Christopher studies Christopher's Tomb

We visited the tomb (the coffin being carried by the 4 Kings) of Christopher Columbus, who is interred in the Seville Cathederal. The Cathederal in Seville is the 3rd largest church in the world after St. Peters in Rome and St. Pauls in London. 

Seville, Spain

Sheila and Christopher in the Alcazar in Seville. This palace was built in Arab-style by Spanish artisans circa 1500. 

Christopher explores Gibraltar

This was about as close as Christopher would get to the aggressive apes at the top of the rock of Gibraltar. The rock offers great views like the one of the Mediterranean below with Morocco in the distant background.

When will I ever get the Monkey off my back?

Gibraltar, where this was taken, has a small colony of apes living on the rock itself. They are pretty friendly and often aggresive. The last time I had one of these on my back (1998) it bit me on the back of my exposed neck before running off. This one didn't but I was well prepared with my water/bodily fluid-proof jacket. 

Christopher Near the Edge...

Christopher enjoys the view from the frontier town of Ronda, Spain, one of the last holdouts the Moors (Arabs) had until pushed back into Africa circa 1490.

Blowing out the candles

Surprise, Christopher chose a Spongebob cake. It was made by Sheila's friend Bonnie from work. 

Having a good time

Christopher, Scott and Travis having a hugging good time at the bowling alley during the birthday party. 

Happy 7th Birthday Christopher!!

Christopher and 6 friends spent 2 hours at the bowling alley celebrating his birthday. They got to bowl 2 games, had lunch, opened presents, then cake and ice cream. 

Christopher's Christmas Eve Present

Christopher chose this gift as the one he would open Christmas Eve. Soon after opening it he ran off to find his helmet and army shirt to start playing. 

This is cool!!

Christopher was excited to get more army toys to add to his collection. 

Christopher wonders.......

Will this be the bazooka set that I asked for? (Yes, it was). Notice Tom's new toy in the background, 42" plasma TV.

Playing Santa

Wearing the Santa hat with blinking stars that Christopher got while we were in Rome, he takes a break from opening gifts to pass out presents. 

Gifts from Santa

These were the gifts that Santa left for Christopher in his stocking. 

Merry Christmas 2005

This was taken Christmas Eve, Christopher was dying to open a present. 

Christopher and Santa Claus

Christopher was thrilled when he got called up to sit on Santa's lap & get a present. We were at one of Tom's work parties.

Sheila and Christopher at the Colosseo in Rome

Completed in 80AD it once was the site of duels between gladiators, now it is a haven for pickpockets and bandits of all types (mostly tour guides). Learn more at Rome Link . The gladiators in the background will pose for a price.

Christmas Time in Rome

This was taken in front of St. Peter's basilica in Vatican City, the first time in three tries I've seen this church without a shroud of scaffolding around it. We spent the weekend before Christmas in Rome to see what the Eternal city was like this time of year. We were rewarded with unique and interesting Christmas markets and lots of decorations throughout the city much like you would see in the U.S. The weather cooperated, we ate a lot of good food and we walked for many miles.

Cape Town and the Juhnkes

Sheila Christopher and Tom with Table Mountain and Cape Town in the background. We decreed that we will come back again.

Rhino Family

A mother and baby rhino take a drink.

Pilanesburg National Park

Giraffes enjoy breakfast.