Back to the here and now!

This week was INSANE! Monday was the worst. I had a list a mile long, that included a list of emails, computer work, trips to the store, laundry, etc. Trying to get my land legs back made it even harder. I was foggy headed all of Monday, and it was intermittent the rest of the week. I grabbed lunch with a friend on Wednesday, and in the middle of speaking with her, I started to feel light headed and dizzy, again. I felt like that a few times on the boat, and I was wondering if it was my equilibrium or if I had contracted something! LOL I think sleep deprivation might have been a part of it! Ha!

This week the kids activities did not let up! Boston had a baseball game on Tuesday and his Pinewood Derby right after. In fact, half of his baseball team is in cub scouts with him, so they all came trailing in late with their baseball uniforms in. They had a good game, and ended up winning. Boston had a hit, and a great defensive catch! The Pinewood Derby didn't turn out so great. Well actually it was great, but coming back to defend the title comes with pressure. He placed 3rd, which I kept telling him was GREAT! But when you win first your first year, 3rd doesn't seem so great. The top three were within a matter of seconds. It was so close.

The rest of the week was pretty much a blur till the weekend. Probably because Thursday and Friday were half days. Thursday Aubrie and I made freeze jam.

Friday we were getting ready for family pictures. I decided it's a lot less stressful and HOT to do them in March! I'm so happy I don't have to worry about getting them done around the holidays! Pictures went well, except for Sophia. She wouldn't take a nap (which never happens except on picture day of course) and she was feisty the whole time. She did not want to smile or be serious. I'm hoping they turned out as well as last time. All the kids were PERFECT last time. After pictures we rushed home to change for Boston's first football game of the season. We started to chuckle on the sidelines as the coach kept using the same passing play, over and over. I could tell Boston was trying to contain his frustration. Despite the receptiveness of the same exact play the whole game, it was amazing that they only lost by 4. We are hoping for some new creative plays next week. If not, the team will definitely get that play down by the end of the season! After the game, we got dinner at Paradise Bakery, per Aubrie's request. We sat in the lounge chairs and ate our dinner. We had fun relaxing and singing songs. I 'm sure the people in the restaurant were getting a good laugh out of us!

Saturday was CRAZY! Aubrie had a dance competition in Queen Creek. We rode with the Cliffords. We got lost, and barely got her youngest there in time for her dance. Then I realized Aubrie forgot shoes for one of her dances. We scrambled to gather enough black converse for everyone in that dance, to replace the bright pink ones they were supposed to wear. The girls did great on their dances, but the competition was stiff. The dance studios on the east side are INSANE. You just can't compete on a team level to girls who practice 20 hours a week. Our senior girls did good, and our solo's did awesome. Out of four spots for the "all american" type of award, 2 girls from our studio were chosen. So while there were some disappointments, there were some great achievements. While I was in Queen Creek with Aubrie, Ben had a baseball game for Boston and a school Carnival. Boston's team pulled out another win, and Boston was happy to have another hit. The kids had a fun time at the carnival. They had a dunk tank, that the principal was in, a ice skating rink, tonz of jumpers, rock wall, etc!

Ben was a sweetheart and got my car washed, while I was making my way back from Queen Creek. Aubrie and I got back around 5:30, and Ben and I headed out for our date night at 6:30. Honestly, I was so tired, I think I could have gone to sleep for my date night, but I was glad I sucked it up and went out. We had dinner and caught a movie. There were 5 other couples from the ward in that show. LOL The movie was alright. I was a little distracted because right before, Kim texted asking me if I had her computer. She had left her computer bag at the competition and all I could think about was how she could get it. I just couldn't believe how crazy our morning had been, and then it was topped off with this! I prayed she would get it, and our prayers were answered. This morning she said someone from the Police Department went over there for her and found it, and she picked it up. What a miracle that it was still there. Whew what a crazy weekend! Another vacation please?!

Disney Cruise Day 8

Day 8 ( Sunday, March 20th)

