my little band of four: 2008

Ho Ho Ho from the Bahamas

A Bahamian Junkanoo costume (it's their big celebration of the year, like Mardi Gras)

One size fits all

Shelby, Dallin, Chancellor, Morgan, Jackson and Trenton

Jackson's ears that only a mother can love and a chest anyone would love

Riding the banana boat

In the background is where "Gilligan's Island" was filmed

All ready to scuba dive

I don't know what we did back in the day before Nintendo

We headed off to Atlantis. It is a very cool resort. The top of the list for us.

Monte and Ted in beenies from Atlantis

The aquarium was awesome. The Manta Ray was the size of a small car.

Conch anyone?

How about a sea cucumber?

Jackson loves starfish

This was predator lagoon with big hammerheads

Chancellor, Shelby, Morgan and Dallin ready for action

Excited to play with the dolphins

Dolphin areal acrobatics

the proud parents document all the action

Thumbs up and ready to go

Kristi, Trenton, Jackson and Mr. Dolphin

Chance, Dallin, Morgan, Shelby and Flipper

That was a funny dolphin joke

"We're perfect for each other!"

Dolphin motor boat

There was lots of fun to be had and many Cheetos to eat

The Bahamians are very tall

Jack Jack's towel fort

In front of the Eagle Ray Lagoon

THE FIRST ANNUAL SLAVENS FAMILY SWIM OFF

OK, so I have officially been humbled. I have been a swimmer my whole life growing up. My claim to fame was getting 2nd in state in the 100 Butterfly my junior year at the Utah state championship meet.

So I still think I'm hot stuff and I always let Chancellor know that and how I could kick his butt swimming. All summer we talked about having a race but it never happened. Chance decided we needed to have a swim off once and for all. I said, "Bring it on, punk!" Monte and Dallin joined in. Monte wasn't a swimmer in high school so I knew I could beat him and of course I could beat Dallin, he's 12. So first we swam a 50 free. I came in last. I couldn't believe it. Then we swam 25 fly. I lost again. Then 25 free; another loss. I actually quit because I knew I had lost and I was very tired.

So it turns out my greatness was all in my mind. I was very depressed and exhausted! So I took the walk of shame to the closing ceremonies and we took this picture.

We lose Jackson (twice)

After 10 or 15 minutes we realized we didn't have Jackson. We had left him at the pool. He was picking me victory flowers and we forgot about him. Monte ran back to get him (I was far too tired) and he was sitting there talking to a girl. Jackson said "I went to get Mom and Morgan a flower then you were gone." Woops!

The next day as we were leaving the park we went through the casino and split up into two groups. After about 10 minutes Monte got outside and realized that Jackson wasn't with him. He ran back to where we split up and Jackson was sitting all alone on a couch with tears in his eyes. Monte asked him if anyone helped him and he said, "No, I just waited for you to come back!" Poor guy. It's tough being the last child.

The lazy river was very fun. It was heated to 85 with rapids, currents, waves, and a conveyor belt to take you to the rides so you don't even have to get out of your tube. Very cool! Jackson especially loved it.

Lazy River Lovers!

We loved the slides. There were 8 big ones and a few little ones. Jackson could only go on the little ones. I was trying to video the kids going down the slide and I heard a little cry. I ignored it because I was busy. A minute later I heard a louder cry "Mommy! Mommy!" I could tell then that it was Jackson. Again I was busy so I sent Mommy #2 Morgan in to save him. Jackson was hanging on the end of the slide crying. Morgan did an excellent job saving him. Thanks Morgan.