Sea World

Before Minny and I went back to New Hampshire for the holidays, we went to Sea World in Orlando.  We went with my "adopted mom" and her husband and grandson.  Minny was so excited as this was her first time to go to an amusement park.

Minny could not get over how big this Christmas tree was.  It was HUGE!  It is right up in front when you walk into Sea World.

We went to see the dolphin show Blue Horizons.  Wow, what a show!  Dolphins, Birds, brightly colored costumed guys diving into the pool, beautiful dressed girls on the trapezes, etc.  Minny absolutely loved it!

We were looking at the flamingos and "mom" was taking pictures.  She took a couple pictures of this one flamingo and then turned to take more pictures of the other flamingos.  Then she hear Ronnie say "MeeMaw" and she turned around and this flamingo above was in her face.  She was surprised!  He almost kissed her!  Ronnie and Minny thought it was very funny!  Not sure "mom" thought it was funny.

Then onto the Clyde and Seamore Show.  They are two funny seals.  There was this little otter that "stole" the show.  And then this BIG walrus made Minny laugh.  Before the show they have this mime come out.  He is a guy with his face painted white.  He was having fun with the people walking into the show to find their seats.  Minny and Ronnie were really laughing at him.

It snowed at Sea World!  Yes, you heard me right, it was snowing at Sea World in Orlando, Florida!  Minny was loving it!  Can you see the snow in the picture? 

We went on the The Polar Express.  What a neat ride!  We went to the North Pole to see Santa!  Then we walked and saw polar bears and this beautiful Christmas tree.  Isn't it just gorgeous?

Sea World has this wonderful Nativity show.  "Mom" saw it last year, but we couldn't get into see it this year.  I really wanted to see it, but the seats filled up fast and we didn't get there early enough.  I wish we could have seen it as they have live camels, goats, etc. for this show.  I bet it was an cool show. 

We also went to see Shamu's show called Miracles.  It was a beautiful Christmas show!  The baby whales were so cute!

Finally we saw the ice skating show followed by fireworks.  It was so awesome!

If you ever get the chance to go to Sea World, please go.  It is an awesome place and your children will have so much fun!

We are back in New Hampshire and hoping it snows for Christmas.  There are only a few days left before Christmas.  Minny and I hope you have the most wonderful blessed Christmas!

                 MERRY  CHRISTMAS!!

Moose & Minny

In Memory

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."

when what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

then He and the children stood up without a sound.

"come now my children, let me show you around."

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

 

 

 

I borrowed this from my friend Kristine Foley who posted it on her blog "The Foley Fam {Unedited}".  It was so touching that I had to share it with you.

 

God Bless the families who lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy.   

 

 

 

Moose Mills                                                                                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow, what a trip!!

I am finally back from the Far East.  Wow, what a trip!  I had so much fun and I learned a lot.  But I am so glad to be back in the old U.S.A.!!!!  There is no place like home!!  Seriously!

I returned this past weekend, but I was so tired from "jet lag", or do they call it that when you travel to the Far East?  I lost a day going there and gained a day coming back home.  Hmmmmmmm!

I was most excited to see Minny Moose.  She was so happy to have her daddy back home!  She is the love and light of my life!

As you know, I went to China first.  Some beautiful country and very crowded!  We did see some sights between business stops.  You saw the one picture I put in my last blog of all of us in Shanghai.  Here is a picture of John (he is my boss, you know) pointing to the dragon carved in stone.  Of course, I am ever the "ham", and looking at the camera and not the dragon.

This was in China.  I forget where as we saw so many things in so many places.  I won't bore you with all the pictures.

But I do want to show you this picture from the Philippines.  Can you take a guess on where we were and who the memorial was dedicated to?

This is at Red Beach in Palo Leyte in the Philippines.  That is a statue of General MacArthur (second from left behind John).  He is the General who told the people of the Philippines, "I Shall Return".  This was during World War II.

General Douglas MacArthur was the son of a man who fought on the Union side during the Civil War.  His mother was from the south and her brothers fought on the Confederate side.  General MacArthur graduated from West Point with honors in 1903.  He served during World War I and President Franklin Roosevelt chose MacArthur as his military advisor to the Philippines in 1935.  In 1941 he was called to active duty and was commander of the U.S. forces in the Pacific during World War II.   A Japanese invasion of the Philippines that same year drove MacArthur’s forces from the country.  Thus his promise to the people of the Philippines, "I Shall Return".   On October 20, 1944, he kept that promise and landed on Red Beach in Palo Leyte.  "People of the Philippines, I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God our forces stand again on Philippine soil -- soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples. We have come, dedicated and committed, to the task of destroying every vestige of enemy control over your daily lives, and of restoring, upon a foundation of indestructible, strength, the liberties of your people."  That was a historic day.  I am glad I got a chance to see this memorial.

Can you believe it?  Christmas is almost here!  Minny is so excited.  She loves Christmas!  I have to say that I love it also. 

Now try to stay calm and not overdo it getting ready for Christmas.  Minny and I will be in the mountains of New Hampshire enjoying the holidays.

Merry Christmas!!

 

TRAVELING!!

As I told you last time, I am traveling.  Went to China and I am now in the Philippines.  It has been a great trip so far, but I do miss Minny and looking forward to getting back to the good old USA!

My adopted "mom" is taking care of Minny for me and she, Minny, her grandson and daughter-in-law went to the big Christmas Parade in Port Orange, Florida this past Sunday.  Minny had a blast and it was her first parade ever!  She told me that she saw Santa Claus!  She was so excited!

Back to my trip.  Here we are in Shanghai, China. 

                       And here is a photo of one of the meals that we had for a choice for lunch.

                      Can you gues what those are?  They are mini octopus.  No thank you!!!

Just wanted to show you a couple of pictures and to let you know that I am learning a lot over here and am so glad to see another part of our wonderful world.  I will share more with you when I return.

I will be home soon.  Until next time...........................