Day One, Dinner and Evening

One of the kids’ favorite things about the cruise was dressing up and going to dinner every night.  I had tried to explain how we would come to love our waiters and how the food was so fancy and so good but there is nothing like the actual experience.  So we were excited to dress up and head to the “Swan Lake” dinning room for our first dinner. 

We were not disappointed!

We met our waiters for the first time.  And true to form, we fell in love and by the end of our week together, we so wanted to take them home.  We love Kiara and Bernardo.

Kiara is from Peru and is just older than Andrew.  She speaks wonderful English, taught by her father, who is also a seaman.  She has been working the cruise lines for a year and her favorite places are Puerto Rico and Turkey on the Mediterranean cruise.  She was so nice, remembering our names and genuinely complementing the girls on their hair or outfits. 

Bernardo is from the Philippines and has done this for 14 years.  He was so kind to remember Katie’s ranch dressing and bring us multiple desserts! 

Wonderful appetizers, wonderful entrees and wonderful desserts! 

After dinner was the nightly entertainment.  We saw a comedian the first night.  So funny!  He did a routine about flying and drive by shootings that will of course be a part of our family inside jokes for life.  “if you wait ‘til spring, we will help you.”  “if you put her down for 110, put me down for 350.  You’re lying to gravity!”

Remember we haven’t slept yet so we are very tired.  Can you see it in my face?

The kids discovered ROOM SERVICE!!!!  So much fun to be spoiled!

Saturday–Day One

Day one, getting on, exploring the ship, send off.  We got on the ship and went to the “Windjammer Café”  for lunch.  The kids were amazed at the food choices, the amounts, and that everything was free!  They discovered the ice cream which would be a major bonus every day of the cruise.  Happiness!

The elevators actually have the day of the week in the carpet so we can be reminded of those pesky little things of the real world like the passage of time….  they changed the day insert every night around midnight!

 

I forgot to mention that we could easily see 6 cruise ships from our ship while we were waiting to pull out.  This is a huge industry.  Amazing vacations!

Here we go!

So excited to take our vacation that we have waited so long for.  I am so excited to share everything with the kids.  Carol saved us by taking Annie and driving us to the airport.  She is so supportive and happy for us.  Love you Carol! 

Excited Much?

All that luggage fit in the van!

We made it to the airport - not as early as we wanted.  I couldn’t find my wallet with my ID in it and was envisioning calling Carol back to drive me home and taking a later flight to Seattle.  (I’m carrying 6 passports in my purse and worried about getting 8 pieces of luggage and 12 carry-ons all arranged…so I didn’t remember where I put my wallet…)  But I found it and just as we thought we made it through check in and on to security we found that Megan had full sized toiletries in her carry-on’s.  (Note to Mom – explain the 3 oz rule…)  But  miraculously (love living in a small town) they were willing to call back her checked luggage and we were able to fit all the liquids in.  Flight to Seattle was fun.  The kids have not flown a whole lot so I was surprised to see Katie and Megan rather nervous.  (Tammy was nervous about this whole trip too being the only Mullin survivor should our plane or ship go down.)  Dinner at Seattle - love the fish taco’s there – and on to the night flight to Florida.  I sat with Andrew and Megan.  Being totally prepared for a chilly flight, I had the kids bring pillows and blankets.  We all died of heat.  OH. MY. GOSH.  Stashing those pillows and blankets and taking off as many clothes as modesty allowed.  It was so hot all night.  Andrew didn’t sleep at all, Megan hardly any.  Melissa stretched across Katie and Dad. (Benefits of being tiny.)  Katie was actually doing homework…  Never again,  night flights are the worst! 

We got to Florida and were immediately charmed by the palm trees, the humidity, the warmth!  Short drive from Miami to Ft. Lauderdale.  Tried to find a Wal-mart to fix Mike’s glasses (he lost a nose pad on the plane) and found Key Biscayne instead.  People with yachts and beach houses don’t shop at Wal-Mart I take it.  Welcome to Miami. $$$$  A short nap in the car – exhasted and going on a cruise.  Nice.

We changed into cruise clothes in a parking lot by the dock (so classy) and found our ship (in dock 29 – how many cruise ships are there at Port Everglades?)  and started the waiting in line process to get on.

We sent our last texts to Tammy, and turned off our phones to avoid the insane rates for cell coverage on the ship.

It was soooooo fun to see the kids reactions to how big and nice and luxurious the ship was.  Oh my goodness, the excitement was a reward in itself for all the work and planning that we did.  (correction… Mike did)

Seeing their staterooms and figuring out the ship.  Are you ready for the vacation of a lifetime?????? 

Excited for the Cruise!

97 days have passed and the cruise is almost here!  The kids have been excited and counting down since Christmas.  We have suitcases out and are packing and planning and getting ready to go on Friday!  Dallas sent me this cute picture that he picked out himself, colored all by himself (using more than just blue) and sent with a card plastered with star stickers.  I love it.  I am taking it with me to put in my stateroom.  Thank you Dallas.  I love you.

Yes we are taking ALL. THOSE.  SHOES. 

New Rooms

I think Megan inspired us all to change things up a bit.  Katie got some new bedding to redo her room.  Bright and happy yellow, just like Katie!

Melissa has been wanting a loft bed for so long.  Now that Megan is not using the other bunk bed, she came up with a plan to set them up and sleep on the top bunk and take out the bottom bed.  Voila!  A loft bed!

I think spring is bringing inspiration!

Cookies from Lovey

I hate not living close to the boys.  I miss them so much.  Miss being part of the everyday-ness of their lives.  I decided to make them cookies for St. Patrick’s Day.  It is just so fun to imagine them opening a package and being happy eating cookies.  (I should probably think of something besides sugar to send to them…)  I sent some cookies and candy to Mom and Dad too.  She has such a sweet tooth and is always looking for a sweet snack. 

Funny story, Tammy got a package this week from Amazon and when she brought in the box Wes asked her, “Cookies Mom?”  Melt. My. Heart. 

Spending time with Mom and Dad

Got the chance to go to Utah and spend some time with Dad and Mom.  Sadly, Dad had to have surgery to make it all come about.  (But having paid for my nursing education, it is only right that they should have their own private nurse when they have medical needs!)  Dad did great and it was so fun to be with Mom.  Bonus to spend time with Linda, Chris, Stephen and Suzette too!!!!

Some of my happy memories are watching All in the Family with Mom and Dad – they get a kick out of it. Watching some  ‘great courses’ on math and medical stuff with Dad.  Always learning!  Playing name that tune on the piano with Mom.  She knows every hymn, and whistles along when I play.  Having Mom constantly offer me sweets.  She has a wicked sweet tooth!  Taking Mom for a Sunday walk in the bright sunshine.  Sitting in the hospital laughing with Steve, Linda and Suzette.  Beautiful snow in Utah and then beautiful sun!  It must be spring…