Dolphin Swim in Cozumel

When we ported in Cozumel we did a dolphin swim.  We were only able to touch the dolphins since Noah and Campbell were too young to actually swim with them.  The kids were able to make shake his fins, let him swim out of the water to their hand, give him a kiss, get a kiss back, and then pat him several times.  Our dolphins name was Daniel and he was awesome.  ​

We had a slight SNAFU booking it, by messing up time zones (Mexico doesn't observe DST) so the adults were a little stressed since we basically had to beg the people to let us go early. The kids didn't know it though so they were carefree and enjoying an awesome experience. Also, Melissa was able to take the pictures from a zoom lens but went to check on a taxi and missed the two big kids interacting with the dolphin but we still got some great shots.

Galveston

Galveston has changed a lot in the 16 years since I was there.  The beach was much prettier than I remembered and the boardwalk was packed with people and resorts. When we took the shuttle to the boat the next morning we saw the Galveston I remembered with the refineries and rigs.  Nice to see these things can coexist with each other.  ​

Jordan's in ElDorado

Holly came home from Arizona this past weekend.  It was the first time we got to meet Malia.  When they came to visit right ​after she was born, Campbell was sick so we weren't able to make it down.  This time they came during the weekend of Arkansas/Alabama.  She apologized they coincided but I assured her this wasn't a big deal.  It was like I was prophetic because it couldn't have been less of deal and I'm glad I missed the game.

The kids played well.  Campbell and Jon Isaac were able to interact much more than the last time they were together.  Even then they mainly chased the bigger kids or played by themselves. Noah and Jana were...Noah and Jana. It's like there were no other people existing in the world.  They remind me of twins finishing each others thoughts.  When you ask one of them what they are doing, they look at each other and I swear there is a silent dialogue between them getting their story together. ​

We tried to take a picture of all the kids in their Razorback garb.  I took 70+ photos and not a single 1 has all 5 kids looking at the camera or with their eyes open.  Go figure.  

I know it's exhausting to tote 2 small kiddos across the country to see people they don't honestly know very well but it's awesome Holly is able to come as much as she does.  She almost comes as often as we go to ElDorado​.  Over the past 2 years it's more since she comes for 1-2 weeks at a time and I have a 3 day limit going anywhere away from my house.

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Our orange belt

Noah loves karate. He's worked so hard.  He came into the last cycle partway so he's been stuck on white belt for a lot longer than the usual 6 weeks and he's had his forms down pat for a month.  This weekend was his first graduation and I know I'm his dad but I'll have to tell you he was a rockstar.  He was loud, he had perfect form, and he had all the answers for the judges. It was made even more special since Jana, Melissa, Mamaw and Papaw were there to see him. Today's his first time to go with his new orange belt and he's so excited he can't stand it.

Cousins

Jana came to visit last weekend with Noah and I'm always amazed at the love they share. They have their own secret language like siblings. Campbell is crazy about her too. She followed Jana around and always wanted to sit by her. Jana will always be the 'cool' older cousin she compares herself to. I wish they they were able to see each other more. I can see the 16, 13, and 10 year old texting Jon Isaac and Malia how embarrassing their parents are.

My boy!

Noah was in South Arkansas last week hanging out with Jana, Aunt 'Lissa', and all the grand parents. He was originally scheduled to come back Thursday but circumstances have held him down south til Friday-by circumstance I mean none of his grandparents wanted to give him back.

Here are some pics they sent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once he got back he didn't want to leave the house the whole weekend.  He pretty much stayed in his pajamas or Spider-Man costume.  We even converted the living room for him so he could 'camp out'.

Happy Birthday Jana!

We tried to call but...well you'll understand one day how hard your family is to get on the phone ;)

Sullivan cousin photo shoot

We went to ElDorado for Labor Day weekend to meet John Isaac.  It was nice to see everyone else but he was the main attraction.  On Saturday morning 6 adults tried to coral 4 children (2 under the age of 1).  The results were comical at times and impossible at others.  We just had to laugh at times.  We haven't seen the proofs yet but hopefully there were a couple framable ones.  We snapped some photos during the shoot and I put them up in a gallery.

You can click the photo below to go to the gallery.