Thursday, March 31, 2011
Catch Up
I did not think it would be so difficult to sit down daily and write about our trip.
However, with the day spent chasing after 3 kids and late night bedtimes, the truth is, we are EXHAUSTED when everything settles down.
So, here it goes...
Friday, March 25- boarded the Royal Caribbean Majesty of the seas. The weather was sunny and 80 degrees. The kids loved the big boat. While in port we could see Kennedy Space Center. The building that is recognizable is the one with the American Flag on it. The flag is the largest US flag with each stripe being 8 feet wide and each of the 50 stars measuring 6 feet from point to point.
Once on board we got our rooms situated - 2 adjoining rooms (one kid's room and one adult room) and headed to the pool. This is not our first cruise, nor the kids first cruise, however it is so fun to see their reaction to everything that seems new to them. We spent the afternoon swimming, eating, hanging out at the muster station and dinner. Jack and Lucy hit the kids club that night. They LOVE the programs Royal Caribbean puts on. They are all included with the cruise fee and the kids can stay there until 2am! Yes, we still had Ellse, however, there is a bit of freedom with one having 1 child who cannot talk and walk. I did receive confirmation from the staff that on the newer ships, they are offering nursery care for those children 6mths (minimum age to cruise) to 3 years. There is also a partnership with Huggies where you can pre-order your diapers and baby food and have them delivered to your stateroom prior to boarding!
Saturday, March 26 - we arrived in Nassau and took a 2 hour tour around the island. We saw everything from the courthouse where the Anna Nicole Smith custody trial was held to the Ghetto and the mega hotel Atlantas before ending at the beach. It was warm in van, however the kids did fairly well in the car where it allowed each one a quick nap.
We boarded the ship around 5pm when we quickly cleaned up for dinner. The kids enjoyed being able to order anything the wished and found comfort in a nightly meal of soup, salad and grilled cheese / mac and cheese. Boy did everyone eat well! After dinner, the kids begged to go back to kids club where they met their friends for a night cap. We picked them up around 11pm and headed to the pool deck for the "Midnight Buffet" and dance party. Jack tends to tucker out earlier than both girls - but as they say, "Girls just wanna have fun!"
Sunday, March 27 - we arrived at Coco Cay, the private island that Royal Caribbean owns. The sun was high, the air was warm and the water was blue! A perfect place to play on the beach all day. It is at this place, that the kids found a new love and appreciation for swimming in the ocean / sea. We perched in a protected cove and set up camp. The kids loved the crystal waters and white sand. We did bring their life jackets along as well as Ellse's floatie so she even got in on the action. Jack enjoyed going down the 40 foot inflatable slide and Lucy enjoyed getting part of her hair braided. She told me, "mom, I love my cornrows and want to keep them for a long time, like until I am 19!" She just might be a trend setter.
We stayed until the second to the last tender took off for the ship, which was around 4pm. Both girls fell asleep on the way home, but we were able to carry them in and lay them down for a quick nap before dinner. There is a great program that Royal Caribbean offers where the kids come to dinner with their parents and after they have eaten a kids club representative comes to pick them up from the dinning room. Pirate night is always the last night of the cruise for the kids. They spent 2 hours decorating their faces and learning a little skit. Around 9pm the overtook the theater stage and performed for the crowd. Ellse befriended Christian, a gentleman from South Africa, who happens to be the director of security for the ship. It was fun listening to his stories of life on the sea.
Sunday, March 28, departure day - we woke up earlier and headed up for one last breakfast. We decided to carry our bags off ourselves and headed back downstairs to start the debarking process. There was a bit of complaining from the kids, however each one carried their own life jacket, suitcase and life jacket. They are learning to travel like pros! The weather was rainy and over cast, a good day to leave the ship.
The night before our cruise we stayed at the Country Inn and Suites where they offered a Stay and Cruise package that included parking and transportation to the pier. This worked out great. When we arrived back at port, we had to wait about 5 min. for the shuttle to pick us up and bring us back to the car. We got everything packed up and headed to the Patrick Air Force base to take a look around. My dad was in the Air Force reserves and one of the retirement perks is they are allowed to use and stay at the facilities around the world. We toured the grounds a bit before grabbing a quick lunch and seeing dolphins in the Banana River.
Off to Boca Raton...about a 3 hour drive
Made it to the Embassy Suites in time for their nightly happy hour. We spent some time unwinding and unpacking and stayed in for the night, picking up Wendy's for supper.
Tuesday, March 29 - Jack's Birthday!!! Woke up and celebrated the big man's birthday. It is so hard to believe our little guy is 7 already :) We drove into West Palm Beach and took a Diva Duck boat tour. It was pretty cheesy but allowed us an opportunity to look around the area. We were able to view some of the spectacular homes on the ocean as well as the large yachts parked in the marina. After the tour we grabbed lunch outside at Panera and then headed to Sloan's for dessert. The had to make a pit stop in their bath room as it was rated one of the top 10 in the US with windows to the restaurant that would frost over for privacy once the doors were locked.
