustrating event. The bag holding all our drinks ripped open. You can imagine where all the drinks ended up. Yep..busted open on the pavement. In my frustration I didn't display the best decorum. But in the midst of the chaos a young man came along and joked with us and helped us pick up the drinks that hadn't busted open. With a smile and a few jokes he had brightened our day.

On our cruise Rick and Ricky picked up a basketball game with a family from Germany. The young boy was a little older than Ricky but it turned out to be a new friend. We seemed to run in to the family almost everywhere we went. It was fun. The young boy was learning English and found it refreshing that Ricky enjoyed talking to him. At the end of the cruise the family asked us if we would be willing to host their older son as an exchange student this summer. We were quite flattered. We'll see if that works out. Some logistics...like there son is the same age as my daughter.

I love the Caribbean. It must be the weather. I had the best time in Nassau with my sister and my husband. We just walked the streets window shopping. We found some local police who were willing to stand with us and take pictures. We have been there more times than I can count, yet I find it one of my favorite places to visit. Shelby went with her uncle and cousin and they rented scouters and road around the island for the day. The straw market is always fun. I get a kick out of bargaining with them. Found a few purses, a wallet, and a few necklaces for the girls. Paid what I wanted. So much fun. Great memories.

The first few days my kids and their cousin (who is older than them) hung out and played video games together. By the end of the second night they had made friends in their kids groups and were off doing their thing. It is so nice to have cousins who love my kids. Even though there is an age difference they appreciate the kids and have always been loving and generous with them.

Our excursion we had planned in the Caymans was canceled because of bad weather. It turned out to be a great blessing. Instead of going by ourselves we spent some fun time with the whole family eating lunch and the kids got to play in a pool and dance with Grandma. We then got a taxi and went to "Hell" and a turtle farm where we got to hold turtles. The kids also got a kiss from a dolphin. All this was with my sisters family as well. Shelby was able to spend some great quality time with grandma by herself. Grandma Susie can always make her smile.

Roatan, Honduras was beautiful! We had never been there. We stood on deck as we entered the chanel to dock. It looked like paradise. Rick and Shaun took the oldest kids diving. We were a little late so they did have to wait. But once they got there and were able to dive it was a magical experience. Rick has dreamed of one day taking his kids diving. And that day arrived. Shelby had a panic attack. But all was well and she did fabulous from then on. Their cousin Brandon had never been either and he was a natural. Taylor had a wonderful experience. The diving teacher even held her hand as they swam.

Cozumel is one of my favorite places. As many times as we have been there, there is always a new adventure. This time we wanted to experience the island. We didn't want to do the tourist stuff. So we rented a jeep and drove around all day. It was the best part of the trip. We got lost. But the people were great and got us on track to see the ruins. It helps that Rick speaks spanish. wink. Rick had another dream come true. He was able to take the kids to see the ruins. We then drove to the beach on the other side of where we docked. It was awesome. As we passed people on the road they waved and we yelled Buenas! Just laying on the beach were big shells and we even picked up some brain coral. They had seen it on their diving adventure so it meant a lot to see it on the beach. We even stopped at a local restaurant to have some authentic tacos.

Grandma Susie threw Ricky a birthday party in her cabin. She ordered him two cakes and we sat and enjoyed the company and had a very memorable time. Grandma also spoiled the kids with tokens to the arcade each day. I don't think we could give her enough hugs and kisses.

When the cruise was over it was very sad. We would miss our time together with Kim, Shaun, Brandon, and Grandma and Grandpa.

I can even say it was fun standing with Kim waiting for Rick to come with the car rental. Some good jokes were told. Even the bad experience at dinner with the rude waiter was a memorable time. We stood together and stood up for what was right.

We then drove to our "hometown" of Oviedo and visited some of our best friends. The kids have been friends since they were babies. It is wonderful to be able to stay friends and visit. Dina and Scott made us feel like family while were there. Scott took the kids out on the boat, and Dina made sure we all were comfortable. When I forgot to pack shoes for the kids for church..Dina found them some. When Shelby needed a bathing suit Dina found her one. Dina even bought us our favorite drinks.

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. - Albert Schwietzer