From the time we left the house for the airport we had a great time. Thanks to the Davis' for taking us to the airport at the last minute :P We enjoyed the hotel in Orlando. It was exciting to be in Florida. We woke up and called grandma to find out where they were. Took the rental to Cape Canaveral. Did a bit of shopping before we went to the boat. Forgot suntan lotion and sunglasses. Looked for grandma and grandpa the whole time we were in line checking in on the boat. Met them up on deck 9 for lunch. After lunch went to our rooms to get luggage out of the hallways and unpack. It was awesome to see our rooms. The kids got two bunk beds. Not to worry...Shelby gave the top bunks to Taylor and Ricky. Thanks for sharing! We had so much fun checking things out the first day, the kids didn't even go to Camp Carnival that first night. Our waiter was from Romania. At first we thought he was a bit stiff. But not to worry..we loosened him up.
Our waiters got Taylor and Shelby up to dance with them during the show at dinner time on the 3rd night.The next day was a day at sea. The kids went to their Camps and had a great time meeting new people from all over. Of course when they found out we were from Utah, the next question was...Are you Mormon? Ricky made a friend from Atlanta who turned out to be LDS, too. They didn't find that out until like the 3rd day. On the first day at sea the kids also discovered the water slide. The line was short so they stayed outside a good part of the afternoon.
On Monday we stopped in Grand Turks. Of course we made our way to the buffet for breakfast first. Had a great morning eating with Grandma and Grandpa. Then we all went down to get off and go explore Grand Turks. We did a little shopping first. Grandpa felt bad for Ricky because his shoes were giving him a blister. So he got him a nice pair of flip flops. Everything here was over priced so we did a lot of looking. We went to Margaritaville there. We got there early. Hardly anyone there yet. The kids had a great spot in the pool, while we got a nice table with an umbrella and sat and drank in the atmosphere. We were there about an hour or so. Then we went to the beach and mom and dad went back on the boat. Right after we left it really filled up. The pool ended up being standing room only. LOL. At the beach the Taylor and Ricky found some big shells. The video guy from the boat was there and they ended up on the video of the trip. Rick took the kids snorkling a little bit there. The water was so clear. This is when I realized my camera battery was dead. So no picks.Oh...did we get sunburned!
Tuesday was in Jamaica. This stop for me was wonderful. I didn't expect Jamaica to be so colorful and beautiful. Our driver took us up into the rain forest called Fern Gully. I didn't even know Jamaica had a rain forest. It was such an education for us. Ricky asked a lot of questions about the poverty he saw. I think for the first time he realized just how much we have. He said he was glad to live in America.
We went shopping at the Flea Market. Wow! You could hardly take a step without venders in your face trying to get you to come to their "booth". Ricky found a wooden turtle he wanted. The man carved his name on it. I found tshirts and a nice trivet, and Rick found a beautiful wooden box. We also got some necklaces they locals had made.
On Wednesday was probably one of the most memorable days of the trip. We were in Grand Cayman. We of course went and had breakfast with grandma and grandpa. We then made our way down to disembark with them. We found a small little "park". It was Ft. George. I was so proud of my kids. They went on their own and read the signs to find out what happened there. I get teased all the time because no matter where we go, I turn it into some kind of learning trip. We have to read all the signs with information on them. Now they are stopping on their own. (snif, wink).
Taylor even video taped it!We wanted to get some great deals while we were in the Caymans. We went with grandma and grandpa to a handbag store. I found a great purse! Can't wait to show everyone. Mom found some really great buys, and got Shelby and bag. And of course we had to get t shirts!
We went swimming with stingrays. Our tour guide was amazing. He would catch them and give you a chance to hold one. Ricky was very scared at first. But after a while Rick was able to calm him down and get him to swim with him.
Here I am holding one. I was a bit scared. Rick did a great job getting this shot from the boat. I however didn't do as great of job when it was his turn.
I couldn't get my camera to focus that far away. But he was great with the kids. He deserves the best dad award. He made sure all three kids got a great opportunity to hold the stingrays. He was always right there with them, encouraging them, cheering for them, and helping them.
Thanks honey for all you did for us on this trip. You made dreams come true!
The next two days were days at sea. We went to art auctions and learned a lot about the art work. Came home with a few catch phrases. Who's the artist, who's the artist? We also did a bit of putt putt golf with the kids.
Shelby enjoyed a little bit of freedom and enjoyed spending time with new friends in her camp. Here is a picture of them taking a lunch break.
This was the best vacation ever! I was so sad to have it all end.
