We got back from our trip yesterday afternoon. Everyone pretty much crashed. Not a lot done today either. Ken, the master of laundry took over and got us headed back to the real world.
So, we left on a gloriously sunny Friday afternoon. (does that sound literary enough?) Since we'd been on this particular ship before, we didn't bother to do the usual walk around and get acquainted. Instead, we headed straight for the buffet. We sat on the Lido deck, ate some lunch, had the drink of the day, and started to unwind and get ready for a great trip.
We headed to our cabins and got unpacked, and then went to dinner. Are you sensing the theme of cruise life? Eat, play, eat, play. That's it in a nutshell.
We had two days at sea on our way down to Acapulco. Ken and I headed to the Trivia Challenges and read in the lounge chairs on the Lido deck. The kids took this time to get acquainted with the other teens on the ship. They have a great program for kids. On sea days, we didn't see the kids much at all, only at dinner because I insist. The kids had lots of options. Basketball, miniature golf, swimming, water slides, games, the buffet, ice cream, and "hangin" with their new friends.
Our first formal night, Michael got pre-occupied playing and forgot to unpack his nice clothes. He decided, (maybe I should take a bigger interest in how they pack) to pack his tuxedo from band (red bow tie and red cumber bun). So, he showed up to dinner a little late in a totally wrinkled shirt with a red tie and cumber bun. He looked a little.....ridiculous. Our waiter started calling him "Bond" and it stuck through the whole cruise.
The shows were similar to what we saw last year, but they were still great. We love the Broadway show tune night, the hypnotist and the comedian the best. I don't think Michael made it to one show, he was so busy scoping chicks in the teen disco. Megan and Jake usually joined us for the show, then headed to their activities. Ken and I usually headed to bed after the shows.
Our first port was Acapulco. It was stinkin' hot. Definitely not used to humidity. We took a bus to the site where the cliff divers were. It was fascinating to watch them free climb up this cliff and then dive into the water. We got some pictures that you can see in our slide show, if I can get it loaded. Then we headed to a lagoon right across the street from the beach for a drink and a hammock. The waves were a little too strong to swim, but we relaxed and enjoyed the water up to our toes anyway.
The next stop was Ixtapa and another city I can't spell (Ziwatenajo?). We took a short tour of the city and got some history and then took a small boat to an island. Ken and the kids went snorkeling, and I sat in a lounge chair. We were on the west side of the island so the waves weren't so strong and we could get in the water. It was really warm. After a couple of hours we headed back for some shopping.
Final port was Manzanillo. We took another City Tour/Shopping/Beach excursion. The water was a little rougher, but was still fun to play. After three days in the sun, all of us were exhausted, and just a little rojo (that's red for all you non-Spanish Dos people.)
I'll share some other specific stories in my next blog.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
March 20, 2008
WE LEAVE ON VACATION TOMORROW!
So, in preparation I had to bite the bullet and do that thing that women hate more than anything.....That's right, I went bathing suit shopping. Here is the problem. I have what I like to refer to as "the baby that never was born" that I carry around to this very day, and it is very hard to find a bathing suit that will cover "the baby" without making me look like someone's grandma. I tried the usual WalMart and Target to no avail. Apparently you are either skinny or old, nothing in between. So I venture to the "Fat Lady Store" to find something more appropriate. Well, apparently that much spandex is gonna cost ya! Another problem becomes apparent in the dressing room. If you are fat, you are supposed to have boobs! No one in there right mind would be as fat as I am and not have boobs I guess. So "the baby" is covered, but "the girls" are lost in the abyss of the pre-formed bra top. So I wonder, just how bad can that old suit be and head for home. But to my disappointment, once there I remembered why I started the trek to begin with. Yes, it is that bad. So I head out again the next day after work. I end up at Sears, but they are having some "infomercial" guy there selling chamois and my focus is shattered. After 30 minutes, and $20 of miracle soaker upper cloths, I head back to the swim suit department. Melissa, if you were here, you could have helped me stay focused! This is when I really miss having someone who is willing to look at you in a bathing suit and say, "It's not so bad." :-( End of story, I got a new suit, not sure I'll ever wear it.....
Megan had her production of "King Arthur" last night, and Michael had a beginning band concert. After a furious match of "Rock/Paper/Scissors" I headed to the play and Ken, bless his heart, headed to the band concert. Michael did well, even had a solo. I heard the solo a few times at home when he was practicing. Megan did great in her play. I think she is so talented. I know I'm her mom, but really she is talented. The play was a "Spamalot" type musical farce of the King Arthur story. It was hysterical. All of them did a great job.
So, I'd better head off, do some laundry and pack. Will post when I get home.
Love Ya,
Jodi
So, in preparation I had to bite the bullet and do that thing that women hate more than anything.....That's right, I went bathing suit shopping. Here is the problem. I have what I like to refer to as "the baby that never was born" that I carry around to this very day, and it is very hard to find a bathing suit that will cover "the baby" without making me look like someone's grandma. I tried the usual WalMart and Target to no avail. Apparently you are either skinny or old, nothing in between. So I venture to the "Fat Lady Store" to find something more appropriate. Well, apparently that much spandex is gonna cost ya! Another problem becomes apparent in the dressing room. If you are fat, you are supposed to have boobs! No one in there right mind would be as fat as I am and not have boobs I guess. So "the baby" is covered, but "the girls" are lost in the abyss of the pre-formed bra top. So I wonder, just how bad can that old suit be and head for home. But to my disappointment, once there I remembered why I started the trek to begin with. Yes, it is that bad. So I head out again the next day after work. I end up at Sears, but they are having some "infomercial" guy there selling chamois and my focus is shattered. After 30 minutes, and $20 of miracle soaker upper cloths, I head back to the swim suit department. Melissa, if you were here, you could have helped me stay focused! This is when I really miss having someone who is willing to look at you in a bathing suit and say, "It's not so bad." :-( End of story, I got a new suit, not sure I'll ever wear it.....
