Rio Secreto-The Amazing Secret River

The coolest part of our cruise would definitely be the day we landed in Calica. Nathan, mom, dad, and I decided to do the "Rio Secreto" (Secret River) expedition. In the expedition, you got to go caving where there was a river flowing. Some parts of the journey, you could walk and other parts you had to swim.
We got off the boat and were driven on a VERY bumpy ride into the jungle in the middle of Calica. It was about a 45 minute ride there. We got there and had to get on our gear--wetsuits, swim shoes, helmets with lights, and life jackets. When we first got into the water...it was FREEZING! But we all quickly got used to the temperature. It was the neatest experience. Nathan and I kept saying how awesome of a field trip this would be! The journey took over an hour and was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!! We were lucky that there was a professional photographer following us and we were able to buy a CD of the pictures. This is the 2nd coolest thing I've ever done in my life---only 2nd to swimming with the dolphins on our honeymoon. :-)


Our tour group with our guide Victor

Victor is preparing us for what we're about to do!

Starting our journey....

Cruising...on the Carnival Elation

Since we were afraid this might be our last one week fall vacation, we wanted to do something extremely fun this year! So me, Nathan, mom, dad, and Nathan's mom and dad went on a cruise! We left from Mobile and sailed to Cozumel, Mexico and then to Calica, Mexico. We enjoyed laying out, EATING (what felt like ALL the time!), watching the shows, and exploring Mexico. I have hundreds of pictures, but only picked a few to share with you! (**Please read the next entry about one adventure in particular in Calica!**)


Shopping at the outside market in Cozumel!


Beautiful beach in Cozumel!

Our parents at the Family Feud show on the cruise!

At Calica (along with some of dad's finger)

Formal night on the Elation---I had a hot date!

Cozumel, Mexico
We had the BEST time and definitely plan on going on another cruise SOON---hopefully next year!

College REUNION

On the weekend of July 24, all us girls from the good ole UNA college days, finally reunited! We'd been able to get together each time someone got married, but hadn't spent a weekend together since college. They all came from different directions: Lindsey-from Birmingham, Dana-from Florence, Megan- from Selmer, TN, and Kristina-from Atlanta! So we spent a few days together at my house catching up on our lives, marriage, teaching jobs, etc. It's like we just picked up where we left off! I am so thankful that after all this time (we graduated college 3 years ago!) we still make time to get together!

Kristina, Lindsey, and me at Cheddars!

Dana and Megan at Cheddars!

Great weekend with GREAT friends! Love all you girls! Looking forward to getting together at baby showers in the future! :-) LOL

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Nathan and I decided we better enjoy the last few weeks before school started back! So we went to Atlanta for a weekend for the Braves game! We had awesome seats and it was a nice getaway. And the Braves even WON!

Two Years of Martial Bliss

We have been married 2 years now! It's flown by! To celebrate, we left on Monday, July 5th and went to the Blue Spring Manor Bed and Breakfast for 2 nights. Its a bed & breakfast about 45 minutes outside Birmingham. Our friends, Lindsey and John, suggested this place and it was AWESOME! We laid around the pool,enjoyed the wonderful BREAKFAST, walked around the grounds, practiced our putting and played games. It was a very relaxing mini-vacay! Here are some pictures of this great place.



This was our bedroom: the Willow Oak Room.



This was my favorite place--the swing on the big back porch!


The pool!


Day 1 of yummy breakfast!

Our attempt to get a picture together. Happy 2 Year Anniversary, I love you Nathan!

June and her Boys

Last night, Nathan and I went to Coach June Seals induction into the Madison County Sports Hall of Fame. Nathan coaches under June at Sparkman-varsity girls. This was his first year to coach and I guess that says something when the woman you coach under is getting inducted into the Hall of Fame. It was at the VBC and they have a fancy dinner. I loved the chance to dress up and get out---even on a school night.


June and her boys- Jimmy, Patrick, Nathan, and Danny





Blurry but June, her boys, and her girls

Coaches Wives

Me and Coach Wilson

The WONDERFUL "T" Word

Today during school, Mr. Hughes appeared at my door. He asked to see me in the hallway. Then, he reached in next door and asked to see Lindsey. Then he proceeded to tell us that he did NOT have to lose any units next year. Which means---TENURE! He said that technically its not official yet. He has submitted our name to the Board and first they have to sign off on it. But he's never known the Board to not approve it if a principal has submitted it. So FINALLY after many scary, unknowing moments last year and this year, I'm safe! I have job security!! Thank you Lord!! It also means a nice RAISE! I am sooo EXCITED! Michelle & Staci are buying me and Lindsey lunch tomorrow to celebrate--we're having a TENURE party! WOO-HOO!