Finally!

Caroline has taken violin lessons now for just over three months. At her lesson yesterday she was FINALLY allowed to pick up her "real" violin. We have been going to lessons to learn how to stand properly, hold the bow, where you can and cannot touch the bow and violin and how to look at the violin once it is placed correctly. She has been learning on a cardboard violin and using a stick that mimics a bow. She still doesn't use her bow instead she plucks the strings. However, this is some major progress for her. It is a happy day at our house! She now plays "Pop Goes the Weasel" over and over and over. I personally can't wait until next week so we can hopefully have another tune to add to her list. Way to go Liney!!

Could it be true?

You won't believe who has finally cut his hair...drum roll please...
Yes, it is true, Mckinnley has chopped his long hair off. He no longer
looks like a skater dude. Isn't he so handsome? You can actually see his
beautiful blues. He hates pictures so these are the best I could do.

Caroline goes crazy!!

Don't ask me what got into Caroline today but she has been completely out of control. Jumping around, making crazy faces and being a total goofball. She started dancing and posing and told me to take some pictures of her, here they are. The pictures don't make her craziness seem quite as bad as it was. I think we had better lay off the caffeine for a while!!

Oh how we love the Caribbean!!

Last year for Christmas, my mom gave the entire family, all daughters, husbands and children, a cruise to the Caribbean. After waiting 11 months it was finally time to go. We got home last Sunday after an absolutely amazing week. We spent 4 days on the ship, one day in St. Maarten, one day in St. Thomas and one day in Princess Cays. The highlight for the kids definitely had to be snorkeling while in St. Thomas. They all got to be very good at it and they all had a blast. While on the ship we were constantly busy doing fun activities. A few of the good times included: Holli jumping in the pool fully clothed within the first few hours of getting on the ship (of course it was a contest), swimming, tanning, shopping, reading, EATING, going to kids camp, hanging out with 12 cousins, watching movies on the 300 foot screen each night, dancing for raffle tickets, Haley and Holli being hypnotised and we can't forget the casino and BINGO. Holli won a jackpot of $1,250.00 playing bingo, it's not only for old people! Did I mention eating? We ate and ate and ate. We weren't even hungry and we still ate. It is impossible to pass up the ice cream bar each afternoon and the pizza, cheeseburgers, fries and room service that are open 24 hours a day. Can anyone guess who gained the most weight? Now that is a contest I wish I hadn't won. Unfortunately, I am quite sure that I did. Oh well, it was totally worth it! We pretty much ran the ship. You can't have that many Scharman/Soderberg girls together and not take control of things. Let's just say we created a little chaos and it was always exciting when we were around. I am pretty sure that the Caribbean Princess will never be the same! Thanks Mom for a wonderful vacation and all the fabulous memories that we will cherish always! Let's get the next trip on the calendar!!