X-mas Eve

Well, it's X-mas Eve and we are mostly packed for our trip to Puerto Rico. Steve and I are not totally sure what to expect. But we've been pouring through two books we purchased and we've been getting some information from the Internet as well. I definitely want to check out El Yunque National Forest - December 26th will be the best day so we're planning on going there then. (It's good to plan at least a couple of things otherwise you do nothing.) I want to do a hike in some of the rainforest - the only U.S. national rainforest.

I think traveling with an infant will be interesting to say the least. It is only Puerto Rico where there are American things - even a WalMart - so I'm hoping to be able to purchase some essentials when we get there - diapers, wipes, baby food, etc. We won't have to worry about passports, money exchange, etc. Although we discovered that Puerto Rico is in another time zone. The weather will be warm - we think much like Miami in the summer. We'll see. I'm looking forward to seeing some elevation/topography.

Steve has a nice looking fishing rod that breaks down small and has a case. He's hoping to get some fishing done here and there. Cool idea.

Through research Steve discovered someone's notes on a beach where you can do some nice snorkeling. (The trick is that you have to walk to the beach - only about a 30 minute walk.) So we might check this out as well.

I broke down and did a little decorating - on the door. I got the "happy holidays" thing from one of my students. There is a stocking that Raina got from a teacher at school, another stocking that is an older one for Sammy (back when she was our only "baby") and a third stocking that is one I made for Steve a long time ago.

It doesn't really feel like x-mas but it is nice that we are our own little family here in Miami Beach. We'll be meeting up with Steve's folks; and his brother, sister-in-law and nephew.

Not sure about Internet access at the places we'll be, so we'll likely have to post pictures and such when we get back - January 2nd.

A New Toy with some Peas and Quiet

Raina received a Christmas toy today from one of our fellow teachers. She really loves her new toy!

And also here is a great pic of her eating her favorite peas.

Raina is six month old today!

In honor of Thanksgiving...

Well, it was a tough week. Sunday night Steve and I both became VERY sick. I think I've never been that sick before. We got food poisoning or some strong virus. Let's just say it is good that we have two toilets. The worst part is that for periods during the night neither one of us could care for Raina. She had to sit on our bed and cry a bit. It was scary actually. After speaking to a few friends, they said to give them a call if it ever happens again. One friend even said call any time. By Thursday we were feeling better, though we still didn't feel like we wanted to eat a lot. I suppose this was good as usually we overeat at Thanksgiving. Steve's parents came Thursday night and stayed until Saturday. It was a nice visit. Here are some photos and videos of Raina eating sweet potatoes. I decided to try them in honor of Thanksgiving. She seems to like them!