A pirate weekend with the Ely's and new best friend, Andy

September 4-6, 2009

















At Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tony's beautiful yard. Some times I feel like it is almost too beautiful to be real.

The pirates in the the Ely playhouse. This playhouse was built many years ago when grandma Sandra Ely was still alive. Many of her grandchildren had sleepovers in this cute little house. There are a lot of great memories here.

Hannah and I are right in front of the "Virginian" the boat/ship that my Dad, Janna, Stephanie, Matthew, Kris, Adrienne, Claire, and Landon took a cruise on. Hannah and I ran to be able to see them for a few minutes before they took off. Even though we only saw them for a few minutes this was so important to me and I'm glad we got this picture. I love my family and I want to teach that love to my children. My family are my favorite people to be with.

Here is Derek, Mom, Hannah, and Grandma Rita in front of the "Interceptor" the ship that was used in the movie, "Pirates of the Carrabean". A movie that is a family favorite

I love the barnacles/shells that are on this.

Pirate Hannah taking control of the ship

Here is Andy, the kids immediately fell in love with him and want us to adopt him. He is a very interesting, impressive, happy person. He is one of Grandpa and Grandma's China students. He has such an interesting and inspiring life story so far and he is only 24. He is the 3rd child, which is unheard of in China. He had to be literally hidden from the government for a long time. His mother would hide him in the chicken coop when he was a baby when the government would come by and hope that he would not cry or make a sound that would give his existance away. When the government finally learned of Andy, they took his parents away for years and tortured them. His older sister had to take care of him on her own. Later his family decided that he needed to go away to school as there we no schools in his village. His mother, father, and sister worked to support him as he went as a young boy to a school that did not have enough blankets, clothing, or food for the children. He missed his family very much but he knew that his family was working very hard so that he might get the only education in his family. His family has never seen a refrigerator let alone a computer. Andy loves EVERYTHING! He is so greatful for everything and is always smiling. He had so much fun with my children. He is like a big kid. I think he is making up for lost time, in that I'm sure he did not have a childhood.

More fun on the Interceptor with some of the sailors/pirates

In front of Grandpa Ely's amazing home/gardens extrordinare. Derek loves the gate that his Grandpa has put up.

The feeding of the fish, quite a grand show. We thoughrouly loved it. Grandpa has such a way of making everything so exciting and a momentus occasions. We love our momentous occasions with he and Grandma Rita.

These pictures of the children with Andy represent pure joy and fun. They had so much fun together. I am so greatful that Grandpa Ely captured so many wonderful pictures of this fun time.

You can tell Andy's personality from these pictures. He truley enjoyed my children and I am greatful to him for that.

Grandpa Ely sure did get some wonderful action shots
 

I love this picure. It captures my Hannah's personality, and I love it!

More wonderful shots of the kids

I love this action shot of Hannah mid air!

The three Ninjas

More adventures for the three

the kids sure do enjoy these boats :)

Derek with the decorated pig :)

Mom, Derek, Andy, and Hannah. We sure did have a great time. We can't wait to come back again!

 

Back at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Tony's at the playhouse

Hannah sure is growing up to be a beautiful young lady

I love that I can be a part of this beautiful girl's life

She is so curious and love to learn and see everything. I hope this curiosity never leaves her.

In front of the bird house with the two characters!

 

What a huge dog/horse! We thought the dog's name should be "Tiny" hee hee :)

A pirate helping my pirate with her costume

In the pirate lair with Hannah and Derek

My family with another pirate family

Derek with his new buddy, Andy

One of the many beautiful views we were able to enjoy together

The crew on board the Interceptor
 

My crew sure does know how to have fun

During our time at the harbor with the ships, a couple of people asked Grandpa Ely if he was from the press, this was in reference to his amazing camera. What a big anchor.

Hannah checking things out, as usual :) I'm so glad she didn't fall in

On board the Interceptor

My wonderfuly happy boy

With a member of the "crew"

I love this photo of Derek

What a wonderful day together

What a great photo of Hannah and Andy discovering . . .