Cruise

We had a great time on the cruise.  Every time I would think about the girls, I would feel terribly sad...so I just did my best not to think of them too often!  Mom was so sweet to send us an email update every day so that we could hear how they were doing.  The reports were always glowing.  Since we weren't worried about how they were doing we were able to enjoy all of the other goodness around us. 

We spent most of our time chilling out by the pool, reading and relaxing.















Mark had a few favorite venues...including our balcony...

and "the bridge" which allowed him to watch the captain and his friends steer the boat.



 Everyone always talks about the food on cruise ships.  It was very good and ABUNDANT!  I tried so hard to eat healthy...notice the cucumbers, olives, broccoli and hummus.

and then there is the chocolate bread pudding.   I'm all about some bread pudding.  :-)

One of my favorite things about the cruise is taht I got to dress up every night!  I never have time to fix my hair, put on make up and wear pretty clothes at home so I took full advantage and wore a dress to dinner every night.  We even enjoyed two formal nights!

Our first stop was Cozumel.  I don't think Mark or I was impressed with Cozumel.  It was fun to get off the boat and walk around and the water was beautiful but the town was not too impressive.

 Our second stop was Grand Cayman and we went swimming with the stingrays. 

Insert lots of girly squeals here...at least I tried.

Mark was actually much braver than me but I still managed to get this great shot! It's hard to see but one is actually rubbing up against his side.  They are like friendly little cats who just want to be fed.  

We both agreed that we enjoyed Jamaica the most.  The area right when you get off the boat is the typical touristy stuff which had been recently redone and was really nice.  We enjoyed browsing in a few shops and bought some things for the girls there.  However, we really enjoyed a little jog that we took through the island.  We probably only ran 2 miles or so but we escaped the touristy section and were able to see this 260 year old church and many schools with little children playing outside.  It was really neat to see some the homes, schools, churches, etc.

and it was fun to exercise together!

Mark actually won this trip through work and there were about 40 other folks from his company/customers that came along too.  I did not realize it until we arrived but there were folks from around the world...India, Germany, Denmark, Mexico, Spain and a few others.  Everyone was so kind and I really enjoyed getting to meet some of the folks that I often hear about. 

Mark brought his customers, Craig and Tina from Maine.  They also were able to bring along their kids, Colin and Isabel and we were thrilled!  The whole family was so easy going and fun to be around.  We had a great time tagging along with them on some family outings.  We couldn't have asked for better guests and new friends! 



There were some real characters among the group.  Jim, in the black shirt is the president of the company and in the picture below some of our European friends were trying to talk him into doing a mini-golf tournament.

SURPRISE....Mark and I won the golf tournament!  :-)



I think it's my Augusta roots coming through.  Mark did many practice strokes just like the professionals we watched a few weeks earlier at the Masters.  :-)

We had a great time on the cruise.  People keep asking me if I would do it again and I think yes.  Everything was so easy, no stress.  It was similar to an all-inclusive but the entertainment was much better.  We went to several of the shows on the ship and really enjoyed them.  We took advantage of as much as possible while still resting and enjoying some peace and quiet.  :-)

We went rock climbing on the boat too.  Of course, Mark had to show me up.  :-)  I only made it half way up and decided I was done but Mark made it up three times.  It's hard to believe that we have been married nearly 7 years.  When I first met Mark he had all this climbing gear (it's still in our garage) and would often go out climbing and rapelling.  However, since we've been married and had kids our time is much different.  It's a treat to see him in his element and a reminder that we need to get out more!

Overall, a wonderful trip.  I was so glad to have some uninterrupted time with Mark.  Of course, we couldn't have done any of this without my madre who sacrificed so much time to be here caring for the girls.  We are truly thankful!