Continuing education path

[alexdives]

I want to thank everyone for the super helpful replies. It really has affected how we are thinking about moving forward

 

[mdwalter]

As recreational divers that will probably only go on dive trips a few times a year we are in no rush.
Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts?

Here are my thoughts:
If you only dive a few times a year, in-depth specialty courses may not be the best for you. You will likely forget most of what you learned in a class during the long gaps between your dive trips. Stick to the basics and acquire a broad base of experience that will be applicable to any type of diving you will do. AOW could be good in this regard, and the PPB you took should help with any type of diving. Both of these will help get you on most dive charters (including those that require AOW or that do a checkout of your basic skills before letting you on the trip).
Also, since you plan to only dive a few times a year, don't spend more time taking classes than actually enjoying diving.