Who takes their camera to church?

We've had our camera at church a lot lately. We're trying to catch some photos for the Blackham's (the senior missionary couple) who are leaving in a few weeks. I've also moved from Primary to Young Women and we're trying to set up some pen pals in the States for the girls. And then there was the first Sunday of the year that I snuck my camera in my purse just in case. Because last year, on the first Sunday of 2009, a family of monkeys decided to join our Sacrament meeting. They hung on the outside of the windows and door and partook of the spirit (I am guessing). I know what you are thinking, that it is not right to take pictures during Sacrament meeting, but I thought it would be hilarious if I could quietly capture a picture of the monkeys if they came back this year. They didn't, but Brennan drew of picture of one while it sat there, so I guess this will have to do.

Here is our family in front of the church. Do you like Payton's short new haircut?

Here is our little building.

And here are the missionaries getting the building ready for church by chasing the goats off the property. I really really really want a picture of the goats at the front door of the building, but they just will not cooperate for a photo shoot.

Here I am with the older Primary girls while we studied Church History in Sunday School last year.

Here are some of my new Young Women girls. (There are 2 girls missing if you were wondering how many young women we have.)

And finally, here are Brennan and Payton last Sunday with the younger Primary class. I stole these pics from Abby's blog as shamelessly as Payton stole my sunglasses to wear during Primary.

You should bring your camera to church too!

To the beach

At the beginning of January we went out to the beach with some friends before school began again. We saw some sea turtles and a huge stingray while snorkeling. Damon got his very own snorkeling equipment for Christmas, so we brought it along to try out. The mask was cute, see how it's supposed to make him look like a shark. Well, the child didn't really enjoy wearing it, and it was cheap (in construction) and leaked water. So basically, the "shark" snorkeling gear was bought to snap this one cute picture, because we will probably not use it again.

Our newlywed friends brought their "boat" because they knew how excited our kids would be to try it out. Brennan and Payton spent a long time pumping it up, but it was worth it. They (almost all) had a great time.

I suppose two out of three ain't bad.

Home-Schooling

People often ask me if I Home-School the kids because they are not sure what kind of schooling is available here. Well, Damon and I hang out and have lots of different activities to do during the day, although I'm not sure I would classify any of it as "Home-School." And we are fortunate to have the two older ones at Ross (Veterinary) University Preparatory School. The classes are quite small and they have awesome teachers who are all certified in the U.S. They teach according to U.S. curriculum so when we someday return the kids will be at the same level as the students there. We're all really happy with the Prep School, and besides, you know that I am not the kind of mom who Home-Schools children. I would not, could not, here or there, I would not do it anywhere. I would not, could not, in the rain. Not in the dark, not on a train. Not in a house, not in a box. Not with a mouse, not with a fox. I would not home-school here or there, I would not do it anywhere. And I probably would not eat green eggs and ham either.

With that said, sometimes we have an experience that lends itself to a Home-School lesson. Such as when these monkeys began regularly coming to the backyard to steal the bananas. They provide many interesting topics of discussion with a 2-year-old, such as theft, primates, possible diseases that wild animals can carry, proper table manners, cleaning up after yourself when you doo doo on public property, etc.

Here is the brave one collecting all the bananas.

He even carried one in his mouth.

And then he ran away with the fruit. Now that reminds me of one of Damon's favorite past-times. D-I-E-G-O. "Stop, Bobos! Those silly monkeys are always getting into trouble."

In the Caribbean

Did you know this is an actual "hairstyle" in the Caribbean? They even dressed this snow-woman in her curlers to wear for the 4-6 weeks that she modeled in the window.

Spice Mill

In December when Lexy was visiting we went out to a cool new restaurant at Cockleshell Beach called Spice Mill. Can't really remember if it was for my birthday or just something fun to do, but it was a great environment with good service and food. So a successful culinary experience in St. Kitts (and how often can you say that here?)

These newly-hatched sea turtles came out of the sand about 12 hours too early, and would never make it out to sea for a chance at survival if the people there didn't collect and keep them safe to release later that night. Aren't the little ones cute? Not sure what species these are, but did you know that adult leatherback's can weigh around 1500 lbs?

A love song

Bon Bini- our trip to Curacao