Samana* Domi*nican Rep*ublic-Day 3

Baba, Mama and M took a tour to Los Haitises* National* Park* to see caves and mangroves and then continued on to Cayo* Levantado*. The bay of the park had many little limestone islets covered in greenery. The islets were sanctuaries for pelicans, a forked tailed bird that I can't remember the name of, and some lizards.

Here are Baba and M on our tour boat with the mangroves behind.

Baba and M inside one of the 2 caves we toured. The caves were large and open. Our guide said this area was once a bathtub for natives.M and Baba on the trail to the 2nd cave where we saw many ancient drawings on the cave walls.

After the tour we were dropped on *Cayo Levantado*, which was basically a beach with a little local market. John busied himself getting a massage while Mama, M and Loa Loa played on the beach. M would take Loa Loa to the water, then as soon as it touched her feet she would whip around and run back dragging Loa Loa behind her.

Even though she was not to sure about getting in the water, M did enjoy the sand!

We posed with photos with the whole family, but I don't have those yet. However, here are the 3 of us in a couple of shots. These were taken by our favorite photographer, Bozana! She was great at getting M to smile and laugh.

Of course the night would not be complete without some dancing.
This is one of my favorite pics of her dancing.

For those of you that do not recognize this move, it is affectionately called

"the A2" after M's cousin who showed her the move. Actually it is supposed to be a kick-up handstand, but M does this modified version of it. And yes, she did it in the middle of the ship's atrium.

Jenny

Crusing-Day 2- At Sea

Sunday was a day at sea. We were able to relax and enjoy the sunshine. M spent her morning at the Dinosaur Kid Pool with Mama, Baba, and Loa Loa. Her cousins A2and A1 dropped by too with Ayi(her aunt). She rode the water slide with A2 many times. Her favorite hang out was the baby pool just splashing around.

After M devoured her poolside lunch on deck it was nap time. In fact, she was falling asleep while eating.

In the evening we watched a dance and song show for which M sat on the edge of her seat. Leaving the theater we passed a lounge where music was playing so guess what? Well, actually you don't need to guess right? You know that girl went dancing!!!!

This was our first of many, many photo sessions. M loved them and wanted her picture taken every night.

Jenny

No, we did not fall off the face of the earth...

we just went on vacation!!!!!

My parents treated the whole family to a cruise as our Christmas gift this year. We sailed on the Norwegian Dawn from Miami to Samana, D.R., St. Thomas, US V.I., Tortola, B. V.I., and Great Stirrup Caye, Bahamas(NCL's private island). It was a GREAT week away with my sister, her husband and 3 children, my parents and of course, my hubby, M and myself!

M and her Baba are all smiles as we sail off into the sunset on our first evening aboard. We said, "bye-bye Florida" as we headed out to sea. I don't think M completely understood that we were on a big boat with water all around us, even though we talked about it quite a bit.
Ready for dinner our first evening. Baba is wearing the shirt he wore the day we met M. M is wearing a dress we bought in Guangzhou, China. The dress is quickly getting too short and I figured this would proably be her last time to wear it. :(

When we asked M prior to the cruise what she was going to do on the "big boat" she said, "eat fish and dance". Well she did both on the very first day. In fact, she danced in the atrium of the ship almost every night to a 3 man band. Here she is dancing with her, Loa Loa.

Some dramatic moves.

Our first day was on board was busy with unpacking and settling in. It was so nice to sit down with my whole family in the evening for dinner. I plan to post make a post daily for the next several days to recap our vacation so keep checking back!

Jenny

*ANTM????(*America's Next Top* Model*)

I finished sewing this dress for M today and so she was eager to try it on in a finished state, as she has only had the sleeve or bodice on for sizing. Anyway, it was a beautiful day so we headed outside and I grabbed the camera. She was kind of running around being silly, so I told her to "pose". I don't know why I would think she would know this word, but alas she DID.

Here is a pictoral chronicle of what happened next. M started modeling. Note the arch of her back and the hair tossed over her shoulder.

Do you just love the angle she is making with her arm? And the half twist of her body?

I think Tyra would say her eyes are fierce!!!!! Could we have a future *America's* Next Top *Model*?

M always keeps us surprised and laughing with her. When I think of her future, I think there is nothing she can't do. She is a miracle, a blessing from God!

Jenny