Cruise- Day 3

It was so nice to sleep in (10:00 for the kids) since we were worn out from our fun day in Nassau. We really didn't have anything planned today but playing in the pool/water park and soaking up the sun!! Lunch started with yet another yummy selection, this time was from the "Mongolian Grill" and was well worth the long line that Hayley and I stood in!!

 Brian took a little nap out on the deck while the kids played and I read my book. This is something that is a rarity--seeing him relax like this, he needed this vacay as much if not more then I did!!

 The Ocean was beautiful and so calm--I could sit for hours and just watch and listen to it.

 I decided that since it was our last night on the cruise that I wanted to try the dining room. At this point, if I saw another hamburger, pizza, hot dog, chicken tender, fries or sub sandwich I was going to scream. The kids and Brian were content eating this and made sure they took full advantage of this being offered 24/7.
We got all cleaned up (which is a rarity in itself) and headed to the main dining room. I was a bit nervous because you never know when a meltdown is coming from the kids (they have been beyond well behaved and off any schedule at this point) and then you have Brian who is Mr. Meat and Potatoes only!

 The food was good--not what I expected, very small portions! We both had spinach artichoke dip for appetizers and Brian had a steak (the size of our hamburgers at home!) with fresh steamed veggies. I had ordered a chicken breast with rice and steamed veggies and ate the whole thing. The kids had a cheese pizza and fruit and chicken tenders and fries. Wish we would of known we could of asked for another plate, but that OK, we hit the 24 hour food line as soon as we left!

 Hayley loves to dance and will do so at any chance she gets. The wait staff always does a little dinner dance and our sweet waiter asked if she would like to dance with them. She was a hoot to watch---I see a little dancer in our future!

 The kids went back to Camp (told you they would rather be there then with us!) and I took advantage of this and started packing somethings up. When we picked up the kids they had these really neat shirts that they got to color and sign.

Since it was our last evening on the ship we decided to let splurge and let the kids get a smoothie in these cool cups--Hunter had a monkey out of a coconut and Hayley has a disco ball, fitting right?

And this is what we were greeted with when we finally headed back to our room for our last nights slumber.

Night in the Bahama's

Brian and I actually got to have a "date night" while on our Cruise!! The kids were begging to go to Carnival Kids Camp. I was very hesitant with this but after talking with Brian, meeting and drilling the staff and lots of prayer,  I decided that I would let them go for a while. I had to laugh because they both kept saying they were "doing us a favor and giving us some alone time!" I tell you they are both going to be very dangerous when they are together and older!We sent them with rules (imagine that),walkies talkies and checked in on them LOTS when they were there.

Brian and I did enjoy some much needed time together and loved every minute of it! We walked around, had actual full conversations without being interrupted, shopped some, played bingo, saw a show and a comedian!
I had to keep busy or I would worry about the kids. Guess its just part of life that they are growing up and don't need me as much now as I need them. Just have adjust to this stage of life, seems like its coming earlier then I remember.

The kids had a blast, met lots of friends and stayed busy with games, etc. Hayley's class has a dance off and she won "with her moves"--good Lord, help us! Hunter class has a scavenger hunt, and video games, he was in heaven

I had to laugh when I saw this little monkey hanging from our ceiling--how fitting and fits in with my monkey kids perfectly!

Shopping in Nassau

We got back to our room about 5 after spending all day at the Island and we all were beyond ready for a shower to rid the sand of every crevice of our bodies! After we all were refreshed, filled with the 1000 frozen yogurt ice cream cone and cleaned up we hit the streets of Nassau for a little shopping.

 I wished that I would of taken more "family pictures" while we were on the cruise. Here I was trying to be good and not capture everything with the camera. If I ever win the lotto, I am going to hire someone to follow my beautiful family around and take pictures so we all can be in them!

We talked with several people who said that the shops closed at 6! Had we known this we wouldn't of gotten back on ship and cleaned up, oh well!! This isn't the most "kid friendly" place in the world and I was actually a little hesitant on going too far into the city. We hit just a few stores on the main drag and was sure to make it onto the ship before sun down. Brian was a little stressed to stay the least, God love him, he is the most thoughtful hubby and dad ever!

Blue Lagoon Private Island

After we waited in line to get off the ship we headed to find our off shore excursion host. We headed to Blue Lagoon, a private island, for a day of fun in the Bahama sun!!

 Getting our wrist bands for our excursion

 Hotel Atlantis

 Entrance to our island

Hayley has been talking about swimming with the dolphins forever. All it took was one look at her Daddy and her batting her eyelashes and then next thing you know, she and I were in the water for 45 minutes with the dolphins. The water was COLD and I was very stressed because Hayley could only touch on her tippy toes, and was hanging on me!  This was an AWESOME experience, we got to feed, hug, dance, pet, touch teeth and play with the dolphins!! I have more pictures that we ordered that I need to scan in.

The water park was something straight out of Wipe Out and was so much fun! I honestly think that Brian had more fun then anyone, he is such a big kid!!

The beach, water and sand was beautiful. I wish that the water wasn't so cold so that I could of enjoyed it more. Don't get me wrong, I loved watching the kid and Brian while soaking up some sun~

LOVE HIM

 Bouncies slides with water that you went way to fast on

A certain little girl was worn out on the ride back to the port, just enough time for a 45 minute nap!

I am still amazed at how big our ship was

Cruise--Day 2

This is what I awoke to...a sunrise that was beyond beautiful and Nassau in the distance!!

 This is the hotel Atlantis that everyone talks about

 We arrived in Nassau, Bahamas about 9:30am  and it was beautiful!! Although the weather was a bit cloudy and overcast at first, it couldn't dampen our excitement. It truly was an once in a lifetime experience. I am so blessed that we were able to give the kids this experience and that we could experience this as a family!! The memories that we made will always be one that I will cherish.