Back to the grind....

Reece started 3rd grade Monday, he was mad that I cut his hair to get him ready for school. Once he got to the school and saw his friends he was no longer upset. Luckily his uniforms still fit from last year so I didn't have to buy any new school clothes. It would stink to buy to much since this will be his last year wearing the uniform. We are really excited because he has swimming every Friday as part of the school day. He is absolutely going to love that. He is still going to do art and Guppies after school and he is excited for those to start up again.

I must say however when I took him to school on the first day I felt like trailer trash! I rolled out of bed threw on a sun dress I had laying on the floor from the day before and walked Reece to school. When we got there all the other moms where dressed head to toe Coach and Prada, high heals, little skirts and getting out of their hummers and huge SUVs. Each one trying to impress the next, it was quiet funny to see them all interact so fake with each other.....but boy did I feel out of place! You can tell its a pricey and uppity school.

Dave started school on Wednesday and is hitting the books right off the bat as usual. He said his classes are pretty interesting and he's glad they are starting to focus more on actual things they will use later and more stuff that is useful. His classes will be tough but they will be made easier by the fact that they are at least interesting.

I have started a little project as well. I'm going to be helping out at Dave's school as a surrogate patient. I get to pretend to be a patient going to the doctor with a migraine and have the medical students practice their interviewing skills by giving them my history. It will be nice to have a little something to do and to make a little money will be awesome!

The other two boys are hanging out and trying not to kill each other. EVERYWHERE we go I get asked at least once "Are they twins?" It is so funny. They are the exact same weight but Carter has about an inch on Gavin height-wise. Carter better get eating or Gavin may have him beat soon.

That's the latest Reimer update! Hope you all are doing well!

Oh my ......

I'm in print! There is an article in the AUC Connection (the alumni magazine) that talks about the Spouses Organization and even quotes me. I have never been quoted in print before so I must say I was excited. Thanks Nicole for your input you sounded awesome! Just had to share.
Here is a link to the article if you want to check it out!http://www.aucmed.edu/aucconnections/campusspouses.htm

You'll see a picture of my pals Kara (Sklyer 1 1/2) Me and the kids, Nicole (Tyson 1 1/2) and Hilary (Issac 1 and Annabell 3).

Some memories with Jean and Glen

The end of the journey

On Wednesday we went to a place called Loterie farms. We went on a hike through the forest/jungle and got to see a great view of Anguilla and the island. It was really hard with the kids and Jean had a really bad stubbed toe....but we did it! After we did the hike I thought it would be tons of fun to do the ropes and zip line course...at one point I thought I might die! Dave was very proud of me for not giving up, but I came close one time....in my opinion there could be a lot morezipping and a lot less ropes! Reece did the smaller course and Grandma said he looked like a pro! He had a lot of fun and didn't look nearly as sweaty and worn out as Dave and I!














After Lotterie Farms Jean and I checked into the Sonesta and Jean, the kids and I enjoyed there beautiful swimming pool! It felt so good after our hot day of hiking and zipping. That night for dinner we went to a place called Cheri's for dinner. They have a little dancing and singing show that we stayed for. Then Jean and I did a little shopping at the stores in Maho and lost a little money at the casino!

Yesterday we went all around Phillipsburg and did some shopping on the Boardwalk and Front Street. It was miserably hot! So we went back to the hotel and chilled out in the swimming pool and then went for appetizers at Peg Leg Pub.Today we went and watched the planes come in and then took Glen and Jean to catch their plane. It was very sad to see them go and I think we are going to need a week to recover from the busy week we have had! It was so wonderful to see some family and get to show someone around the island. We had a great time! Thanks Jean and Glen for a great week! We love you guys and the kids already miss you.

Tuesday- Friday Farewell

Yesterday we took a boat ride around the whole island. It made several stops for a mud bath, swimming and a three course meal. It was so fun. We all had a wonderful time and seeing the island from the outside in is a cool experience. It lasted all day long and we were exhausted by the time we got home. The weather was perfect, all morning it was slightly cloudy which was wonderful because it wasn't nearly as hot and we also didn't feel like we were being burnt to a crisp. It was a great time!

