2 for one

When they were younger, I had to do two separate posts for their birthdays. We took turns celebrating one before the other, because everything had to be fair, right? But when you are 18 and 22, I think we have turned a corner. I hope. So...

Happy birthday Shoun and Eden! Or Eden and Shoun - whichever you prefer.

Such maturity from both of you. Just think back to 2010 when you became siblings. So much excitement at first, to share a birthday. Then reality. 4 years apart. Ages apart in experience, maturity, trust, and ability to love and forgive. 

I couldn't be more proud of who you are today, Eden and Shoun. Your character and godliness are world-changing. Keep following the path God has for you. I love you!

Next birthday

I think you need to come home so we can get some new photos of you. But thanks for this response to my request for a first day of school photo, I at least have one fairly recent photo.

I hope you had a great day yesterday! We are glad you picked a date to be born that would be so close to fall break so we can celebrate. And with an extra treat this year (looking forward to meeting her!). 

I love you and am very proud of you. 

And again

And, time for our second October 9th birthday.

This guy has the biggest friend group of anyone I know.

He became a US citizen this year.

He works hard at working hard and knows how to dress to impress.

He successfully made the transition from high school to college.

And sometimes he just surprises us. We love you Shoun, every single thing about you. We're glad you're our son. Know that you are enough.

And that's a wrap

Last Thursday we took Shoun to college for his first year, then on Sunday it was Mariana's turn to return for her last year, and then yesterday it was Isaac's turn for his first year. I think that's the last of the first days for 2019.

The night before, we made our last meal together for now (Pad Thai). We worked on cleaning up the room together (2 boys + 8 years in the same room = 1 huge mess). We chatted. We enjoyed the evening together as a family of 6, soon to be 5. Wow, that sounds so normal.

Asbury, Eastern, Marymount Manhattan, Liberty, and Cairn. The list is growing but through all of their first days, there is one thing that remains true and that is how obvious it is that each one is right where God wants them. They are on the campus that was designed for them and they for it.

“The Lord bless you

    and keep you;

25 

the Lord make his face shine on you

    and be gracious to you;

26 

the Lord turn his face toward you

    and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

Onboard education

Summer is for ...school, right? That's my theory, anyway. So, cruise or no cruise, we found a way to hit all the subjects...

How many Baumans and Kings (and a Kurtz) can fit into an elevator? - Math

Or taking the steps instead of the elevator - Phys. Ed. (Or, be really crazy and run a 5K in the Caribbean heat and humidity)

The study of rainbows - Science

Obeying the signage - Health

Visiting Nassau - Social Studies

Ball gown design and construction - Family and Consumer Sciences

That's an easy one - Music

And writing thank you cards - English

But we also took advantage of actual onboard education and learned some new skills...

Origami - because everyone needs to know how to make a frog playing the piano

Towel Origami

Mask Making

Cooking - anyone want some apple strudel?

Crafts, Disney Trivia, and so much more. We all came home just a little bit smarter. No wasted summer days for us!

Let's eat!

One of our favorite parts of the Disney cruise is the mealtimes. Getting to know our wait staff has always been an enjoyable part of the experience. This time around we had Kemal from Turkey and Sipho from South Africa. We were entertained by their enthusiasm, "magic" tricks, ability to squeeze your finger and make it magically squeak, phrases spoken in clicks, tales from back home, and excellent service.

Our waiters celebrated with us; cheering for our recently married, just married, and soon-to-be married.

Pirate night is always a favorite.

I thought he looked familiar!

They had chai! The most amazing chai!

And ice cream, there's always ice cream

It's always difficult to say good-bye