Live, Laugh, Love with The Hill's: Diving into 4th semester and a new school year!

Brayton and I have officially survived our first week. 4^th semester is off to a good start for Brayton as he enjoys his classes and has had an amazing turtle opportunity! The new school year is off to a great start for me as I have a great little class of 13 and feel much more prepared for my upcoming year! If you’re interested in my teaching life, check out my blog @ teachingcaribbeanstyle.blogspot.com!

Back to the exciting turtle opportunity! Last week, Trevor (our roommate) who works with Dr. Stewart on the turtle project was called out to rescue a Green SeaTurtle that was found floating. The turtle was alive but was in need of some immediate attention and care. Trevor and Brayton have been working close with Dr. Stewart giving the turtle the proper care. Today, they were able to help in giving the turtles x-rays to see if there were any internal problems. They think there is some sort of blockage, but are seeking the opinion of a veteran turtle doctor at the Georgia SeaTurtle Center. If there is something internally, they may get to participate in a turtle surgery to help remove or repair the problem. Brayton is really excited to get to be a big part of this mission, this mission which is now living in our bathroom!! (I'll post pictures later on!)

Aside from school, life on the island is going pretty good, at least as good as it can be for St Kitts! My family made it safely back to the states, Brayton and I spent a few days relaxing and getting ready to dive back in, Kate and Trevor are all moved into the villa and the 6 of us (and 4 pets) are doing great! I feel really lucky to have such great friends /family who are always there for you! Although it is hard at times to live in a house with 6 adults (groceries, bills, etc), 4 animals, and lots of stress, it is TOTALLY worth it to come home and sit down and feel like you’re eating dinner and hanging out with your family! Moments like this make it even better. . Brayton while looking at FB..."OMG there is Candy Corn M&M's now!" Emily responds with.."YES and Candy Corn Oreos..I NEED THOSE!" I <3 my roommates!!

Although it is hurricane season, it was been A W F U L L Y hot, muggy, still, stagnant, uncomfortable here! There has been NO wind and the air is hot and heavy all day and night! I am actually looking forward to a few month of Caribbean Winter!

Nevi and Koala are also doing great. Koala is a princess, she thinks she is a dog, she does whatever she wants and is the ruler of everything! She comes and goes as she pleases and makes it very clear when she wants to be in, or out, wants food or wants to be left alone! She loves to roam around outside (though we are not really sure what she does/where she goes) and she loves to lounge around the pool deck or cuddle up in bed! My roommate’s, Emily, mom was here during break and she emailed Emily upon leaving and said that Koala should have her own children’s book – she is a hoot!

Taking care of 'sick' Daddy! Not leaving much room for me!

Koala at about 1-2 weeks old!

Nevi is growing like a weed and isn’t a puppy anymore! She is so smart and such a great dog! I feel really lucky to have found her, rescued her and brought her back to health! She loves everyone, and is so good with people! She will certainly let us know if there is someone coming, but just needs an ‘its okay!’ and is back to herself! Her favorite thing to do is swim..jump into the pool..chase her toys..or just relax on the stairs in the pool. She is certainly a Mama’s girl and generally gets lucky enough (as long as Brayton doesn’t get too mad =)) to sleep in bed with us! We are getting nervous though for cold weather and Nevi…At night when the a/c is on, she likes to sleep under the covers because she gets cold…I cannot imagine what she will do in the snow! We better find some cozy dog sweaters!

Well, I cannot think of too much new in our lives at this point. We have been in St. Kitts over a year, and are about a month away from being ½ done! Time sure does fly by!