The Reimer Visit

Yesterday we took a tour around and spent some time at Orient Bay. They couldn't come all this way and not take a stroll down the biggest tourist beach on St Maarten.....we didn't however cross the rock barrier between the swimsuit and non-swimsuit section.


Then we spent sometime at the kids favorite beach Le Galion. We had a yummy beach meal at the resturant there and had fun swimming with the kids. The kids had fun showing Grandma and Papa how good they can swim! We ended up going around the whole island so they got to see the different sites around the island.


Today we went to Marigot. We spent some time up at Fort Louis. The kids had fun showing them the beautiful view. We could even see the rain over in Cupecoy but we didn't get any of it. However, I'm pretty sure non of us would have minded since it was so dang hot!














And of course a trip to Marigot is not complete without lunch at Sarafina's!! Yummy...there desserts are so yummy, beautiful and probably so bad for you! Such a fun day! Tomorrow we are headed on the Friday Farewell! A big boat ride around the whole island. Should be fun!

To my dad....

One year ago today at 6:45 am I got the call that my dad had passed away. Here is the song that I listened to over and over again...it made me feel sad but also made me feel better. Dad I'm thinking of you today and missing you as much today as I did a year ago. All our love!

Dance With My Father

Luther Vandross

Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around ‘til I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him
I’d play a song that would never, ever end
How I’d love, love, love
To dance with my father again
When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way, I would run from her to him
He’d make me laugh just to comfort me
Then finally make me do just what my mama said
Later that night when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me
If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him
I’d play a song that would never, ever end
‘Cause I’d love, love, love
To dance with my father again
Sometimes I’d listen outside her door
And I’d hear how my mother cried for him
I pray for her even more than me
I pray for her even more than me
I know I’m praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don’t do it usually
But dear Lord she’s dying
To dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream

Jean and Glen arrive!!!

They arrived today on time and with no delays! The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm and of course very humid. We took them on a walk around our area and showed them Reece's school, Dave's school, and then ate at a local restaurant. It was so great to see them and we are going to have a great week! The kids were so excited! They couldn't wait for them to get off the plane!

It's Official.....

We are moving on to 3rd semester!!!!! Dave's final grades are in and he passed all his classes! I am so thrilled and proud that he pulled it off.....even prouder that we are still on track and won't have to decelerate....I don't want to stay here any longer than needed! Now we can have a nice relaxing couple weeks off before he'll have to hit the books again!

On another note, my friend Michelle and I went to get massages today and it was HEAVEN. It was so nice and we felt like we had been transported to a different dimension it was so relaxing! We plan to do it at the end of every semester to celebrate!

No need to fear!!! Thank goodness.

Hurricane Dane on radar seems to edging past the islands now, and all it brought us was a very windy night! We haven't even gotten any rain! Today is sunny and partly cloudy. We didn't lose electricity or water yet so everything seems to be passing with no problems to us! YAY...looks like Jean and Glen will be able to visit just as planned tomorrow! Thank goodness I didn't want to tell the kids that Grandma and Papa weren't going to be able to visit! They would have been so sad! So thanks for all your thoughts and concern but looks like we dodged the bullet this time! WOW hurricane season doesn't end until NOVEMBER!?!? We could have more of this?!?

Here the view from our deck today....

3 little fish

The boys love going to the swimming pool. When we got here 9 months ago Carter
wouldn't go in the water and both he and Gavin couldn't swim. Now Carter swims all over the pool. He swims so good under water, and does the cutest cannon ball and a Carter version of a dive!
Gavin is getting better and better by the day. Now he can jump off the side and swim to the steps. He swims about 4 feet before he needs help and can also swim under water.


