My powers of persuasion actually worked, because Austin was keen on my idea to take our family on a cruise. So we did! (Actually, we left Meg at BYU and the three littles in Houston with the Parker family.) This post will be too long, but I just want to list all the details I hope to never forget.
Navigating an airport with 9 people, 4 rolling bags, 4 backpacks, and 4 duffel bags is real.
These two little boys sat in front of Molly and me. Over and over again a little hand would push through that crack begging silently for treats. I had to. I just had to.
Both Whitni and Brent were gone when we arrived, but their three boys made us dinner and entertained us brilliantly.
Sunday we watched conference together.
Then it was good bye to the littles and hello to the big "Liberty of the Seas." Our first buffet meal revealed way to much about us.
I don't want to forget Austin and Maddie holding hands.
We cruised with two other families from our ward. There was not one moment in which we had to entertain our children. They really were content.
Maisie and Makena are besties.
Katie and I proved we could be as well.
Maddie and her besties.
Austin was not to be outdone.
Dinner every night was a highlight. Three to four appetizers followed by two to three entrees then finished off with at least two desserts. Andy's goal was to gain ten pounds; he gained six. Nick didn't gain one pound.
The rock wall became our friend.
Austin won the 18+ speed climb challenge. He scaled the wall in 13 seconds.
Andy won the teen speed climb. He jumped up the wall in 16 seconds.
I am so sad this picture cuts off Andy's head, but it's impossible to see my screen in full afternoon sun. These two boys sat beside me and read.
I read two novels and had a day to spare. The "Gregor the Overlander" series is a quick read. I liked it.
We headed to the ice rink for skating. I can go backwards without trying. Nick was wonky and all over the ice.
Formal night with these two. Nick and Maddie raced down the stairs, so they were way far ahead.
This is Marvin. Every table should have one. He cut their food every night. Ahh. I'm still dreaming of him.
We saw some really great juggling, acro and singing shows. I love wholesome entertainment.
Shuffle board was one of our favorite activities.
They were loving that hanging towel monkey.
Our first stop was in Cozamel. We matched.
Then it rained.
So our boat ride was cold, but that was okay because that made the snorkeling water so warm.
Shopping for treasures is always my favorite. Once the store keeper found out that I had eight kids, he practically forced Austin into buying me some bangles. Good game.
Eight months ago I bought Ron Jon's Surf Shop shirts for my boys. I found me one this time.
Post dinner coma. Oh! Austin and I competed in a couples dance off, and won!!!!
Our next stop was Grand Cayman.
We chartered a boat and spent the day snorkeling with colorful fish, coral reefs and sting rays.
The water is turquoise and so beautiful.
Both Maisie and Maddie sang karaoke.
Maisie's hair was so darling.
Thursday we landed in Jamaica.
I found the memosa pudica that Mr. Reese taught me about as a junior. Its leaves fold up when you touch it. The kids were thrilled.
We shuttled and drove to a series of falls that we jumped off and explored.
Of course Austin did tons of cool tricks.
Lunch was dining at a Jamaican Jerk joint.
They smoke the meat and it tastes really lovely.
These three are ready to eat.
So are we three.
We shopped in the port and found our nativity.
That night we found a cozy table in the Star Lounge to play cards and revel in the music of the big band. Oh, I just love a live band.
Friday and Saturday we were at sea. We spent time on the Flo Rider. I thought it was the worst.
Austin was good at it.
I was not.
This handsome boy of mine always pauses to watch the water and soak in the beauty of the ocean.
We took many strolls around the deck holding hands and avoiding the smoking section.
More dinner.
Here we are waiting to be entertained.
More friends. ( I came up with the idea to take the picture using the mirror above. Kinda cool.)
Saturday we stuck together. We played shuffle board.
We ate lunch in the dining room.
We read books.
We climbed the wall.
We sat together.
Our final dining room dinner.
This is Agnelo, our head waiter. He was very fun.
More karaoke.
And then the morning came and we left all of the water and food behind.
Whitni picked us up, and we were reunited with our littles.
We navigated yet another airport and made it home.....
to eat left over sack lunches for dinner.
I think the trickiest part is blogging every memory. We just relaxed and read lovely books and scriptures, ate lovely food, swam in lovely ocean water, and loved each other. Austin asked, "What do you guys think about a family vacation instead of presents for Christmas?" They unanimously responded, "YES!"
