Back from the Islands

So if you have never been on a cruise- you must go! We had a great time- Dan and I both agree it is one of the best trips we have ever been on. We left a few days after Christmas - so it was a nice time to vacation. We celebrated the New Year on the ship- and that was really cool. The kids brought in the New Year for the first time- actually made it to midnight, well just barely. It was our first "formal" night, so that was fun being all dressed up together as a family. YES, for all of you thinking - "did Dan wear a suit??" or "does he ever wear pants?" He looked so good in his suit! Very Handsome. We were able to get great family portraits aboard, which is something I am terrible about having done, so we stocked up. We went to three islands- St. Maarten was the first port. The beach there was great because it was right on a very populated street with all kinds of restaurants and shops. So everything was very convenient. The water was beautiful. This is where Zachary and Sydney went jet skiing with Uncle Mike and Cousin Julie. They had a blast. Syd was in front so the only thing she didn't like was the splashing of water constantly in her face. Zach didn't stay out the whole time but he thought he was the man. Ashley took a local up for hair braids which stayed in for the remainder of the trip and a couple weeks at home. Next stop was St. Thomas. We spent half the day at the shops- which are mainly jewelry shops - it was a nice downtown area. But we were only allowed to go

to one jeweler - and that is Angie. My Aunt knows this woman very well so well she can go behind the counter and help sell to the family. I saw some things I liked but came away with nothing- the rest of my family spent some time and money there. The whole experience was great. The second half of the day the five of us went on an excursion with my brother and his family, and my cousins. We went to a place called Trunk Bay- It by far was my favorite part of the trip. We took a 45 min. boat ride to St. John and made our way to Trunk Bay on a bus. It was the most gorgeous beach- we went snorkeling right off the beach. Zachary was the snorkel king- he wouldn't come up.

Our last stop was in the Bahamas. The weather wasn't great so that made it feel like our trip ended a little early. But we still had fun- sun came out long enough to kayak and get a few rays. Weather there wasn't to different from what we are used to in Florida. So that was the itinerary- as for family time- it was great quality time for the five of us, for the four of us- Ashley roomed with my brother all week- so it was just Dan, Zach, Syd, and I -which was a bit different- but great. Ashley had a blast with her cousin Michaela, Uncle Mike and Aunt Erin. So did we- we probably hung out with them the most- it was great. Food was always there- Ashley ordered 3 entrees one night at dinner. By the end of the week I myself was ordering multiple desserts. I did train while I was aboard- that justifies the multiple desserts :) The kids loved eating ice-cream everyday along with the chocolate treats left on our beds each night. Which then by the end of the week our cabin steward turned into towel animals with chocolate. So needless to say- we loved every minute- even the "rocky" weather at the end...I mean rocky!

There were 19 of all together- we had so much fun- it was great being with everyone- which really made it special. I would have to say that the highlight of our nightlife was when my Aunt Mary Jo allowed herself to be hypnotised on stage. I have to say she is the best Japanese wrapper I have ever heard. I was laughing so hard I was crying.

Thanks family for making it a trip to remember- Love you all. Dan is ready to head to Alaska!