Sunday we had to wake up early. We had the first breakfast seating at 8:30. OUCH!! It was good though, because we got off the boat first. We had to have everything packed and had to take it with us. Breakfast was our last time to say goodbye to our servers. After breakfast, we had to wait in a lounge nearby for the boat to dock. We were an hour late getting in, so to pass the time I played 7’s with the kids, and Sophia watched Ben play games on his phone. Lucky for us, our luggage tag was the second to be called to disembark. It was cold and raining when we got off. As I was waiting for Ben to pull the car around, I was feeling bad for all the people arriving for their cruise, because of the weatherr. Then, on the other hand, I was wishing I was them! This was the best cruise we have ever been on. The food was excellent, the service was friendly, the amenities and activites were awesome, and the shows were AMAZING! I had the chance to speak to several cruisers, who have been on all the cruise lines, and every one said that Disney far exceeds the others. I agree. While it is more money, it definitely is worth it! I'm glad we gave it a chance. It was hard to drive away from the "Disney Magic!" :) We drove straight home, except for a stop for food and potty breaks. We got in around 5. Enough time to unpack and get situated for school and work the next day. What an amazing family trip. I definitely was not ready for a week or “normal”, and I was still waiting to get my land legs back! I think I’ve convinced Ben to do another one though, so that made it easier to come home. It was time to be back though! We were all welcoming cereal for dinner that first night back, because we were sick of food! The food is good, but after a week, you need a break! Now its time to hit the gym! Good thing I lost 5 lbs before I left, because that gave me 5 lbs to gain!:) I can never resist the endless desserts on those cruise ships!:)

Disney Cruise Day 7

Day 7 (Saturday, March 19th)

Saturday was hard for me, because I knew it was the last day! I didn’t want it to end! The day was very windy and cold, so we didn’t spend much time up on deck. We slept in again! It felt good! Ben took the kids up to the top deck for the breakfast buffet, and I went to a “ask the captain” seminar. Yes, I am nerdy like that! I had to laugh though, when I walked in the room, all the people there looked like transplants from Sun City. Yes, I was the youngest there by MANY years. Most of them asked questions about the mechanics of the boat. I wanted to know if any (the captain, cruise director, hotel director) of them were married and if so, could their families live in board. Only one of them was married, and he didn’t have any kids. One was divorced. He said that life was hard on their marriage, and the other is still single. Guess I can't sign Ben up for a job on the boat! LOL I also asked how many people were on board, and how many people fit in each life boat. Hee hee! I liked the class though, and found it very informative. After the class, I headed up to get some breakfast on my own. Then I met up with Ben and just relaxed on board a bit before lunch. The kids went to the clubs!

After lunch, Ben took Sophia back to the room for a nap, while I went to the spa for a massage. Ben surprised me with a facial/massage. Doing it the last day was PERFECT! My face needed the extra TLC after all the sun damage, and I could relax, knowing I wasn’t missing out on too many things, since we were at Sea, and the weather wasn’t the best!

The Spa facilities on board were amazing. If I would have seen them earlier, I might have gone to work out, just so I could sit in the nice sauna and enjoy the plush towels and robes, and the nice ambiance in the womans locker room! My massage was so nice and much appreciated!

After my massage I joined Aubrie in the lounge for Bingo. Aubrie was so anxious to play . She had so much fun. Funny how excited she got every time they called a number we had. We didn’t win anything, but she called Ben and told him we won the jack pot! He didn’t think that was funny. We then joined Ben and Sophia in the hot tub. I left early with Aubrie to shower and get ready for our dinner.

The last night was spent in Parrot Cay. It was the "good bye dinner" with a international theme. They put on a show that included cooks coming out with flaming Baked Alaska, and the servers marching around with different flags!

The kids all wrote a good-bye note to our server and assistant server. It was cute.

SURPRISE!!

After dinner, we went to the final show. It was a montage of miniature musical numbers, and showing video of the cruise. They also had one of their variety acts, that we missed, perform. They were a balancing act. From the start I was a little surprised they were performing, since the seas were soooo rocky that night. They were trying to balance 6 pool chairs on one of their chins. When he got the 6th chair on, I leaned to Aubrie and said, “I’m glad we aren’t in the front row this time!” About a minute after saying that, the guy lost control of the chairs and they went tumbling down towards the front row. There were screams and then crying. One of the little boys in the front row was crying that his leg hurt. The mood in the room suddenly changed, and once they carried him off, the rest of the show wasn’t the same. Boston said, after the show, “those guys had a dream and then they lost it!” I felt so bad for them.

After the show, we rushed to our rooms to pack our luggage to put out in the halls. Whatever you don’t put out by 10:30 you have to take out yourself the next day. When we got back to our room there was a certificate for Boston from the kids club, for being the Wii overall champion! He was so excited! I've never been so proud! ha ha! It was crazy trying to get everything packed up, but we got it done and out in time. Then we headed to the atrium for a good bye gathering. There were a few characters out, and it wasn’t terribly exciting. We ditched that, and did some more shopping. Then the kids did the kids club while we went to the last adult cabaret. It didn’t last very long. Afterward we grabbed the kids from the club, and went to bed. The seas were so rocky! I LOVED it! I know that's weird, but it never made me sick and it made it more exciting!

