Merry Christmas!!

   We hope everyone has a very merry Christmas!!  Our family is celebrating (with Nana Lucy) in Dunedin, FL.  We attended St Marks Lutheran Church for a beautiful candlelight service (our tradition) on Christmas Eve.  Then a quick dinner at home, Daddy read Christmas stories, and everyone to bed to wait for Santa.  We awoke this morning to presents and full stockings.  Everyone agrees it was a very  nice Christmas.  After yesterday's stormy weather, we are pleased to see the sun this morning.  Going to be a beautiful day.

  From our family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Daddy traditionally reads a couple Christmas stories before bedtime 

David, Thomas, Matthew & Nana Lucy 

Happy Birthday, Thomas!!

Scuba boy got a BCD for his birthday!

   Fifteen years ago today, David & I became parents to a beautiful baby boy!  Over the years, he has grown (especially this year!) into a handsome, smart, funny, mature young man.  We are very proud of him.  We had a good day today celebrating with his favorite foods and presents.  Staci joined us for dinner at Dunedin Brewery so Thomas could have wings, then we went out for ice cream.

Thomas, Staci & Mom

Strachan Ice Cream Parlor

Dunedin, FL

Matthew & Nana enjoying cruising on the ICW

   While not as sunny as yesterday, today was a fairly good cruising day, then we arrived in the Clearwater area just as the rain started (we are expecting it to hang around most of the week).  We left Sarasota and cruised north up the ICW to Dunedin (just north of Clearwater).  Just north of St Petersburg on the ICW at Madeira Beach is a McDonalds, with its' own dock on the waterway.  Well, we always need to stop and have lunch (perfect timing today) - which Nana & the kids love.

Total miles today:  55nm

Total miles traveled:  2,160 nm

Total cruising days: 34

McDonalds dock, Madeira Beach

Sarasota, FL - cruising again!

Cruising the Gulf ICW

   After sitting in Ft Myers for 3 weeks (quick trip to GA/TN/NC), we were cruising again!  We had picked up Nana Lucy in Asheville on our auto visit up north, and she will be with us the next couple weeks as we cruise - and celebrate Christmas.  Today was beautiful - sunny, slight breeze, calm waters.  When you travel the waterways along the southern west coast of Florida, you definitely going to see dolphins - today was no exception!  Numerous times we had them swimming off the bow, then following behind us, often jumping out of the water to give us a show.  It really never gets old seeing these wonderful creatures.  We continue our journey north tomorrow.

Total miles today:  79nm

Total miles traveled:  2,105 nm

Total cruising days: 33

Thomas safely navigates us through the swing bridge 

Dolphins off the bow

Happy Hanukah!!

   Happy Hanukah!  To all our family and friends who celebrate, we hope you have a wonderful celebration of the Festival of Lights!!  Kids & I were lucky enough to get to celebrate this year with our friends, Mike & Dana.

Imaginarium Science Center, Ft Myers, FL

Matthew recreates river flow with locks & dams

  Today, Matthew & Mom rode their bikes 1+ miles to the Imaginarium Science Center.  We saw and learned a lot about snakes, turtles, alligators, Newton's Laws, and played in the Caloosahatchee River model.  The weather has gotten a little cooler, but we are enjoying it.  Matthew & Thomas rode bikes yesterday in search of ice cream, but did not find a shop close by.  Oh well. (at least they were outside getting exercise!)

Matthew holding python 

Dinosaur section of museum

Hanging out in Ft Myers

Matthew at Farmer's Market bread stand

   The week has flown by!  The kids & Mom have been enjoying the downtown of Ft Myers.  There are numerous restaurants within walking distance and lots of sidewalks for walking or riding your bike.  Matthew has gotten really good at riding his bike, so each day, Thomas or I have gone out for a ride with him.  This morning, he got up with Mom, and we rode over to the weekly Farmer's Market, then rode around town a little.  The market was great - many fresh fruits & vegetables.  There was also a German baker selling some freshly made breads.  We bought some pretzel rolls (our favorite), and took them home to the sleeping teenager.

   Also at the marina is a floating hair salon.  Jill went over and got a nice haircut today.  Next week - pedicure!

Rumors hair salon at Ft Myers Yacht Basin