Cruisin' - The Best!

This past week, George and I were able to go on a Caribbean Cruise with my family. We have looked forward to this for at least six months--and now it has come and gone with the greatest of memories. For the past two years, my dad has taken all of his seven children and their spouses on a cruise. Last year, George was the only one who couldn't attend, but this year, he definitely was not being left behind!

Everyone else had to fly in from Idaho and Utah, but George and I just drove to Fort Lauderdale. We all stayed in a beautiful hotel on Saturday, January 31st, near the cruise terminal. The next morning, we saw a few sites around Fort Lauderdale before boarding the cruise ship. Wow! It was huge--in fact, it was the largest cruise ship out right now--Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas.

This is us leaving the port--this is probably the only time you will see George's hair messed up--and he did it himself to have the windblown look!

What more can I say--the food was divine, the entertainment was tops, and the company was the best of all!

My dad and George as we walked into the eating area.

Some nights were casual dining. This is my brother Blair and his wife Denise participating in the March of the Waiters. What fun!

We celebrated Larry and Beverly's 40th wedding anniversary one night. They are just seven months behind us--we celebrated our 40th in June.

Most of the time it was too difficult of a choice as to which dessert to choose. Oh well, George just chose all of them!

Two nights were formal. The grand dining room was set up like the Titanic. That was a scary thought at first, but I didn't see any icebergs, so I thought we were pretty safe!

These were our two tables. Each night we rotated between the two tables so that everyone would have a chance to eat with all of the couples and my dad. We were right by the windows and could watch as we sailed along. It was beautiful!

This was our room. Having a window was fantastic!
George felt right at home holding the remote. I'm trying to think if I ever got to use it--definitely not!
Each night, we had "animals" made out of towels in our room with the bed turned down. I could get used to all of the pampering we got!



This is the promenade which went the entire length of the ship. It had little shops on either side and a beautiful bridge which lit up in all different colors. Beverly, Dad, Joyce, and I strolling down the Promenade.

While walking down the promenade, George encountered a tiger. He had to wrestle it--but I am happy to report--the Gator won! (That was for Cassie!)
There was even an ice skating rink on the ship. We watched the ice skating show twice--it was the best I have ever seen. I didn't take pictures during the show, but there were about 16 young people from all over the world. They were so daring--and the music was fantastic--all of the oldies but goodies!

The evening entertainment was really top-notch!

After sailing for all night and the next day, we had to take a small boat to go over to Belize because of the barrier reefs around it.

Jerry and Shelly on the little boat going to Belize.

Beth, Ted, and Mark.

Here we are arriving in Belize.

I was the most worried about the excursion in Belize, but Cameron and Anne had done this on a cruise they had gone on and assured me I could handle it. We went on about a 40 minute jungle walk, forded a river, and then put our inner tubes into another area of the river. We then did a float trip down the river which went through two huge networks of caves. We all had little lamps on our heads to better see the rock formations and waterfalls inside. We had four guides who made us all feel so safe--I just wish we would have had a waterproof camera, but these are the only pictures we took--before and after the tubing.

After the tubing adventure, our guides fed us a wonderful island meal.

We all followed Denise around. She is the shopper supreme!

The next stop was Costa Maya. A pirate met us as we were getting off the ship!

We took about an hour ride in a van with all 15 of us and a guide who was actually a Mormon bishop in Mexico. We had such a learning experience as we saw so many Mayan ruins along with studying accounts in the Book of Mormon that talk about the ancestors of some of these people.
In the very top of the picture, is a huge temple which has been restored. We had quite a walk to get to the base, then there was a giant climb to get to the top.



The last stop was at Cozumel. Some of the family went to Tulum where there are more ancient ruins, but the rest of us had seen it, so we went to a National Park called Chankanaab. We went on a jungle tour there where they had recreated many of the ancient ruins so that you could see all of the most famous in one place. In addition, there were beautiful lakes and all kinds of plants and trees in a setting which looked so perfect, it felt like Disney World--but it was all natural.



We went into a little hut where there was a tribute to their dead. After leaving many kinds of roots and berries out, they get to eat it after the day ends.

We then went into the kitchen hut where the sweetest little lady made homemade tortillas and a delicious sauce for inside.

This is our guide showing us how hemp was made--by beating a leaf from a special plant, it becomes very stringy and rope was made from this. It was formerly a large export from their country, but now there are so many man-made materials, it isn't used that much by other countries. We ate lunch by the water and were serenaded by a little group. George was extremely frustrated that they didn't have his special combination drink, but he grudgingly accepted a Diet Coke.

The water was so beautiful, so we took the opportunity to catch a few rays on the sandy beach. This was absolutely fascinating. We couldn't get closer unless we actually participated, but this area had about 20 dolfins in it. The people would get on a floating board and clasp their ankles together. Soon a dolphin would come up and push them right to shore. They would take them so fast and stop automatically just in time so the person didn't hit into the wall. Really smart dolphins, I'd say! (The lady at the top left is being pushed in.)

It was so great to have time to just sit and talk about fun memories or catch up on everyone's family. My dad will soon have 120 in his family when the next six babies are born that have been announced. Also, we had one engagement in the family while we were on the cruise. Exciting things are happening all the time!
Each night after we watched the entertainment, we would meet in a little booth area and have hot chocolate and pastries--as if we hadn't eaten enough already!

The 18-hole miniature golf course was so fun. Too bad it was pretty windy up there or it would have been used more.

On the last day as we were returning, one of the funnest things we did was play Trivial Pursuit . Joyce, Doug, Beth, my dad, George and I all laughed so hard at the questions and answers given. We just made up our own game, but we had a riot doing it. Too bad I was laughing so hard and didn't take the picture until most of the others had left.

After the seven days and six nights, we all realized all the fun was soon going to end. It was really hard to see everyone leaving, especially for my dad. He loves having all of us together which gets increasingly difficult as we all get busier with our work schedules and our own children and grandchildren. But truly, this time together was just the best! Thanks so much, Dad, for making this all possible. We truly love and respect you for the great father that you are!

Here is a picture of my dad and the seven siblings: I am the oldest, then Beverly, Joyce, Jerry, Blair, Beth, and Natalie--five girls and two boys.

Here is my dad with his five sons-in-law and two sons. And here are all the girls: five sisters and two sisters-in-law.
My dad is already saying he wants to do it again next year! Let's just say, I don't think he will have to talk anyone into it!