Ships log - Day 3

COZUMEL, MEXICO

We were up early.  We planned an excursion of catamaran sailing and snorkeling through ShoreExcursioneer.  Our confirmation stated it was quick cab ride or 10 minute walk from the pier.  We ate our breakfast and headed out for our 10 minute walk.  We got to the market place on the pier and Jack realized he didn't have our confirmation.  We decided it would be best to have it - rather than need it and not have it.  Jack headed back to the room and the rest of us continued our walk.  We walked and walked and walked and walked and were convinced we had missed it.  We kept walking - close to 30 minutes later we arrived.  The kids played on the rocks and checked out the tide pools.  Jack arrived without any problems - agreeing that they miscalculated the distance.  "You couldn't run that distance in 10 minutes!"  We had applied sunscreen before we left the ship.  We found a shady spot and visited with several couples waiting.  We applied more sunscreen while we waited.  

Most of the other couples were on the Carnival ships docked next to ours.  Several asked if there was any way they could get on our ship.  I felt a little bad to say no.  Before long a man came out and announced the bar was open - even though they didn't have a door.  He thought it was funny.  We all got in line and checked in.  Before we boarded the catamaran, they asked us to take off our shoes.  The kids sat on the front, over the water on the rope part... I don't know what that part is called.  We found a place to sit and the sail went up in no time.  I think the sail was just for show because they used a motor most of the time.  I was really looking forward to sailing.  (Next time we do the America's Cup Regatta AND snorkel somewhere else!)  Anyway, back to our adventure... we really enjoyed the experience.  When we reached our destination our guide - Fernando - gave us a lesson and then we got to jump in.  It was awesome!  The water was 15-20 feet deep.  The fish were plentiful.  There were three guides in the water.  Several times the girl in front with the flag for us to follow, would dive down with a bag full of fish food and the fish went crazy.  Jake had a few technical difficulties but got the hang of it.  Annie was a little annoyed by all the people... it did feel a bit crowded at times - but we all survived.  

After about 30 minutes we got back on the boat and had fresh pineapple to get the salty taste out of our mouths.  Mmm!  We "sailed" with the motor going out a couple hundred yards and got back in the water, it was about 50 feet deep.  The fish were bigger.  It was still so cool!  Some people in our group were diving down but I didn't try that.  Jake said he dove down 10 feet once but didn't think of it as a successful dive, unlike when we were shallow water.  He didn't say it, but I think he came up with a mouth full of salt water.  It didn't matter, we all had a ball.  When we got out, we were greeted with drinks, chips and fresh guacamole.  None of us are big fans, but we were hungry and it was delicious!  As we arrived back to the dock Fernando made his request for tips - he said, "no tip, no shoes" - remember, we had taken our shoes off before we got on the catamaran?  ;-)  Jack and I had a chat and decided on an amount.  We got off, put our shoes on and after a quick pit stop started our trek back.  I'm not sure when or how we figured it out but Jack thought I tipped and I though he had.  I had forgotten I had all the money.  We were too far away to walk back so we felt badly, but didn't do anything about it.  I will be leaving a glowing review of his excursion.  That will have to be enough.  

There was a "professional" there taking pictures.

He had this print ready when we returned to the dock.

He wanted $10 but I only wanted to pay $5, so we walked away.

We were a quarter mile down the road and he chased us down.

When Jack first saw the picture,

he was convinced the fish were photoshopped in.  

Ha ha ha ha!

We did a bit of shopping on our way back to the ship.  We were starving!  Then in no time we were off again.

The port was busy!

Our catamaran.

I wish I had taken a picture showing 

the distance between the pier and here - our destination.

It was a LONG walk!  

After lunch we all enjoyed a little down time.

Jack picked the deck.

So did I.

Annie took the couch.

And Jake took the bed.

The experience was great and we were careful, but Jake still got burnt.  Not nearly as bad as last summer... thankfully he was wearing a shirt but the back of his neck, ears, nose, forearms and hand, and knees down were a little crispy.  :-(  Annie got it a little too, mostly on her shoulders.  I had only a bit on my back.  And Jack had none, lucky guy!

Dinner was casual.  The kids had a great evening.  And Jack and I took in a show with Brian and Lisa.  I wish I could remember the guys name.  He did impressions, including singers.  He's going to be in Vegas in the fall.  Since the kids had taken a nap we told them they could stay out until midnight.  It was IMPOSSIBLE for me to stay awake but I tried.  I woke up when they walked in and attempted to look like I'd been awake the whole time.  :-D  Isn't that what parents are supposed to do? 

What a fun day!

Ships log - Day 2

AT SEA

March 18th - our first day at sea.  The weather was gorgeous.  The list of activities was long. 

