October 2011

Who says adults can't have fun?  Eric and Jodi made the 2.5 hour trip to Cedar Point in early October.  The chosen date wasn't the best choice considering the weather but troopers we were!

Jodi continued with her football season and was tied up most weekends with Friday night football games.  The team remained undefeated through the regular season so she was busy coaching all month.  Eric wrapped up his cross country season and enjoyed his two weeks off at the end of the month.  The end of the October brought a special occasion as Eric's sister Janet was getting married in Engadine, Michigan.  Kaleb counted down the days all month long until he got to see the bridge.  It was his first time over the Mackinac Bridge and his first visit to the Upper Peninsula.  We took lots of pictures and couldn't have asked for a better Michigan fall weekend - the weather was just perfect.  A big congrats to Janet and Chris on their special day!

Our trip home from the U.P. was an adventure - after a slight detour, we made an unexpected stop at Uncle John's Cider Mill.  Kaleb picked out his Halloween pumpkin and the three of us took our chances in a corn maze.  A break from the many hours in the car - we enjoyed the sun and fall colors and then it was soon back on the road.

The end of October is fun for all kids and Kaleb is no exception.  This year, he decided to dress up as Ash from the Pokemon series for Halloween.  Our neighborhood wasn't as busy as it was last year but for a kid that doesn't eat a lot of candy - the dozen houses we did go to - will supply us until at least Easter.  Happy Halloween everyone!

September 2011

A trip to "Huron" started off the month for the Kramarczyk's.  Kaleb was anxious for his first trip to Huron County, visiting Jodi's grandma for the Labor Day Weekend.  We spent two days keeping grandma company and enjoy some relaxation.  It was so good to see her and we wish we lived closer to visit more often.  Kaleb is already talking about his next trip to "Huron."  I think he just likes the lake and grandma's attention :)

Following Labor Day weekend, back to school and busy soon became the theme for September.  School, projects, practice and football games kept Jodi busy through the entire month.  Eric started his middle school cross country season and practices and meets had him gone into the late evenings.  Kaleb, a typical fourth grader was adjusting to a new teacher and new expectations and started his second soccer season with the AYSO organization.  Much improved, Kaleb learned to dribble and score and was not as afraid of the ball as much as he had been last fall.  

A very busy month but fast and in the blink of an eye, October was here!

Thankful

Have you ever wondered how the world can be so beautiful each and every morning?  I am completely obsessed with scenic photography.  Sunrises and sunsets are my absolute favorite!  It is such a blessing to know that each of our days begin and end with these beautiful gifts from God.

I just couldn't take my eyes off today's sunrise.  Good Morning everyone!

August 2011

August was filled with lots of adventure as we knew the summer would be soon coming to an end and all three of us would be back in school.

Jodi went back to work full time in early August on top of regular cheerleading practices starting up. Miles were being driven and gas was being guzzled in the bustling commute from Jackson to Lansing.

Mid-August brought the Jackson County Fair and a day of fun for Kaleb on pay-one-price day for the rides. We were able to persuade Kaleb to try a few "big kid" rides this year. The swings were a big hit after his first ride. The hang glider ride didn't get the same response but at least we got him to try. He's going to be awfully disappointed next year when he's too big for the kiddie rides. We got our fill of fair food and enjoyed our day so much we can wait another year to go back.

Jodi was back to school on August 23 with students and as luck would have it...the nightmare for a commuter came true and two days into the school year, Jodi's car was totaled in a car accident on the way home from school. Thankfully no one was seriously injured and the only damage was Jodi's car and emotions. Meemic Insurance made the experience an easy one and it wasn't long before a new car was sitting in the driveway. Jodi always wanted a new car but it just wasn't a justifiable expense at the time. Guess someone decided otherwise.

Kaleb went back to school early this school year as well, leaving Eric with a week to himself which he used to prep his own classroom so he wouldn't be putting in extra hours during in-service week.

We're Sad to see another summer go but excited to begin the new journey of the upcoming year.

July 2011

We're back! Sun-kissed and exhausted!! It really was a wonderful trip though and we already paid a deposit on our next cruise - a promised trip for Kaleb! Now comes the task of organizing a time when all of our schedules line up, preferably not in the summer!!

Back to the trip, what an amazing experience for both of us. We've both been on a cruise separately before so we knew what to expect some what. Two of the ports were new though and what an adventure they were.

Our first port was Key West, of which both of us have already visited. This time though we saved the miles on our legs and rented an electric car. It allowed us to see more of the city and saved us from the sweltering heat! It was hot! Eric did most of the driving and we just rode around all over trying to see as much as we could. We had lunch at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville - yummy! Then some shopping and it was back to the ship.

Our next day was spent at Grand Cayman. We were gifted at our shower with an excursion to go snorkeling. What an amazing time! We snorkeled not far from shore with our ship in view which was really neat. After about 45 minutes, we moved to another location over a shipwreck - super cool! We were quite far from touching the ship but our pictures make it look otherwise. I highly recommend our excursion to everyone! Following our snorkeling adventure, we enjoyed lunch at Hard Rock Cafe and again, a little shopping. After a slight line "detour" we were back on ship and enjoying some time onboard the Carnival Freedom.

Our last port of call was Ocho Rios, Jamaica. If it wasn't for our excursion, I'm not sure either of us would have enjoyed the port as much. Jamaica is a poor country and it shows but at the same time, it's beautiful!! We were gifted our Jamaican excursion by a few of the faculty members at Lansing Catholic where Jodi works. It was like a 3-in-one, and a super good time. We took our adventure taxi up the hills to the ranch where we were going to start our zipline adventure. The Jamaican's that assisted us on our trip were amazing! Super friendly and really nice! Three swings through the trees and then it was off to our final part - a river rafting trip through the chilly waters of Jamaica! What an adventure though! Again, this was an excursion that I would highly recommend to anyone. After our trip back to ship, we didn't want to spend too much time on the island so we made our way back to the ship and enjoyed lunch in the buffet and some time aboard.

Our at sea days were great and we enjoyed the shows, food, bingo and laying out. Very relaxing...something we could get used to quickly.

Following our demarkation back in Florida, we spent an extra night in Fort Lauderdale. It was very relaxing and we took advantage of our last day of vacation.

Back in Michigan, July just flew by. We enjoyed some time with family and lots of downtime, enjoying summer and catching up Kaleb with some adventures of his own.

June 2011

Our Wedding Month! It's finally here! What a month it has been! Eric and Jodi both wrapped up the school year and squeezed the final weddings details out all at the same time and away we went!

June 17th couldn't have been any more magical and we are so blessed to have shared our special day with so many cherished family and friends! Thank you for all for your love and support! We look forward to sharing our continued journey's with you in the future!  Here are a few of our favorite pictures from that special day:

Following the wedding, a busy week lied ahead as Eric had a class to take and Jodi had to wrap up a few publication projects at school. It wasn't long though before we were setting sail for the Caribbean! A much anticipated trip that we both were looking forward too! Stay tuned next month to hear about our wonderful adventure!