Cruise: Part 3

Our third stop was on the island of St. Marteen (no that's not a spelling error), where we had booked a yacht racing excursion. We were all trained on our duties, then we got to sail a real live racing yacht against other racing yachts! I was a "traveler trimmer". Our captain's name was Morgan and he was from Jamaica. Our yacht was called Stars and Stripes. The water was absolutely amazing!!

After the yacht race, we walked down to shop a bit (I bought what is now one of my favorite necklaces) then hit the beach again. Once again, the water was incredible and will loved playing in the ocean and sand!

Our last day was spent in St. Thomas, where many movie stars have vacation homes because it is one of the most gorgeous islands in the world! After some shopping, we took a "taxi" (truck with covered benches glued onto the bed) to a beach where we snorkeled and enjoyed some more beautiful ocean. Will was exhausted from the week's activities and no regular naps!

Overall, we had an amazing vacation. Will was such a trooper and did better than I ever expected. It was a long time for a one-year-old to be away from the familiarity of home. Will had had it on the plane ride home, so that was the toughest part. But having Ryan's family there to help out with Will during the whole week made it so pleasant, and we loved being able to spend that time together! We miss it all already!!

Cruise: Part 2

Our first stop was in Aruba, where the Jolly Pirates took us on a snorkeling adventure aboard a pirate ship around the island. We snorkeled around a shipwreck, then two more stops with tons of tropical fish. Thanks to our new digital underwater camera we were able to get a few fun shots, although I didn't figure out the correct underwater settings until later, so they aren't as clear as they could be :( Will was the tiniest pirate aboard and got to steer the ship...kind of. Aruba is gorgeous!!

Our second stop was a place called Curacao, which is known for it's Amsterdam-ish, colorful buildings. We walked down by the floating market, ate some empanadas, and headed off to Seaquarium Beach.

Since we spent our first stop on a ship the whole time, this second stop was Will's first beach experience where he got to play with real, live sand! Seaquarium Beach was perfect because there was a wall of rocks a little way out that made the waves break, so the shore was perfectly peaceful. We swam out to the rocks and jumped off. There was also a cool bridge we got a picture on. Will was so cute when we first put him down on the sand. He was so thrilled to be able to just grasp it in his hands.

Cruise: Part 1

Ryan and I have wanted to go on a cruise with familiy ever since we went on one by ourselves a few years ago, so last fall we started planning this eastern caribbean cruise with his mom and sisters. We decided to take Will since I couldn't stand the thought of leaving him again after leaving him when we went to Hawaii last year and having major Will withdrawal after 9 days. That decision was only solidified by the fact that we would have so much wonderful family around to help us out. Thanks Kathy, Angie, and Jess for all you did!

Right after boarding the cruise ship for the first time in Puerto Rico, where we shipped off for 7 glorious days!

Leavin' on a jet plane! To Puerto Rico!

Exploring the ship. Will loves the stairs, hates the life jackets. He was knocked out during dinner on day one. Jet lag!

Formal Night

Will's One-Year Birthday!

On January 18th, 2009, Will turned one year old! I can't believe my baby is not a baby! We just had a small gathering of mine and Ryan's families. It was so wonderful to get to celebrate such a momentous occasion with all our loved ones!

Will surrounded by his million gifts, but most appealing is a book.

So at least he's kind of getting the unwrapping thing, right?

The party attendees. All immediate family.

More happy party-goers.

I had to blow out his candle for him cause he wasn't quite sure what that glowing thing was and why everyone suddenly started singing in unison. Then he tried to pick the white dots off the cake first because they looked like his favorite yogurt drop snacks.

Mmm...sugar! Will claps for joy!

And the high chair is thoroughly covered! No one-year birthday is a success without the smothered high chair!

Couldn't make a mom more proud.

Ahhhh...clean up time. My favorite part of the night :) Just kidding. We had such a great time and thanks to all of our wonderful family for all of the great gifts! It is 2 months later and he still loves it all!

Snow Day

This was a day in early January when Will was whining to go outside (big surprise), so we decided to try out some of his new snow clothes. He kept falling on his knees & licking the snow, then pulling a face because it was cold. It was hilarious!

Then instead of picking up his pacifier that he had spit on the ground in order to lick the snow, he would bend down and suck it up with his mouth since his hands were in gloves that he couldn't grasp with.

Yum!

First Haircut of '09

Will at the window checking out Rusty (our dog) and carrying one of his (Will's) favorite chew toys...the children's Motrin bottle. Go figure.

Aren't those dimples adorable? I guess Ry liked this pic the best, hence the faded white border which seems to be his favorite these days.

My two boys, Ryan and mini-Ryan!

Yes, still carrying the Motrin bottle.

Posing for GQ.

It was a long, hard day's work of getting my hair cut. -Will

Don't be fooled by the smile on Ry's face. Will is pulling his hair out in this pic, which is what he likes to do when you put him on your shoulders like this. I have had it happen to me before and it hurts! Way to smile Ry!

3rd Annual New Year's Par-tay '09

Happy 2009 babe! If you look real close you may be able to see Ryan Seacrest in the background:)

Tyler & Saffron

Jacquelynn, Jeff, and cute little Anna with her DVD close at hand

First drink of the New Year and Saffron is really excited. I guess that was my fault since they had no warning for this one.

Why does anyone ever take a picture this close??

Fondue is the "B" fam New Year Party tradition (when i say "B" tradition I mean Ryan & I started this tradition 3 years ago along with our starting an annual party)

Playing games and waiting to ring in the new year. I think Tyler schooled us in this game. Shocker.

Where's Will?

There he is!

Will getting ready for the party

He thought it was so funny when I would stick the hat on his head

After the party the boys went outside and let off fireworks, courtesy of Tyler and Saffron. All I can say is I am glad our houses are still standing and that all three of us girls still have both of our eyes!