I have had a little time today to put some pictures up on the site and they tell you about the fun we are having. If your thinking of sailing with your kids I want to be fair and say that it's not all fun, but the rewards are lifelong. Over the past year we have seen our children grow so much. Benjamin headed toward his 17th year has turned into such a fine person. Level headed and calm in the face of chaos he is a natural leader. So often now I find myself seeking his input on bigger decisions as he has such great advice. Julianna has stepped up to the plate and filled in many of the holes left when Jean is gone. She see's that which needs to be done and does it so often. Sometimes getting food for a crew member who is at the helm, she is learning to prepare complicated meals. She too is a natural leader and has a gift of being able to read peoples body language and anticipate what they need. She has become a "mini mom" to Steve.He so often needs a hug or someone to hear his ideas and she is there for him. The two of them are travel buddies and go into the beach on adventures together. They keep each other safe.  Steve now 13, is going through that phase where he is not a boy and not comfortable with the title of young man.Yet, he steers the best in the roughest storms, has a solid stomach at sea, has learned to see a need and fill the need in others, that so often comes with twenty somethings. He is fearless in front of huge crowds, speaks with authority and has wonderful comedic timing and energy. All three crew are responsible young adults now, they can be trusted to operate the inflatable boat and outboard, fill the water tanks, manage the ships battery charge levels, complete most school assignments on time and with minimal teacher management. They are a joy to behold when we arrive in harbor and pickup a mooring or come into a slip at the dock. They secure the lines and fenders with ease. At sea they stand watches on a 24 hour basis. They avoid shipping by changing course, they make log entries and perform basic navigational tasks. Daily routine onboard is anything but consistent when traveling. It's stressful and hard to keep up with studies. This requires them to work harder when we reach ports. Just at a time when they are ready to blow off steam from a passage. It's hard but aside from the normal debates and squabbles they look out for each other and often  the boys help Juli with her math. Somehow the important things get done. The unimportant ones don't. We continue our journey one sunrise at a time according to God's plan for each of us.