Reece is doing awesome now. He can float on his back and is starting to learn new strokes...and of course his cannon ball's splash is so big your sure to get soaked! I just can't believe how fast they have all caught on, and I'm so happy they love the water as much as I do or I would be miserable! Non of us can see water and not have the overwhelming urge to get in it, I'm glad the boys have the same love for swimming that I have.

7 years ago.....

Anyone that was there remembers the heat that day! Dave and I do for sure. We also remember little Reece being pulled down the aisle in the little wagon. We pulled him back with us and there was a sign on the wagon that read "Just Married" and we had his little shoes dangling. We also had him baptized in the ceremony to symbolize us coming together as a family and not just Dave and I getting married. WOW and now its 7 years later...hmmm sometimes feels like much more! Of course in 7 years we have fit a lot in- 3 children, 2 houses, 6 or 7 different jobs, lots of schooling and now living in another country! Can't wait to see what the next 7 years has in store!

A wonderful day at Pinel

Today we went to Pinel, a little island off of St Maarten. It is a 10 minute boat ride and a beautiful island. It looked like the weather wasn't going to cooperate but it quickly turned around and we had great weather. We swam, and hiked, and snorkeled. The fish in this area must be fed by snorkeling tours b/c when the fish see you coming they all come around and start circling. It is pretty cool...we saw all kinds of very pretty fish. After all we did we were so tired we couldn't wait to get off the island and back on the boat by the end of the day. Here are some pics of the fun we had.
The top picture is us once we made it all the way to the top of our hike! It wouldn't have been as difficult if I wouldn't have had a 2 year old to get up the hill and if I would have something better than a cheap pair of flip flops. The bottom picture is a beach on the opposite side from the nice beaches of Pinel.
Another couple of pics of the discovered beach. Below are my pals Sheryl and Kara and the kids Jon and Skylar.

I good day was had by all and we are EXHAUSTED! The kids will sleep well tonight for sure!

So hard to say goodbye

Today the Spouses Org had a Farewell Luncheon for our 5th semester friends that will be leaving over the next few weeks. We went to Pineapple Pete's a fun resturant that is really yummy. While we were there we said goodbye to our friends Lynette and Sophia. I am going to miss these girls so much. Someone said that we are a lot like Army wives b/c we meet people, become friends, and then have to say goodbye to them. Every semester that passes more and more of your friends leave, the only good thing is that you realize the more that go before you the closer it is to you getting to be the one that leaves, that your the one that gets to move on in this crazy experience. So while we hate to say goodbye I always keep in mind that they have to leave, time has to pass b/c gosh darn it I want my time to come...I want it to be my turn for a Farewell Luncheon. So today I said goodbye to 2 dear friends and in about 5 months we'll have to do it again, its just the way it works! And in one year from this month hopefully I'll be at my farewell luncheon.....I hope I look back and say "wow, that flew by!" I'll be sure to let you know!

Kayaking! Hmmm not as easy as they say!

The Spouse's Org went kayaking today for a fundraiser for the local orphanage that recently burnt down. Since I have never been before I thought this would be a great opportunity to try it out and support the local kids.

My friend Candace and I decided to go together and put Reece in the middle. We were all told that it was going to be a lazy tour in the lagoon and that these kayaks were made to not tip easily......wellllll tell that to Reece, Candace and I because we had no problems tipping our kayak 4 times! We were the only ones in the group of 20 or so kayakers that flipped. After the 4th time trying to get back in the kayak I thought I might die! That's when the leader decided we needed to go in because our kayak had taken on to much water. So Candace and I have agreed to blame the whole embarrassing situation on to much water in the kayak! Hey works for me!!

Our Minnesota Friends and Family

Powered by AOL Video

OMG I was so saddened today when I got the news about the 35W bridge. That is a bridge we used many of times and I know a lot of friends and family use it daily. We are hoping you are all safe and doing well. It is still sad to see something so tragic happen to our home state...I don't like seeing us all over the news for something bad....yes its even on the news down here! Sending all our love to everyone back in MN!