here it is

I had the busiest week ever last week. Returning home and then trying to get ready for Addie and Jacob's b-day, unpack, finish the quilt I made for Jake's bday and just get back into normal life-was exhausting and crazy. But it is SO good to be home and be back together as a family. In fact I was so busy I had something every morning last week and didn't get to the gym at all. I was nervous to go to Weight Watchers yesterday after all the cruise food and no exercising, but I still lost a pound! I was shocked! The craziness ended yesterday- as we celebrated the bdays with family at our house. Although, I just got off the phone with my brother and he asked me if everything was okay because I seemed a little "on edge"yesterday. Yes, I was stressed and tired. So I apologize to my family if I seemed a little grouchy yesterday- I wasn't at all- I was so happy that you all came to help us celebrate!

But now... Spring Break! And I slept in until 9 am this morning. Yeah for no school/homework and a week to relax! This morning we made it to the gym (felt so good to be back) and then spent a couple hours just playing at the park and enjoying the beautiful spring weather. What a day!

So here's the cruise run-down. Lot's of pictures ahead!

Day 1:
We left for San Pedro at 1 pm. I did cry when I left the kids- but once we got on the road I was so excited that I didn't feel too sad. We went with Janell and Darin, Keri and Clint and Joanna and Kirk. We had so much fun together- thanks guys for being such great company! We got on the ship around 3, had the emergency evacuation drill and then got ready for dinner. About on hour after we got on board I started feeling sick and I ended up with Bronchitis. Yuck! I didn't feel too bad though thanks to lots of Ibuprofin and Sudafed. Ended the night in the hot tub.

in the car- so excited for our week ahead!

Day 2:
Cruising at sea. It was chilly. Worked out in the morning. Explored the ship. Boys did a dodgeball tournament. Napped. Formal night. Juggling and comedy show.We were laughing at Clint, because it didn't take him any time at all to get comfortable- we found him doing this a lot!

Aaron enjoying 4 appetizers of shrimp cocktail!
Serious business! A mean game of dodgeball- our hubby's dominated!

Joanna played too and she was great. I was so impressed that she would get out there with all those boys and play.


Day 3:
Port at Cabo San Lucas. Handed out some toys to the kids. Rented ATV's and took a ride though the desert and ended at the beach. We went in the water at this amazing beach- so beautiful. Had lunch in Cabo and did some shopping. Dinner on the ship.


Joanna had just been on a similar cruise a few months before and she had the great idea to bring some little presents to hand out to the local kids. It was so fun to see their reactions- they were so grateful for such small things.

Janell handing out a coloring book and crayons.
That little boy on the right had the greatest look on this face!

Day 3:
Port at Mazatlan. Went with the Lackeys to do zip lining. Took forever to get there, but it was super fun once we were actually flying through the hills attached to a rope and a tree. As I was flying over trees, the thought repeatedly went through my mind "A mother of 4 should not be doing this kind of activity. My children need me!" All was well and we were protected! Back to the city, time for a little shopping. Dinner on the ship. Another show. 70's music and dancing.


Day 4:
Port at Puerto Vallarta. Off the boat at 8 am with the whole group, to take a catamaran to an island. We saw some whales on the way there. Once there we snorkeled, kayaked and took a little boat to another part of the island to enjoy the water and the beauty. Lunch on the catamaran. Shopping at the port. Dinner on the boat. Ice skating show. 80's dance show- Pure Energy. Poolside midnight buffet.I am officially in love with my new camera. (christmas) It's waterproof and this was the first time we tested it out- and it worked great!
Janell and I taking a swim.






Day 5:
Cruising at sea. Very cold and windy. Watched the belly flop contest. Played lots of games. Ate way too much. Napped. Ice skated. Took salsa dancing lessons. (yes Marlina, Aaron did it too!) Comedy show.


Day 6:
Cruising at sea. Still cold and windy. Got a hot stone massage. Did the rock climbing wall. Boys played basketball. Towel folding class- sounds lame, but it was so cool and now I can fold towels to look like animals! Played more games. Formal night. Farewell show. Hot tub to end the night.

Every day they would change this little plaque in the elevator to remind us what day it was.
Every night we would find a cute new friend in our room. My favorite was the monkey hanging from a hanger.
Waiting for a show to start. Each night we would have a Pina Coloda or a Miami Vice. Yum!Formal night.
All of our feet in the hot tub. The girls had cute toes!
The farewell show. We were in the third row and I think we saw little more than we wanted to. They were actually very good performers and the shows were very entertaining.Day 7:
Back to LA. Off the boat by 9:45 am and home by 10:30. Back to reality!!
What a great week and one that we will definitely remember forever. This was our 10 year anniversary celebration and it was perfect! Great friends, fun memories, lots of relaxing, yummy food and lots of laughter. Can't wait until our 20 year anniversary!

Are you in Janell, Keri and Joanna???