Headed back to the hotel for a dip in the pool, happy hour and a birthday dinner in Delray. After dinner, around 9pm we stopped at the city park to let the kids get their wiggles out. What a charming city. My brother is living down here and Joel and I agreed the we could easily move here. The weather is warm, the sea is calming and the town is similar to a classier version of uptown. If we are every missing, you know where to find us!
Wednesday, March 30 - Happy Birthday Joan!! - After breakfast we headed straight to the Delray public beach. Rented a cabana for shade as the sun was high and hot...the wind was super gusty and we ended up with sand EVERYWHERE! Spend the majority of the day at the beach before heading back to the hotel where Betty Mama and Bryan watched the kids while my folks and Joel and I went on a Segway tour. It was a nice break from the little ones and fun to see the city in a whole new light.
We made it back in time for happy hour and then hit dinner at Boston's on the ocean. We got back to the hotel in time for the the kids to fall asleep watching cartoons and a quick game of Yahtzee.
It is hard to believe we have been gone for over a week. One of the longest vacations we have taken as a family. It has had a few stressful moments, but been worth every minute. It is nice to take a break, reconnect and just "be". We extended our stay in Delray one night and will be leaving tomorrow. It will be sad to get back on the road again, leave "Uncle Bryan" and head north to the cold weather. However the family memories will last a lifetime! And now we have a great place to visit.
However, with the day spent chasing after 3 kids and late night bedtimes, the truth is, we are EXHAUSTED when everything settles down.
So, here it goes...
Friday, March 25- boarded the Royal Caribbean Majesty of the seas. The weather was sunny and 80 degrees. The kids loved the big boat. While in port we could see Kennedy Space Center. The building that is recognizable is the one with the American Flag on it. The flag is the largest US flag with each stripe being 8 feet wide and each of the 50 stars measuring 6 feet from point to point.
Once on board we got our rooms situated - 2 adjoining rooms (one kid's room and one adult room) and headed to the pool. This is not our first cruise, nor the kids first cruise, however it is so fun to see their reaction to everything that seems new to them. We spent the afternoon swimming, eating, hanging out at the muster station and dinner. Jack and Lucy hit the kids club that night. They LOVE the programs Royal Caribbean puts on. They are all included with the cruise fee and the kids can stay there until 2am! Yes, we still had Ellse, however, there is a bit of freedom with one having 1 child who cannot talk and walk. I did receive confirmation from the staff that on the newer ships, they are offering nursery care for those children 6mths (minimum age to cruise) to 3 years. There is also a partnership with Huggies where you can pre-order your diapers and baby food and have them delivered to your stateroom prior to boarding!
Saturday, March 26 - we arrived in Nassau and took a 2 hour tour around the island. We saw everything from the courthouse where the Anna Nicole Smith custody trial was held to the Ghetto and the mega hotel Atlantas before ending at the beach. It was warm in van, however the kids did fairly well in the car where it allowed each one a quick nap.
We boarded the ship around 5pm when we quickly cleaned up for dinner. The kids enjoyed being able to order anything the wished and found comfort in a nightly meal of soup, salad and grilled cheese / mac and cheese. Boy did everyone eat well! After dinner, the kids begged to go back to kids club where they met their friends for a night cap. We picked them up around 11pm and headed to the pool deck for the "Midnight Buffet" and dance party. Jack tends to tucker out earlier than both girls - but as they say, "Girls just wanna have fun!"
Sunday, March 27 - we arrived at Coco Cay, the private island that Royal Caribbean owns. The sun was high, the air was warm and the water was blue! A perfect place to play on the beach all day. It is at this place, that the kids found a new love and appreciation for swimming in the ocean / sea. We perched in a protected cove and set up camp. The kids loved the crystal waters and white sand. We did bring their life jackets along as well as Ellse's floatie so she even got in on the action. Jack enjoyed going down the 40 foot inflatable slide and Lucy enjoyed getting part of her hair braided. She told me, "mom, I love my cornrows and want to keep them for a long time, like until I am 19!" She just might be a trend setter.
We stayed until the second to the last tender took off for the ship, which was around 4pm. Both girls fell asleep on the way home, but we were able to carry them in and lay them down for a quick nap before dinner. There is a great program that Royal Caribbean offers where the kids come to dinner with their parents and after they have eaten a kids club representative comes to pick them up from the dinning room. Pirate night is always the last night of the cruise for the kids. They spent 2 hours decorating their faces and learning a little skit. Around 9pm the overtook the theater stage and performed for the crowd. Ellse befriended Christian, a gentleman from South Africa, who happens to be the director of security for the ship. It was fun listening to his stories of life on the sea.
Sunday, March 28, departure day - we woke up earlier and headed up for one last breakfast. We decided to carry our bags off ourselves and headed back downstairs to start the debarking process. There was a bit of complaining from the kids, however each one carried their own life jacket, suitcase and life jacket. They are learning to travel like pros! The weather was rainy and over cast, a good day to leave the ship.
