Well, it’s been a while since I updated the blog. The last blog, done while we were in New Orleans in October seems like a long time ago. Since that time, we visited with friends in Savanna Georgia (Hello to Bob and Linda) and found our way back to our son’s home in Springfield VA.
Well, it’s been a while since I updated the blog. The last blog we did was from our adventure in New Orleans in October; seems like a long time ago. Since that time, we visited with friends in Savanna, Georgia (Hello to Bob and Linda) and found our way back to our son’s home in Springfield VA. Once we returned to Virginia, we got serious about buying a home of our own .We purchased a lovely 3 bedroom place in Williamsburg VA – we have room ,so come and visit!
Several months ago, we had agreed to join several other families and go on a Carnival ocean cruise to the Bahamas over the Thanksgiving Weekend. This eliminated the need for anyone to actually have to cook a turkey (although it also meant there were not going to be any left overs for sandwiches). Joining with about 20 other folks (3 different families with extended relations) we hired a party bus and headed to Baltimore to join Carnival Cruise for a weeklong trip south to the Bahamas. It was nice to have the bus as that meant we didn’t have to drive, find parking and could have an adult beverage along the way!
This was our first “ocean” cruise, having done a bunch of River Cruises through Europe; it was a very different experience for us. Carnival is clearly a party boat and as such there were lots of families and entertainment (and drinks) for all to enjoy. 
While we did get off the ship in Nassau (to get a stamp in our passport!), we didn’t get off on the Carnival Island or in Freeport – it was nice to just relax on the ship and let all the “kids” go explore. 
There were comedians (not really that good) and other entertainment options. One of the events was a “build a bear” where Katie had the opportunity to pick out something – she created a cat. 
All in all it was a nice adventure and I’m sure everyone had a great time.
After the cruise it was time to actually “visit” our new home, arrange appliances, have our furniture moved from California and do all the things needed to make it our place – plus of course get ready for Christmas. We purchased the place prior to Thanksgiving and by the end of the year we had slept in our own bed all of 5 nights!
When we left California, we didn’t store much furniture ,basically a bedroom suite, some living room storage units and a carpet or two plus kitchen stuff and artwork. Needless to say, we have some furniture and other things to arrange and have spent a good amount of time checking out the Salvation Army and consignment stores in both the Springfield Area and Williamsburg. So, at this point we have several easy chairs, a dining table and 6 chairs plus some stools for the kitchen counter area. Lots more to get, but we can now sleep in our own bed, and eat meals at a table with real plates and utensils.
Between getting the house set up we tried to squeeze in some Christmas shopping and general holiday planning.
Terri and TJ opening treasures. 
A lazy shawl for Katie while G’Ma and G’Pa look on. 
Jason and Katie decide what next to open. 
Ornaments from Ryan and Chris for the Family
We had a nice family Christmas holiday with our grandkids and closed out the year feeling good about all that happened in the past year. Next up things happening in 2020 including a Cruise through the Panama Canal, a trip to Alaska and other adventures.