We met our friends at 9:00 a.m. for breakfast.  I'm pretty sure this was the first cruise when the kids slept in. Correction, we ALL got to sleep in, past 8:00!  :-)

The CruiseCritic group got together in the morning for "Meet and Mingle."  If enough people on a cruise register then the ships provides a venue, snacks (like we don't have enough food otherwise), prizes and the cruise director as our host.  We ate, chatted and played a game.  The basic "getting to know you" or "how well do you know each other" game was fun - although Jack wasn't very happy that I was telling people he's a bad singer.  Our friend, Brian, won a gift pack.    

Lisa and I decided to take a dance class.  I could tell you what we learned but I'll save it for another day.  (tee hee!)  It was fun - a little tricky - and I was thankful we had two more lessons before our performance.  (lol!)

It was formal night.  Here are a few pictures.

Beautiful picture of father and daughter!

I love it!

   

Brian and Lisa 

(Nick took a great picture of Jack and I but I don't have it yet.   I'll add soon.)

Jack ordered lobster bisque as his starter.    

Annie tried it... and asked if she could have some.

Jake tried Annie's... and he wanted some.

Justin was feeling adventurous, so he tried it, too.  

He did not like it.

Yes, the kids had more than one appetizer that night.

;-)

(It was the first of many nights we exhausted our waiter - but through it all  

he was outstanding, always smiled and genuinely happy.)

Jake had the giggles...

but he still looked handsome.

Annie is so pretty!

And couldn't hold back her laughter.

The kids had activities through the teen groups throughout the day and evening.  They bounced between the "Living Room", "Fuel" - a teen dance club, and the cafe on the Promenade.  I had originally had a bit of anxiety thinking about Annie (in particular) wandering the ship, but she made some friends.  Jake hung out with Nick and made some other friends as well.  The nightly activities were split between 12-14 year olds and 15-17 year olds - which meant Nick and Annie were doing different things than Jake.   The curfew for teens was 1:00 a.m., although we didn't let the kids stay out that late.  The first few nights we asked them to be back by 11:00 p.m.  It was hard for me to stay awake. 

Ships log - Day 1

We had a great trip.  I have been busy going through pictures... but, it's time consuming.  In order to get this done in a timely manner I will give you bits and pieces over the next few days - maybe more than once a day.  Maybe. 

GALVESTON, TEXAS

Last Sunday (March 17th) we watched and waited as people meandered off the ship.  We heard that the previous cruise had 4 days of rain.  ?  Oh dear, we hadn't even thought of that possibility.  Our friends had flown into Galveston the previous evening and found us without problem.  We waited together and enjoyed the antics of the cheery pre-cruise motivator.  She hooted and hollered and had the crowd chanting in St. Patrick's Day spirit.  She was delightful for about 10 minutes when her energy level started to wear on everyone except me.  I held out a good 30 minutes... after that she was no longer my friend.  She was exhausting!  

Our neighbors, Brian and Lisa and their boys, Nick and Justin, joined us on this journey.  It's always nice to travel with friends!

When we got onto the ship where do you think my lovely family headed first?   

Jack didn't know where to start.

I didn't think I'd have an opportunity to take pictures 

without the masses of people.

Yummy desserts.

  

Nick, Jake, and Justin.

Our view.

We didn't mind the "obstructed view."

Nothing like an aft cabin for us!

We LOVE it!

Our deck was HUGE!

There were three chairs to the right, as well as another table.

I had a little dance party

by myself.

Our first day was full of relaxing.  We ate dinner at one of the specialty restaurants - Chops -  with several people we had met on-line through CruiseCritic.   Every single bite was delicious!  I would love to show pictures but I didn't take my camera.  :-(  

Something that sticks out in my mind about this trip is dinner.  The kids were particularly adventurous eater and tried many new foods.  And Annie surprised everyone with her appetite.  Seriously, the girl must have a hollow leg!  On more than one occasion she had two starters (appetizers) and two desserts!  And she usually ate it all!  :-)  

The adventure begins

The adventure begins on the road less traveled.

Well, actually, I should start at the beginning but

 I didn't want this to be the first picture you saw.

Yesterday, we went to pick up the rental car...

and got a bit delayed by Mr. Policeman.

I don't think there's any reason to go into detail.

If you're curious, ask Jack.  (I was the passenger.)

 

Annie, my friend Lisa and I decided we needed happy toes 

and started our day with mani/pedi's.

Super cute blueish purple, for Annie.

Then the packing was started and finished.

This is the beach/swim/misc. bag.

We left this morning at 4:36 a.m.

Galveston ETA - 3:16 p.m.

Jake slept with a pillow over his head.

!?

I have no idea why.

Morning has broken

over Oklahoma.

WHAT is that color?

I've almost forgotten.

Green!  Spring is coming!!

We were packed in tight.

I barely had room to wiggle my toes.

Jake brought a blanket and wanted to put it in the trunk.

