Big A 1944-2016

Well here I am slowly doing things again. I've said it before, but I use the blog as our family book. We can look back on our years. Sometimes looking back is sad, and this post is just that. I'm so sad to write it, but this is life.

The day we got back from our cruise, the first thing I did was to call Mom and check on Big A. He was set to have an appt with his oncologist that week, and I really wanted to see how that went. I'm still shocked at that phone call - she told me Big A died the day before.

We'd spent a few days at their house before our cruise b/c of our power being out, and I'm so thankful for that. I was frustrated at the time b/c of having to pack in the heat and no power, but my gracious I'm so very thankful for the time we were given.

We sure loved our Big A/ Pop, fiercely.

This was the last picture I got of him. It is fuzzy, but I don't ever want to lose it. Avery would sit in his lap forever, and just tell him all sorts of great things. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again... He was ornery and was far from perfect, but he was ours and would literally give his shirt off his back to us or a stranger. He did well. He did well, good and faithful servant. 

Disney Cruise Part 3 - Character Pics

Straight out of the gate Avery decided she was going to get her picture taken with Mickey. This was HUGE because up until the point of the cruise she was scared to death of any big Mickey. So much so we had to leave an event once b/c she panicked.

Possibly my favorite picture of the entire cruise. So enjoy seeing him still as the small little boy that he's quickly evolving from.

Shockingly the 2 girls that love to try to act like they don't like each other all the time wanted all their princess pics taken together. First up was our Frozen friends.

Then, of course, Princess Minnie.

Cinderella.

Belle.

Rapunzel or as Avery calls her "Tangled".

"Snow Whipe"

Ross's #1 pic he wanted was with Donald! So glad he found him.

Captain Mickey!

Our family pic of the cruise. So much fun and we'd go back tomorrow if we could.

Disney Cruise Part 2

Yes, I know, it is taking me way too long to get the blog caught up. Goodness... I'm splitting the pics up with one set family fun and the other set character fun. 

Our very first pic of the cruise! M was obviously overcome with excitement.

Daddy-Daughter

Awe - look at us - BFF.

Friends for life! Whether they like it or not. :D

Pirates Night! Many people made fun of my wig, but I wore it with pride.

They did love the night. Also ended with some mega awesome fireworks that we watched from our balcony. 

Note the pirate earring.

Fun memories!