December 20th. We’re back on track. School started up again officially. The kids had a hard time with this at first but whenever we aren’t moving or visiting a location we told the kids they had to do school work. We usually do work through lunch and then head out for the pool or beach.

Ryan and Luke playing in the sand

We also decided to decorate the boat since we are finally in one place until after Christmas and we have shore power to hook up our Christmas lights. We strung snowflakes, gingerbread men and ornaments (all purchased from Michael’s before we left) and we also made a 1 foot Xmas tree and foam gingerbread house to decorate down below. Our flashing red and green lights were quite popular with all of our neighbors down on E dock but our friends the Pond’s on Qualchan won the decorating prize with the Christmas tree on the bow of their boat with the luche libre mask as the tree topper.

Our Christmas decorations as seen at night.  Hope you can all see the lights from where you are!


Finally, today was Phil’s birthday so we decided to bake him some brownies to help celebrate his birthday in “Paradise.”

Our oven has been working great when it comes to all things chocolate and for the staples like potatoes.  BUT.... we are having a hard time with the bread pan.  Much to Ryan's disappointment several of the pumpkin breads that we have made have been shall we say a little dark on the bottom.  We still manage to eat most of what comes out of the oven.