We moved aboard in 1977 with Vicky, Jenny, and Kathy.  In preparation Don spent the winter rebuilding the interior of "The Ark",  having learned from our prior winter live-aboard experiences.   Among the changes - Propane heat was replaced by coal heat, and a freestanding Fireplace installed in our stateroom for "ambiance"...
	2 sets of Identical Twins?

In 1978 we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. Our kids gave us a party at Dave's home...
Once every 25years... Just the thought of being alone with my bride brought tears to my eyes
In 1983 we decided to fulfill the boating dream we shared for the past 14 years and went shopping for a Trawler. Our plan was to live on it year 'round because  we loved that so much, and also to be able to cruise along the East Coast on our vacations. Our son Dave, knowing my penchant for making quick decisions - cautioned me not to buy the first boat that we looked at!  Below is the first...
	Well, we saw it, we loved it and we bought it! And Dave agreed!

The Ark was already on land when we arrived home at Curtin Marina, after a 2 day voyage from Tom's River NJ - and although there was no furniture to transfer - our clothes, pots, pans, bedding and lots of boxes of our stuff  consumed the next week.  Climbing up and down the 10' ladder to the dry docked houseboat was a workout that Mary remembers to this day! Don spent the next few weeks installing a wood stove, air conditioner, double propane tank setup, and many other changes that would make our new home more comfortable. Shortly after we were settled, in Vicky and Steve were married... And then a month or so later Barry & Wendy

Future Husband Ken Eckman - Now look at her smile!!!

In the Summer of 1984, we waited impatiently for the end of the school year, and after much planning and provisioning - departed from our slip at Curtin Marina to head down the Delaware River,  and around Cape May...    "See you in a year!"

The "Sand Dollar" cruised at a leisurely 7 knots, (8 miles per hour) and we would depart from Burlington on the outgoing tide to make the best headway against the current. Once we reached Cape May - our 1st anchorage - we would usually weigh anchor just before dawn and travel until sunset... We traveled to a number of different locations, and repeated these trips each summer over a period of about 6 years. The pictures below cover all of those trips.

After our last cruise north in 1989 we had three weddings in the family...

Jennifer Lehrbaum Married Kenneth Eckman

Kathryn Lehrbaum Married Ronald Birren

David Lehrbaum Married Vicki Egizi

In 1989 Mary & I departed from our Curtin Marina Home once more and spent a year cruising down the Inland Waterway. We returned home with a new crew member - "Skipper"
The Pictures Below are From the Famous Spaghetti Dinner... "Appetite Lost"
Matthew & Sarah   prayed for a Thanksgiving snow...
Over the last 13 or so years that we lived on the "Sand Dollar" we hosted many cruises for various ministries at Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia. Below are some pictures from a few of the "Tape Ministry"  cruises.
My 1st (and only) Mate doing Anchor Duty
Relaxing & Sopping up the Heat from the Fire I Love that Sweet Smile!
In November of '93 Andrea was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. I was working at church & often took her for Radiation & Chemo... She was an inspiration to me of faith and endurance, and she still is today! PRAISE GOD
2011                                        A Beautiful Godly Grand-Daughter!
In the Winter of 2004 we moved from "The Sand Dollar" ...