"Sorry, no room."

"None?"

"Well, there may be room for a shoe."

;-)

Jack's lunch criteria - 

Taco (fill in the blank)  - NOT a chain or

a BBQ joint with a smoker out front and smoking.

Well, this is where we stopped in a tiny town in Texas.

 

Jack was hungry.

The kids were not interested in a photo op,

but the place was quirky and charming.

The food was... expensive leftovers.

They were warming up the smoker.  ?

The gentleman brought us a plate of pickles, onions and jalepenos.

And there were antenna sticking out...

Jack pulled out a BIG black bug from between the jalepenos.

?

Gag!

"Excuse me, sir?"

He gave us a new plate... but we didn't eat any.

Live and learn, right?

New criteria - the smoker must be smoking AND have food cooking on it.

:-)

The drive was beautiful.

Like I mentioned, we took the road less traveled

and avoided Dallas.

I wish we could have avoided Houston but that was not the case.

The kids took a nap.

Or in Jake's case, naps.

We made many stops and arrive at our hotel at 6:15 p.m.

Not bad!

This is the view from our hotel tonight.

Ok, this is actually the view.

The above was zoomed in with my camera.

Believe it for not it is a portion of this picture.

It's in the middle toward the left.

;-)

Being goofy with at the gas station.

She had no idea he was at the window.

Jake, "no pictures please.

Yea, thanks."

;-)

We could still see hurricane damage around town.

:-(

We made it to the beach to burn a little energy just as the sun set.

Jake was full of it.

We enjoyed our walk!

And would have stayed longer but the police chased us away.

More soon!

xo

Anticipation

Not to keep you in suspense but I will bring you up to speed since I haven't written for quite a while.  I will try my hardest not to ramble.  I just have a lot to say.  :-)

Saturday, Jake went with the pep band to Wichita, again.  (He had gone on Wednesday for a playoff game which we surprisingly won.  The bus trip was long and the bus driver made it miserable)  The BVW boys basketball team made it all the way to the state championship!  They played against rival BVNW, who was undefeated.  The game was a blow out.   We lost but Jake was glad he went.  He got home before midnight.  

We went to church that evening.  I can't find my notes but it was amazing.  We are studying the book of John and the topic was I AM.  What stuck with me most is I am the way, and the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)  Don't let your heart be shaken.  Believe in me.  Trust is fundamental.  In my Father's house... someday we will all be going home to God's house with many rooms.  Now, when I think of paradise I think of the Kings garden... God's garden.  I hope I see a glimpse of God's garden next week!  I'm looking forward to Easter.

We went to Topeka last Sunday to see my parents.  We went out to lunch and all ate way too much then headed over to their house for cards and Jack went to work swapping out Dad's printer.  We took one we had but weren't using.  Dad's printer worked but the copier feature had stopped working.  Jack worked for quite a while without success.  Bummer.  He had also brought a pair of speakers because Dad had given his away - or so he thought.  In his attempt to find a place to put the speakers Jack found a set - still hooked up.  And guess what?  They worked!  A nice surprise.  They decided to hook the Dad's printer back up.  Jack is someone that will always try to fix things so he was convinced he could fix the copier.  Well, another nice surprise, all he did was reconnect it and everything worked!  Hooray!  Dad had talked to several people that had him convinced it was un-repairable.  We rushed home and the kids were only a bit late to youth group.

Monday Jack was off to California for a quick business trip.  The kids and I held down the fort.  Jack and a colleague walked to work on Tuesday.  They walked using driving direction on one of their phones.  What should have been an easy miles walk was doubled.  And little did they know they walked straight through one of the worse parts of San Francisco.  Thankfully it was early in the morning and most of the druggies were sleeping, although Jack did say they saw a LOT of homeless people - none of which asked them for money.  They ate dinner a few blocks away from the office and this was their view (see below).  He arrived home safely last night.

 

It was a three hour view of the Bay Bridge.

Pretty amazing, huh?

While Jack was gone I took Jake shopping.  He had asked for a tie... a simple request... but it quickly turned into a teenagers version of the book "If You Give a Pig a Pancake."  I wanted to get him a nice button down shirt.  Which lead to Jake wanting a suit jacket.  Which lead us to suit pants.  Which lead Jake to new Converse tennis shoes - which he didn't get.  "But Mom... Converse look so cool with a suit."  My response was "no," "no way," "not gonna happen," and finally, "they don't allow tennis shoes in the dining room on the ship!"  He does look handsome!  

This is what I found this morning...

 

Anticipation.

Tulips coming up amongst the weeds out front - and snow on the patio.

I so happy to see signs of Spring!

We have yet to start packing but we are all excited beyond belief.  I think we are in need of a week off the grid.  IF I have moments of internet connection I may share a few pictures.  But don't hold your breath.  ;-)

Take care!