When Mom and Dad Are Away

My kids had a blast at Grandma and Grandpa's! They went on daily adventures and they were able to play with Liam. These are the pictures I was sent from their adventures in Idaho.

They worked in the garden, washed their toys, went to rock shows, had hot dog roasts, went to the dairy, went out to eat, fixed Grandpa's lawn mower, had some treats, and created a lot of memories with their Grandparents.

Vacation: I'm Going Home!

In order to beat the back up, we exited the ship early. Again, we were able to carry our luggage right off. It is so nice not needing to find our section of luggage and then get in line. While wating for our flight we sprung for the free baggage check so we wouldn't have to worry about hauling it with us everywhere, and then we were soon boarding the plan. For some reason Abe and I were split up on our two flights together. I was able to re-seat us together on the second flight, but not the first. I sat buy a Russian couple and tried to get some sleep.

In Detroit the airport was big and empty! Our tummies were very satisfied with some delicious pizza. I don't know if I was extra hungry, but the pizza was extra good! We rode the train for kicks and giggles while we passed the time. When Abe and I saw a jumbo plane we went to check it out and we were able to speak to the pilot. He gave us some good information and we chatted for a bit before we had to catch our next flight.We flew over the Great Lakes and I was able to think of Anne. When we departed from Detroit I watched the location map and blew Anne some kisses as we flew over her area. 

Our layover in Salt Lake gave Abe and I our last dinner together. It was a little weird saying goodbye after spending over a week together. He has important church obligations and work to get to and is flying into Reno. I walked Abe to his gate, and gave him a lot of smooches before we departed. It's going to be a week before we seen one another again. I then walked to my gate and we texted each other to make sure the other got on their flight. Last minute we switched Abe's seat and he had a whole row to himself. Not me, I was crammed in, again.

It was so kind of my Mom to pick me up tonight. The hour was very late for her, and she has been pouring a lot of energy into taking care of my precious kids. We are very grateful for all my parents have done so we could rejuvenate and explore the world.

Vacation: Day 8

 What a beautiful day at sea! The ocean was so ridiculously smooth today!! We spent all day on the decks enjoying the view. Some of it was on deck 11, reading and chatting. On deck 6 we hung out at the front, deck 5 we played more shuffle board, and then on the back of deck 6 we watched the flow rider competition.

While we were taking in the beauty of the ocean, we visit a little over hang on the side of deck 5. (I found this spot earlier in the week and could hang out there all day!) It gave us some spectacular, smooth riding views. This is when we also saw a couple schools of flying fish. It was fantastic! I had no idea that flying fish could actually fly that far! It was definitely a highlight of my day.

There was a dinner show/last hooray as usual. It gave tribute to all those that work so hard! We also hung out with our whole table group the rest of the night. We spent some time finding our laughable professional photos. I find it rather annoying having the photographers always coming around to take pictures. Especially at dinner. We are seated and we can't get away! Abe and I went for goofy this year. I think I liked these better than when we were trying!  One of the photo patrols informed us that out of all the pictures she remembered ours, and not in a good way. The look she gave us was meant to be degrading, but it made it all the better. We asked her if there was a discount for bad pictures, she said, "No." When we pressed her on what happened to all of the pictures that aren't purchased, she said they get recycled. Abe then said, "Recycled into an incinerator?!" Yeah, basically they get thrown away. I don't understand why they print off every picture! They need a better, money saving option. Plus it takes up a ton of space!

We went to the farewell show, and it was very good. Soon were on our way to the battle of the sexes. We mostly observed, but at the end we joined in for getting the most females into a space. Next up was karaoke. A wedding party basically ruled the stage and I didn't find it comical because everyone was so good. At that point, Abe and I were done. We said our goodbyes and went to our room. There were several items we packed, set our alarms, and quickly fell asleep; exhausted from our vacation!

first night

far right, hands in the air, pink cardigan, braided hair

Vacation: Day 7

 Today we didn't get to Haiti, until about 10 am. That means I slept in a little, went to workout, and then watched the slow and precise docking of our ship. It's pretty insane how they can park such a massive ship!

Last year we came to Haiti and spent most or our time on one side of the island. This time we opted for the opposite side. It is a much softer beach, but more people. I think the beach with the zip lines also had more wind.

There was a tree that smelled so delicious as we walked under it! I want a tree like this in my yard. It's hard to tell, but it was covered in white blossoms.

The whole day we relaxed on the beach and swam in the ocean. I snorkeled for awhile, and then we grabbed some lunch. It is so nice that they provide lunch on the beach! We bumped into Steve and Sheila and hung out with them for a couple of hours. I taught Sheila how to float on her back and we all got a good laugh from that! Good thing the ocean helps buoy me up, because I probably would have drowned in fresh water laughing so hard while treading water.

We didn't get back onto the ship until it was almost time to depart. We had to quickly get ready for formal night! For all of our meals Abe and I have definitely had a more relaxed ward robe, and for me make up, routine. That is what happens when I pack for over a week in a carry on bag, and I had to fit my temple clothes and my snorkel gear. Not a lot of room left for clothing!! But the easy of travel has been worth it!

After dinner we went to the show and then later the game quest. It was a fun and late night.

Vacation:Day 6

Good morning Jamaica! I worked out early and headed out onto deck 11 to get a good view of Jamaica. My initial thoughts were pretty sad. Just outside of the port's fences, things were really run down or totally worthless. Big storage buildings crumbling and without roofs, blue tarps covering homes, and very poor looking circumstances. The island itself is very green and beautiful in appearance!

Hiking Dunn Falls seems to be the thing to do in Jamaica, but Abe couldn't do something like that. So, we wandered around the ports and purchased the worst pina colada so we could chat with our boys.  (Free wi-fi with purchase) I also made my only purchase here, two bracelets. One for myself and one to give to my Mom.  We did venture out of the port limits and we were immediately shouted at from all angels. Everyone was trying to lure us to their shop to buy something or sell us some drugs. If we didn't acknowledge them, they became more upset and in our face. But even when you would kindly decline, you had to do it very delicately and repeatedly. We went two blocks out, looked both directions, and turned back. It was too overwhelming and as a couple, we don't blend in. Way too white, tall, blonde, etc. 

Instead we opted for a nap on the top deck, in the shade, while listening to the locals play their music in the port. At one point there was a fire on the island, far away enough that we couldn't really tell what was burning. I wasn't all that alarmed, I am used to seeing our garbage burn, fields burn, weeds, etc. But people on the ship were going a little crazy. Have they never seen a fire before? I had to laugh a little. I honestly thought it looked like a garbage or dried up foliage fire. It went out pretty soon after everyone was worked up.

 Tonight we laughed at dinner, a lot. We really have top notch dinner company and conversation at our table. The party continued onto the decks, and later the headliner show. It was Oscar Silvera - El Gaucho. He is a Spanish comedian, musician, dancer, bullwhip expert, and rope spinner with taps. He looked like Zorro and was a little more insane!

Right after was the Love and Marriage show. There was a lady that really wanted to be in the show and had had a little too much to drink. She got very angry and yelled at the host for not winning the audiences favor for getting into the show. Her husband was so embarrassed that after several failed attempts to have her sit down or leave, he walked out without her. Compared to the last show, it wasn't as funny as the last one we saw. I think the host makes the difference.

Another quick stroll around deck 5/6 and we were off to bed.  Haiti, here we come!