Sailing, Sailing, Over the Ocean Blue

Can you believe how blue?

Anchor's Aweigh

Afternoon Siestas

Oh my gosh . . . We can't believe four days have gone and we are heading home. What a week of firsts . . . our first cruise, our first trip out of the country (for all 5 of us), Ansley's first rock climbing experience, First Kisses (see below) , and so much more J. I could never recount all of the fun we had with Papa, Denise, Chad, Laura, Josh and Maddie but here are some highlights. After a rough seas start and a postponed trip to Coco Cay we spent our first day on the ship. Aydan and Ansley visited the Kids Adventure Ocean Zone for some inside fun. Brody enjoyed resting and relaxing and recovering from his ear infection we discovered Monday night on the ship. The medical staff was GREAT (just in case you even have wondered)! The natural rocking of the ship helped he and I get some needed sleep.

Wednesday was complete with a trip to Nassau and Atlantis. The resort was beautiful and the weather equally accomodating. The kids and adults were so excited to get to participate in the dolphin encounter and each got to kiss and hug a dolphin before standing right in front of them as they performed a short show. I don't know if Uncle Chad or the kids loved it more. The aquarium was a relaxing way to end the day. After dinner Ansley tried her hand a rock climbing ! (FINALLY, the wind died down and we could attempt to climb to the top of the ship on a rock wall!

Thursday . . . How much fun can you pack into one day? Aydan opted for the morning climb after Ansley's climb at Sunset. Then we were off to Coco Cay. The water was the most amazing blue and the kids spent the day Caribbean Style (relaxing and playing in the sun). I don't know who was more exhausted after the 50 minute Aqua Park experience, the kids or Ryan, Josh, Laura and me and we cut it short by 15 minutes. Brody had a blast climbing up on the trampolines and jumping in the water (he is soooo brave). Aydan and Ansley liked the trampoline with the balance beam and Josh's crazy attempts to make it to the end. Thanks Laura and Josh for helping out with the kids. After lunch Brody, Maddie Kate, Ryan and Papa had a nice afternoon siesta in the shade while Denise and the kids and I attempted snorkeling. Definately not an afternoon thing for two tired kids so we retired to the shore while Laura and Josh took over with the snorkeling. We found several large conch along the shore line which was pretty cool. After a quick trip to the Coca Cay straw market we headed back for one last dinner. The kids had a blast with the waiters serenade and Brody's Pre-birthday celebration. . . . . Brody and Maddie Kate were treated to a Bedtime Stories presentation which again they had all to themselves while Aydan and Ansley and I took in a Broadway show!

We are now on the way home stuck in traffic, which is providing us with some more family time before getting back to the real world and some much needed rest for Ansley who has developed a fever overnight.

Lastly who can forget all the trips on the "eligator" (Brody's pronunciation of elevator), Aydan's natural ability to lead us anywhere we wanted on the ship just from memory, towel animals at night, fancy dinners with waiters who did everything for us, the play zone we had all to ourselves and lots more I am sure I am already forgetting.

We are on our way home now with some great memories of neat experiences and time spent with family! Thank you soooo much Papa and Denise for an awesome Spring Break.

We love you!