Christmas Cruise

Hi everyone! Is it just me or is this year passing by way too fast? In just a few days it will be March, UNBELIEVABLE! But getting back into this post I've been meaning to finish this awhile back and now it is completed. This was from my family trip taken during the Christmas Holiday Break. We went on a cruise for 7 days with the kids and we had a blast, we came back exhausted needing a vacation from our vacation. We traveled to Costa Maya, Cozumel, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and back. Below are literally just a few photos taken, because I took almost 1,000, which is crazy. The experience was one to learn from especially with kids (the do's and don'ts), what not to over pack, and things we want to do on the cruise that we didn't get to. If you are one that says a cruise is not for me, you should at least experience it once in your life. You might hear stories of the pros and cons, but I always say, "you will never know, unless you try it yourself". 

(photos taken by Nikon D40, underwater photos by GoPro and photos edited with Polarr Photo Editor)

Ella enjoying the Historic Trolly Tour around Jamaica

Ortiz/Holtkamp Ladies at Red Stripe Beach in Jamaica

Grandma and Ella waiting to go into the Butterfly Farm in Costa Maya, Mexico

These little guys were landing and catching a ride on everyone. (Costa Maya, Mexico)

 Chacchoben Maya Ruins Tour

 Jeep ride in Cozumel, Mexico

 Ella and her Cayman Island Pirate

 

Goodbye 2016 and Hello 2017 (another 365 days in the books)

#2016bestnine

I have to say this 2016 was one great year! Yes, we have our ups and downs in life and decisions we should of thought twice about, but no regrets. We learn from it and move on. I attended a yoga class the other day and I loved what the instructor said about making New Year Resolutions. She started off saying that people usually make them and sadly not complete them (I sadly have to say that is me). Then she suggested to not make them to take life a day at a time not regretting what we do, but learning to help one self grow to be a better person. I had never thought about starting the New Year off that way. I usually try to make a plan to accomplish, but sadly not completing most of the tasks. So this is what I am going to do... I will be happier, less stressed. Taking it one day at a time and just just living and stop saying I can't do things with out trying first. I need to listen to what I myself tell my own students, "just try before giving up".

Things that were the most memorable in 2016:

1. Ella was born!
2. Swam a 1.2 mile swim in the Moody Gardens Bay for Ironman Galveston
3. Christmas Cruise with the family #ortizholtkampfamily
4. Changed jobs (switched districts)
5. Meet Robert Schwartzman again lol :)
6. Ran 22 miles (almost finished the Houston Marathon)
7. Ran the Relay portion for the Ironman in Lubbock "Hispanic Don't Panic"
8. Went on a few dates
9. Bought a Guinea Pig for my classroom.
10. Became an Aunt for the 2nd time! Ella :)