Thanksgiving has come and gone. Now what?

My Thanksgiving was wonderful! Very calm and relaxing.  I was so laid back that I did not even start decorating for Christmas until Sunday (something I have never done).  My girls were home, which was amazing in and of itself because they are teenagers that drive and, this year, they actually decorated the tree!   Wow, and I say this with all honesty, what now?  My children have not put their list together, my husband’s birthday is tomorrow and I am not yet in the Spirit of Christmas yet.  Usually, all it takes is putting on the Christmas music while decorating and BOOM!  I am Mrs. Claus.  Not so much this year.


So, in the words of Faith Hill’s “Where are you Christmas”…….  Where are you Christmas? Why can’t I find you? Why have you gone away?  Where is the laughter you used to bring me?

Istanbul, Turkey June 2014

Hey.....its been awhile!

Well, its only been 3+ years since my last post...where did the time go?  I kinda forgot about this blog, then when setting up a Blog in WordPress, it hit me; I already have a Blog!  I did continue with the new Blog at www.claudettevannuis.com as it seemed like a simple set up, but alas, it was not.  3 days into the initial setup and I STILL haven't quite figured it out.  I have added a link to this blog, I am happy about that.

The big question is, "Do I keep both?"  I think I will try that for a bit and see how it works out.  Stay tuned!

Mayan Riviera Excellence Aug. 2009

Our fishing trip proved to be adventurous! The Barracuda's were in great supply!
Roger's was by far the largest and put up quit a fight. The snorkeling was fabulous and of course, the water was stunning.

We played volley ball on the beach each day and everyone walked away with strawberries on both

knees!

Em, the birthday girl, singing with the Mariachi band in the Agave restaurant.

Erika and me in the lobby with our complimentary Champagne!

The first group of us at the airport waiting to board the plane to paradise! Notice the matching shirts!

Roger spiking the ball during one of our games! We were not on the same team! I was on the all short people team.....go figure!

Me with the birthday girl! I had to hold her drink down because she kept toasting to the pic, but it was dead set in the middle of my face!

Playing taxi again today!!!!!

Belize June 2009

The girls on the beach waiting for us to provision the boat. Below, the girls washing their hair off the back of the boat...soap heads!

Caroline jumping into the sunset!

Caroline driving the dingy from shore.

Roger making Conch Ceviche

Our boat, Felicity, she was a beauty!





The girls looking for dolphins, flying squid and rays.

Our trip to Belize was as wonderful as we had dreamed it would be! We had great weather and a steady wind that allowed us to sail at about 7 knots. The island of Ambergris Caye was beautiful and very laid back. The food at Estell's was great.

We sailed to Caulker Caye and spent 2 nights anchored there. Roger made Conch Seviche from fresh conch caught by the local fishermen. We snorkled and swam with sea turtles, rays and even nurse sharks.

Christmas in New York '08

They thought they had enough $ to shop in Louis Vuitton....Danielle DID try on shoes and clothes and even examined a few choice purses!

The cast of Spamalot! Great show!

Ice Skating....a must do when in NY at Christmas!

At Tina's in CT...spent the night with her and her boys.....




Danielle's signature look!

BVI Bareboat charter June 2007

BVI Bareboat charter June 2007

This was the best vacation ever! No TV, no video games, just good old fashioned family time! We played cards, read books, snorkled, swam and really relaxed.



At every Island there was something special. And it amazed me at how many other charters were out and about. We met a lot of great people from all over the world.....I hope we get to do this again.

Paris, France March 13 2006

Our first day in Paris was cold! The weather was beautiful and we spent the first day taking in all the sights. We climbed the Eiffel Tower (it was spectacular!), wandered down the Sien River and meandered down the Chaunce Elisse (sp). We bought a 2 day tour bus pass and used it to help get around without sooooo much walking! The girls were surprised at the amount of walking that the French do. On day 2, we climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, toured Notre Dame, and made our way over to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa, only to find that it is closed on Tuesdays! :-( A huge mistake on our part. The food was great. The girls, of course, had to have some escargot and to our surprise, ate every bit of it. The best part was getting it out of its shell. Our hotel was old but beautiful and in a great location for all of our site seeing.

We have lots, and lots of pictures that I will post upon our return.