Our Vacation

Jason and I were able to get away last week. We went on a 5 night Western Caribbean Cruise with Jason's sister, Tara, and her family. Our kids stayed at home with my parents. It was a huge help having my mom and dad come down to our house to keep the kids. After Jason's graduation on Saturday, we made it back home and went to church Sunday. Jason and I spent the rest of the day Sunday getting everything ready for us to leave. We met Jason's family at the interstate and rode down to Mobile with them. Between the seven of us, we had quite a van load of luggage. Once we arrived in Mobile, we boarded the boat and got settled into our room. Our room was spacious enough for the two of us with an ocean view. We made it up to the Veranda for debarkation. After the hours of being in the van and waiting in line to board the ship, we were thrilled to be "cruising".

We spent our first day at sea lounging at the pool. I was able to finish up my Nicholas Spark's book that I had been putting on hold. We got a little dressed up for Formal Night.

Our first port was in Cozumel, Mexico. We had the best shore excursion possible! We visited the Nachi Cocum Beach Resort. I had never seen ocean water that was SO blue. It was so relaxing being on the beach. Jason and I ventured out and did a little kayaking. Jason did most of the work. There were moments that I loved it and then there were moments where I was just scared for my life. I am not a fan of the ocean, but Jason just can't get enough of it. They also had a pool and a "swim up to it" drink stand. I was able to open the newest James Patterson book and read on the beach.

Our dinners on the boat were absolutely incredible! Dinner was a big production each and every night. The food was SO delicious and I just loved the atmosphere. If we wanted, we could have had a five course meal each and every night. My favorite meal was the aged ribs. It actually tasted like a really good roast. Our waiters made the evenings so much more personal.

Every night we were greeted by a new "towel" animal. Our stateroom steward would come in each night while we were at dinner and turn down our bed and make us a new animal out of our towels.

We ported at Calica, but Jason and I did not plan any shore excursions for the day. We did get off of the boat and we walked around for about 30 minutes. We were not impressed with the port at Calica. It is a newer port, and unless you have an excursion planned, there is not too much to even look at. We spent the rest of the day lounging at the pool reading our books. I actually ended up reading 3 books during our trip. I honestly cannot even remember the last time I read one book, much less three!

Jason and Freddy, the Carnival Cruise Mascot.

A picture of the water at the back of the boat.

Our last day at sea.

We had the best time ever. This was by far the best and most relaxing vacation that we have ever been on. We are so thankful to Tara and her family! We are so appreciative of the sacrifices that my parents made for enabling us to have a vacation without our three little ones. The timing of this cruise could not have been more perfect! The kids did great with my parents, but I know that my mom and dad were pretty worn out from our crew! We got the biggest hugs from Abby Kate and Joshua when we walked in the door. I am so happy that Jackson was able to go back to our feedings after he had a week worth of bottles. Jason and I really enjoyed this vacation. I was really not sure how I would like the cruise, but I absolutely LOVED it. I cannot wait to do another one!