Megan had her production of "King Arthur" last night, and Michael had a beginning band concert. After a furious match of "Rock/Paper/Scissors" I headed to the play and Ken, bless his heart, headed to the band concert. Michael did well, even had a solo. I heard the solo a few times at home when he was practicing. Megan did great in her play. I think she is so talented. I know I'm her mom, but really she is talented. The play was a "Spamalot" type musical farce of the King Arthur story. It was hysterical. All of them did a great job.
So, I'd better head off, do some laundry and pack. Will post when I get home.
Love Ya,
Jodi
Monday, March 17, 2008
March 17, 2008
So, Jake has started his own blog, so go to www.mvyouthchurch.blogspot.com to get info on his new intern activities. He quit his job at Ralph's - the do do! Mom & Dad said he still needed to get a job in addition to the internship. He's not happy, but is spending this week (Spring Break at Saddleback) to do a little looking. We are very proud of what he is doing with the church. He is great with the youth, really enjoys the music, and seems to be making a positive difference.
The other kids have spring break next week, and we are taking everyone on an eight day cruise to Acupulco. We have decided this is the best way to travel with kids. They get to do what they like, we get to do what we like, and we see each other at dinner. We go as a family on all the ports of call (you can't let teenagers loose in Mexico, I know.) We are all looking forward to a little R&R.
Megan has her performance of King Arthur this week. I'm looking forward to that. She doesn't have a big part, but I like to see her perform. Michael has soccer practice and a band concert. All of that, added to work and getting ready for vacation. We'll be busy.
I'll post some cruise pictures when we get back. Happy Easter!
The other kids have spring break next week, and we are taking everyone on an eight day cruise to Acupulco. We have decided this is the best way to travel with kids. They get to do what they like, we get to do what we like, and we see each other at dinner. We go as a family on all the ports of call (you can't let teenagers loose in Mexico, I know.) We are all looking forward to a little R&R.
Megan has her performance of King Arthur this week. I'm looking forward to that. She doesn't have a big part, but I like to see her perform. Michael has soccer practice and a band concert. All of that, added to work and getting ready for vacation. We'll be busy.
I'll post some cruise pictures when we get back. Happy Easter!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
March 11, 2008
So, this is my first attempt at "blogging" so bear with me.
We will use this space to update you on family activities and will post some pictures now and then. We will also use this as a tool for Jake to communicate about his new internship as a youth/worship pastor.
So, our family activities still revolve 90% around kid activities. Michael is active in club soccer. He is starting a "futsol" indoor soccer league this week. He really loves soccer. He is also planning on doing some track and field at the school. They don't really have an organized sports program, but intermurals. He jumped 30+ feet on the triple jump, and 4'7" in the high jump. Not bad considering he's short for his age. It should be fun to watch him.
Megan is busy with drama (literally and figuratively.) She is doing "King Arthur" as part of her drama 2 class, and is trying out for the school musical "Footloose." She was one of the main characters in her last drama 2 production and did a fantastic job. She is also very social now. She is in the midst of the OC Sweet 16 Blitz. She is invited to a party every other week it seems. The last party she went to had her picked up in a stretch limo, then they took a yacht and toured Newport Harbor with a full buffet dinner and a DJ. Put our little sleep over to shame.
Nothing new on the work front for Ken. He is getting a little disappointed at the lack of opportunities and is considering a change (although it takes him forever to consider anything!) Work for me is just a job. Nothing much I really love here, except the family and the dog.
I'll let Jake catch you up on his activities.
Love you all!
Jodi
We will use this space to update you on family activities and will post some pictures now and then. We will also use this as a tool for Jake to communicate about his new internship as a youth/worship pastor.
So, our family activities still revolve 90% around kid activities. Michael is active in club soccer. He is starting a "futsol" indoor soccer league this week. He really loves soccer. He is also planning on doing some track and field at the school. They don't really have an organized sports program, but intermurals. He jumped 30+ feet on the triple jump, and 4'7" in the high jump. Not bad considering he's short for his age. It should be fun to watch him.
Megan is busy with drama (literally and figuratively.) She is doing "King Arthur" as part of her drama 2 class, and is trying out for the school musical "Footloose." She was one of the main characters in her last drama 2 production and did a fantastic job. She is also very social now. She is in the midst of the OC Sweet 16 Blitz. She is invited to a party every other week it seems. The last party she went to had her picked up in a stretch limo, then they took a yacht and toured Newport Harbor with a full buffet dinner and a DJ. Put our little sleep over to shame.
Nothing new on the work front for Ken. He is getting a little disappointed at the lack of opportunities and is considering a change (although it takes him forever to consider anything!) Work for me is just a job. Nothing much I really love here, except the family and the dog.
I'll let Jake catch you up on his activities.
Love you all!
Jodi
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