Busy work

This is how we keep Leah occupied....

And from mom's camera....

On the VERY loud charter plane to Eluthera. It was a bit sketchy.  Bumpy ride on a plane that you could see visual proof the emergency exits had been well used! Tiny little propeller plane with a single row of seats on each side. Plus it was old enough to still have ash trays! Leah thought it was cool that you could just look right into the cockpit and see the pilots flying the plane. Grandma was VERY glad to land.

Kate's highchair here.

With double ear infection, Leah wanted me to feed her like a baby.

Walking down the road after the storm

Getting a coconut

Looking at the lizard

Kate is getting strong!  It would not be a bit surprised if she starts crawling while we are here!

crab friend

Leah will wear her suit until it gets wet.

Leah driving the golf cart

Lunch at Valentines

A quick few

Not much time to sit around and blog here. Way too many other fun things to do! Here are a few pictures to keep Papa Joel going...... and to help him REALLY miss the kids!

Working up to the storm. View form the front porch two days before. 

Sand "snow" after the storm

destruction after the storm

The island looked so bizarre all boarded up!

At Valentines Marina using the internet. We found out yesterday we had internet the whole time! Dave just hooked the wires up wrong! DRAT!

clean-up efforts

Our "family bed". Leah is sleeping with us this year. WOW does she love it!  Kate still prefers the pack n play. I am prepared for the adjustment of going back to her own bed when we get home.

Leah's first lizard "friend" this year.

Kate "holding" Leah's lizard friend. Leah was convinced that Kate wanted a turn holding him. Then he jumped on to her chest!

The first few days after the storm we a bit chilly in the evening but still perfect for our after dinner stroll on the beach. My favorite time of day here!

Ear infection from travel is on the mend. A happy girl again!

Leah's first time "swimming" this year.

The shallow water goes WAY out. Perfect for kids!

Did I mention.....

I have the BEST husband EVER!!!

Preparations

10 days until lift-off. Preparations are in full swing now with a list on every countertop in the house. Daily to-do lists, shopping lists, packing lists etc. Leah and Kate are preparing by getting accustom to their ear muffs. I had a feeling they would be a certain hit with Leah as she has had issue with loud noise and noisy situations for some time now. She LOVES to wear them outside. We have major home construction going on in the neighborhood with MANY dump trucks driving by all day. I think they will be great on the plane too!

Portuguese

Dave and Leah have been meeting with Marina for a couple hours on sunday mornings to practice their Portuguese. Marina is a native Brazilian and Leah thinks she is the bees knees! Thanks Marina!

6 Months

Kate is doing great! She is sitting up quite well now on her own but only when you catch her in the right mood. Kate now has her two bottom teeth and is just starting to stand when you prop her up next to something. Oh yea, and she says "MUM"!!!!! Leah started with "Da" so I am super happy!!!!