Disney Cruise Day 6

Day 6 (Friday, March 18th Cabo San Lucas & Captains Gala)

(Written March 18th) Today we slept in and good thing! Ethan got sick in the middle of the night, and then it took me a few hours to fall back asleep. We finally pulled ourselves out of bed around 10:00 and got a quick breakfast, before we caught a tender over to Cabo. Our first stop was to hold the baby tiger. To our surprise, there was a baby lion there, too. Aubrie was most excited to hold them, I think I was a close second. The tiger was a little feisty, so they put it in the crib for a minute. When it was my turn to hold it, she calmed down and then Aubrie and the others had a chance to pet her more. I think that was one of Aubrie's most favorite things.

After that, we went shopping for souvenirs. I got myself a beautiful plate for the kitchen. It has that Spanish look, and has just the right amount of blues and oranges to go with my new color scheme! Aubrie got herself a pair of sunglasses, Ethan got a bow and arrow that broke that night, and Boston got a Soccer jersey. Real authentic Cabo stuff. HA! Sophia got a sliver bracelet that I had already got her in Rocky Point last year. That’s what happens when I run to the restroom really quick and Ben is doing the buying! We were all happy with our purchases, so that's all that matters! (Well Ethan originally wanted a lighter, and then a sling shot, but we compromised on a wooden bow and arrow!)

When we got back on the boat, the girls went to the Oceaneers Club and Ben took the boys to watch some basketball. I sat on the deck and took in the Cabo scenery as we sailed away! It was so relaxing. It really is beautiful there. When I went back to get the girls, they decided they wanted to go to the lab. As I was checking them in, Ben showed up with the boys. Once they were checked in, Ben and I sat on deck and relaxed until it was time to grab the kids for the show. Today they had a matinee for their special show. I like when they have Matinee’s because you can do them before dinner, and then have your night free to do other activities. The show tonight was Dreams. It has been rated the #1 cruise line show for the past 7 years. After the show, I could see why. It was amazing!! From the music, to the props and special effects, it definitely comes out on top out of all the cruise shows I have ever seen. Ben and I wanted to catch the show again, but the kids weren’t up for watching it twice in the same day. After the show, the boys went up to the sports court to play, while Aubrie and I did some shopping:) Ben took Sophia to watch some games. Then it was time to get ready for the semi-formal, the Caption's Gala. Aubrie and Ben got the Lobster tail, and I opted for the Herb Parmesan Crusted Chicken and Pasta. It was delish. It was a nice dinner, and everyone was happy with their dinner choice (the other kids got Alfredo mickey noodles)!

Ethan is asleep once again!! Not till after he ate this time! They got smart and brought his out right away!

Dinner entertainment!

Showing off at the Ball!

Showing off the glass slippers!

Don't leave one behind!

Her Prince caught up to her!

After dinner, the kids hit the clubs while I’m sitting here catching up on today. I ca’t believe we only have one day left! This trip has been so amazing. I see another cruise in our near future! :)

Disney Cruise Day 5

Day 5 (Thursday, March 17th St. Patricks Day and Pirates in the Caribbean Night)

(Written March 17th)Today started bright and early with our character breakfast. It was great! No waiting in line to see characters. They just came to us while we sat eating our delicious breakfast! I know they have that at Disneyland, but we never want to waste our time in the park eating. We would rather be on rides.

I love this one. Ethan was shy around Minnie and wouldn't look at her because she is a girl! ha!

During the breakfast our server made these awesome hats, out of napkins!

After one on one time with our Disney friends, we headed to the theatre to see Tangled. After Tangled, we headed up on deck for some fun in the sun. Sophia spent most her time in the pool and going down the slide. The boys spent most of their time playing ping pong and Foosball. Aubrie floated around to various activities. After a few hours, we took Sophia down for a nap, and Ethan came with. Aubrie and Boston had their phones, and we let them cruise around the ship as they wanted. They had fun doing their own thing. Eventually they all migrated back to the room, except for Boston. Around 3:00, Aubrie and I took Sophia to see Gnomeo and Juliet. (Did I mention all the new movies they are showing in 3-D!)

After the movie we got ready for dinner. It was a Pirate themed night. Dinner was at Tritons! They had these awesome bandanna's waiting for us!

In the middle of dinner they had a huge limbo dance. The kids had fun doing that!

Dinner was good. I had Macadamia Nut crusted Mahi Mahi. Ben and Aubrie had steak and shrimp. (Big Surprise). Before the evening show, we waited in line to see Jack Sparrow!

