Christmas Cruisin' (in April)

 Cruise time has finally arrived! It is so fun to have everyone's Spring Breaks line up. With how busy things have been, I haven't been able to focus much on what needs to be done to prep for this. It will also be Zeke's BIG 16th on this cruise! So I've got to figure out party-time as well! 

We kicked off the festivities a week before with Graham's farewell. What a guy!

How adorable are these cousins?

He gave a great talk. I am so impressed with how he has planned out his life, career, and all of his next steps. He's doing it right!

 

Leading up to the cruise, I was so anxious about the needed documents part. (Call it PTSD from the last cruise.) I read and reread the paperwork requirements. And then went on to second-guess myself. The morning we headed out, I kept pulling out the documents to make sure everything was there. Then I'd worry something fell out so I'd have to check again. I was a mess!

We decided to do the drive to Long Beach in two days. We drove through quite the blizzard on the way down to southern Utah. 

We've never shown the kids Las Vegas. Growing up, I spent a bit of time in Las Vegas, as well as me and friends going down there in High School and beyond. I've walked the length of the strip so many times, weaving in and out of hotels, we spent NYE '99 down there- which was wild! For how well I know it, my kids have just driven through it a time or two. We decided to spend a night there and show them around. Jon did great finding a nice big room for us that split into a separate suite for the kids. 

We asked a nice gal to take a pic of us in the New York, New York gift shop. After she took this pic, she asked if we'd like one in front of the chocolate Statue of Liberty. Ha! Yes!

It was so nice and warm as we walked around on the strip. The streets feel a bit cleaner than they have been in years past. We parked near the New York and made our way down to see the Bellagio fountains, all the way down to Ceasar's Palace. This took several hours and by then the kids felt they had seen enough. They were tired and felt they had gotten the vibe of the place. So we crossed the street and headed back to our hotel. 

On the road again! We liked being able to chat with Adren for a little bit. We sure miss him on this trip!

We drove into LA to meet up with the Shafer's at the Griffith Observatory. I was driving us through the city, traffic was bonkers. I had to use the bathroom so bad, and was so relieved when we finally made it off of the freeway towards the observatory. We had to park quite a ways down the hill. Paisley and I started our way up the path while Jon fiddled with paying. Each step I took I knew I was in trouble. When we finally made it to the top and the public restrooms- it was a bit too late for me! I cracked the bathroom door open and told Paisley to get dad. I needed his jacket to tie around my waist. Oh dear!

It was neat for the kiddo's to see the famous Hollywood sign!

It is a really cool place, too bad I was feeling a bit preoccupied.

From there, everyone was starving so we set out to In N' Out Burger. It was packed. We finally made our way up to order. We found a table outside where most of us could perch and eat. We were right next to a Walmart, so we grabbed some last minute things like soda's, swim trunks (new pants for me). We then headed to our hotel, tired from the long day of travel. 

The next morning it was exciting to be texting with the rest of our group as we were all checking in around the same time. Ahhhhh! Check-in! I was beyond relieved that this went very smoothly. The nice lady just kept chatting away, commenting Zeke was about to have a great 16th. It felt so nice to board the ship, all is well!

What a fun reunion to be with everyone and check into our rooms. We sort of  took over a back table area that would be our "meeting grounds" for the rest of the time. I think everyone headed to Guy's Burgers right away! I love that we all meet up together at night for dinner in the fancy restaurant. 

The next day was April 1st. We had all picked names and got each other a funny T-shirt.  The only rule: You have to wear it all day!

Leave it to Ashley to think up fun things for the occasion- everyone got little plastic frogs. We had to secretly put them in each others pockets throughout the day, the person with the most frogs has to sing a song at dinner!

First stop: Cabo! 

We took a glass-bottom boat out to a great beach to spend the day. 

With the ocean salt water, Zeke's curls were the most amazing they've ever been.

It was such a perfect day at the beach! That water is crystal clear and feels so good! We swam, we shopped as people walked by selling their wares. At one point Abby said, "Lindsey- help!" I looked to see a little girl placing little plastic animals on her leg. I think Abby bought one out of pity. My favorite was the fresh fruit bowls. Best mango I've ever had! 

We all came to dinner prepared to look fancy!

Some rando's joined our photo shoot.

Cutie cousins!

BEST GROUP!

We watched from the upper balcony the Motown performer down at the bar in the Atrium. We were more entertained at the older people getting so excited when he'd start a song, then watching them dance and belt the lyrics along with him. 

That night we all danced and danced at the WHITE party!

  The next day... HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY, ZEKE!!! 

He ordered whatever he wanted at breakfast :)

It was a little tricky bringing Zeke's birthday banner stuff and gifts. I only brought what I thought he might wear on the cruise- and spend! The rest is waiting for him at home. We spent another day in Cabo. Our group voted to shop around the little town instead of another beach day. Zeke wanted some bracelets and a necklace and we found some good ones!

We love Cabo! Happy Birthday, Zeke! 

That night at dinner we all got up and gathered around Zeke and sang to him and danced around him. Best Birthday ever! We all sure love our Zekey sooooo much!

I loved seeing this group late at night in our gathering spot all having a great time together~

And I love our view of Cabo San Lucas out our balcony! It was nice to have the kids come hang out and enjoy our view.

The next day we all scattered around the boat, everyone doing what they liked. At some points we grabbed lounging chairs together and laid in the sun and read, some grabbed a burger and dined together at our gathering spot. I found a spot at the very back of the boat and watched the water. Ahhhhh. Some relief from the construction at home. Sooo nice! Olly sidled up out of no where with a big sandwich. "Where did you get that?" Jon asked. Olly said they were just over at the other cafe and he'd go grab him one! Olly was so happy to grab any of us a hot cocoa, an ice cream cone, or plate of whatever we wanted. He kept bringing desserts over to sample. He was fun to sit with and enjoy this view. I asked him where his cousins were. He said it was too hard to keep up with everyone, so he liked doing his own thing. Bless him. 

That evening was our second dress-up night. Paisley looked so pretty!

So did everyone!

This was the best group! There is nothing like seeing all the cousins together, laughing and making memories. It is the best!

The next day we landed in Ensenada!

I love these kinds of stops. I love ducking into stores and seeing what kind of trinkets I can bring home. I found some good stuff! As you can see, everyone did!

We spent so much time in this store. It was owned by two ladies who were happy to show us around. We all found some unique treasures here. 

Back at dinner, we got to celebrate SCARLETT'S 17TH BIRTHDAY!!!

We were all sad to say good-bye at our last breakfast as we all headed back on the road. These family cruises are the best! Hopefully there are many more to come!

When we got home, Zeke still wanted to throw himself a Birthday Party with all of his best friends. I put out all the treats, had Jon pick up all the pizza, then hibernated upstairs while the music blasted and doors opened and closed and chatting and laughter went on until the wee hours. I'm glad Zeke has lots of pals to celebrate with!