The show for the evening was the newly released, Mars Needs Moms. (Our third movie of the day, if you don’t include the ones we watched in our room!) After the movie we headed up on deck for the Pirate Party. It included a lot of dancing, and characters appearances, including a zip lining Mickey Mouse across the boat, as he announced the firework show. I have to admit that watching fireworks off a cruise ship is pretty dang cool! Since Disney is the only cruise line allowed to do it, you are sitting there thinking we are the only ones in the World doing this right now! (Unless one of their other boats did it that day, but why ruin it?!) Disney definitely knows how to do things!

After the party, we headed to the dessert buffet they had on deck, and laid down and watched Pirates of the Caribbean on the Big Screen over the pool, until the kids fell asleep! Now it’s time for me to go to bed!

Disney Cruise Day 4

Day 4 (Wednesday, March 16th Puerto Valarta)

(Written March 16th) Today started early for me. I was stressed about missing our port adventure. As soon as I saw the sun was up, I looked for land. Land was right out our window, so I called customer service to see when we would be arriving. They couldn't give me a time, so I decided it would be best to just get up and get ready. As we were headed to breakfast we could see the port from our bedroom window! At breakfast the boat pulled up to the dock, but there were no announcements made of us being there or being able to get off. Ben left to talk to customer service again, and ran into the cruise director, on his way. He said they gangway was open and we could leave. We quickly finished up our breakfast and ran to get off the boat. By then it was 8:45 and we were to be to the stop by 9:00. We made it there in plenty of time, and of course, they were a half hour late in picking us up! By the time they showed up I had to use the restroom. I figured I could hold it, and was a little nervous when they said the ride was an hour and 15 minutes, and then realized the ride was VERY bumpy! The ride up to the zip lines was so pretty. Lots of green mixed with beautiful flowers. A lot of bougainvillea! We were in a canopy bus, so we got to enjoy the nice weather. I spent most my time talking to the lady next me, which made the time go by fast. Also, Sophia passed out in lap and Ethan’s in Ben’s, so it was a nice peaceful ride up.

Once we got there, the workers wasted NO time in getting us geared and and ready to go. Everyone got a kick out of Sophia from the start. When they got her geared up they did this to her!

The staff was hilarious with their introduction, and Boston said they were as funny as the comedians we had on the boat. Boston then said, “I know why Dad is laughing all the time. It’s because he speaks Spanish, and these Spanish people are hilarious!” Once they went through their into, they had up on the lines in no time. The kids took to it like a duck to water. The oldest three went first and then I followed. We thought Sophia would be riding tandem. I didn’t get to see her and Ben go because we got ahead of them. I decided to wait for them to catch up, and when I was expecting to see Ben coming down the line with Sophia, all I saw was Sophia zipping down by herself! She was smiling and laughing and ready to walk to the next one. When Ben came after her, he said she had gone herself the whole time. It was so funny seeing her little body zip lining and hearing her squeal in delight. Again, she stole the show with her bravery and cuteness.

We all had a great time! The boys were so far ahead I didn’t see them till the end. Aubrie had fun sticking with us and watching Sophia. I had a GREAT time myself. It was amazing how fast you went towards the end. A few times I was afraid I would crash. There was one lady who didn’t listen and didn’t break when she was asked too, and she hurt her arm. Boston saw it happen, and it didn’t even scare hiim. He said she was old and wasn’t following directions. LOL

When our zip lining was over, we had about and hour to eat at a restaurant there, and do any of the other activities. They had a monkey house where you could go in the cage and pet them and let them lick yogurt off your hand. They were so cute. You could also hold a tarantula or a snake, but the kids didn’t want to do that! After doing all that, we swam a bit in the river. (We were zip lining over the canyon in the jungle.)

We then enjoyed a nice relaxing ride home. All the kids fell asleep and this time I got to take in more of the scenery. I could have taken a nap myself, it was so nice! Overall, the kids voted this the best activity they have done so far. I agree, it was amazing!

When we got back to the boat, we went on deck to swim a bit, and then hung in the cabin a bit till dinner. Tonight dinner was at Parrot Cay. The food was good and the atmosphere was festive! Our assistant server did some fun magic tricks that the kids were trying to figure out all night. After dinner, we got in line for Toy Story the Musical. While waiting for the musical to start, we got talking to the people in front of us, and found out that the husband is from Newbury Park, and knows my cousins and my friends. His name is Bob Tanner. The only reason I’m writing his name down, is so that I’ll remember when I talk to my friends. Talking to them helped pass the 30 minutes before the show started! The show was excellent! Poor Sophia got her cough on the way back from zip lining and it was acting up really bad during the show. I felt so bad for her. After the show we came back to our rooms to chill. We have our Character Breakfast at 8:00 am tomorrow morning!

One of our