The night before our cruise we stayed at the Country Inn and Suites where they offered a Stay and Cruise package that included parking and transportation to the pier. This worked out great. When we arrived back at port, we had to wait about 5 min. for the shuttle to pick us up and bring us back to the car. We got everything packed up and headed to the Patrick Air Force base to take a look around. My dad was in the Air Force reserves and one of the retirement perks is they are allowed to use and stay at the facilities around the world. We toured the grounds a bit before grabbing a quick lunch and seeing dolphins in the Banana River.
Off to Boca Raton...about a 3 hour drive
Made it to the Embassy Suites in time for their nightly happy hour. We spent some time unwinding and unpacking and stayed in for the night, picking up Wendy's for supper.
Tuesday, March 29 - Jack's Birthday!!! Woke up and celebrated the big man's birthday. It is so hard to believe our little guy is 7 already :) We drove into West Palm Beach and took a Diva Duck boat tour. It was pretty cheesy but allowed us an opportunity to look around the area. We were able to view some of the spectacular homes on the ocean as well as the large yachts parked in the marina. After the tour we grabbed lunch outside at Panera and then headed to Sloan's for dessert. The had to make a pit stop in their bath room as it was rated one of the top 10 in the US with windows to the restaurant that would frost over for privacy once the doors were locked.
Headed back to the hotel for a dip in the pool, happy hour and a birthday dinner in Delray. After dinner, around 9pm we stopped at the city park to let the kids get their wiggles out. What a charming city. My brother is living down here and Joel and I agreed the we could easily move here. The weather is warm, the sea is calming and the town is similar to a classier version of uptown. If we are every missing, you know where to find us!
Wednesday, March 30 - Happy Birthday Joan!! - After breakfast we headed straight to the Delray public beach. Rented a cabana for shade as the sun was high and hot...the wind was super gusty and we ended up with sand EVERYWHERE! Spend the majority of the day at the beach before heading back to the hotel where Betty Mama and Bryan watched the kids while my folks and Joel and I went on a Segway tour. It was a nice break from the little ones and fun to see the city in a whole new light.
We made it back in time for happy hour and then hit dinner at Boston's on the ocean. We got back to the hotel in time for the the kids to fall asleep watching cartoons and a quick game of Yahtzee.
It is hard to believe we have been gone for over a week. One of the longest vacations we have taken as a family. It has had a few stressful moments, but been worth every minute. It is nice to take a break, reconnect and just "be". We extended our stay in Delray one night and will be leaving tomorrow. It will be sad to get back on the road again, leave "Uncle Bryan" and head north to the cold weather. However the family memories will last a lifetime! And now we have a great place to visit.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
On The Road Again
Hard to believe we are back on the road and about 330 miles from our destination in Florida!
A lot has happened since out last post...
We left Minneapolis at 4:05 pm Tuesday nigh in the rain - we lucked out and missed all of the snow.
It is hard to believe all of the "stuff" we were able to pack in the car. Thanks to family and friends who loaned us their vehicle and cargo topper. If it weren't for the larger vehicle and roof storage, Lucy would not have been able to bring along her 5 pairs of shoes and princess wand!
By the time we reached St. Paul, Jack and Lucy managed to get every entertainment item out of their backpack. Books, crayons, paper, Leapsters, movies, etc. continue to litter the floor of the car. We're constantly reminding them not to go thru everything right away, as it will be a long trip.
Rain followed us through Madison but the drive was pretty uneventful. On a side note, outside of the Chicago area, Illinois is really an uneventful state! The amount of groceries we brought along is unbelievable. Grandma teases that if we run out room, we can sell them back to a grocer. The groceries do come in handy - we are able to eat meals and snacks in the car. Or if we are ready for a break, we set up a picnic at one of the numerous roadside rest stops. What is the point of stopping to let the kids get their wiggles out if we stopped only to try and contain them at a restaurant?
We did not intend to drive straight through the night, but that is what we did! Based on all of the crazy looks we received from friends prior to the trip, I was starting to wonder if I was nuts? How would we make it 1/2 way across the country when we cannot event make it to St. Paul without the kids fighting and asking "when are we going to be there?". The trip took some mental patience preparation for myself! The kids have been great so far so it has been hard to stop driving when all is going smoothly. Yesterday Lucy did have one request, "can we sleep in a bed tonight?"
Thanks to Jack, who has kept us on geographical track, we made it thru Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee before checking into a hotel yesterday in Macon, Georgia. It wasn't until we were stuck in Atlanta traffic at 4pm that Jack was the first one to finally asked, "when are we going to be there?"
After unpacking the car we stretched our legs a bit by walking around the Cherry Tree festival downtown. We capped off the night with in-room pizza and a 6 pack split between the 3 adults.
Fully anticipating that the kids would be exhausted from travels we settled in for an expected good night of sleep. Ellse, however had different plans. She was up until 2am and back at it at 6am this morning. Joel took the late shift with her and I took the early shift allowing for me to get a quick workout and load of laundry in while she was nestled in her strolled.
After a well earned dipped at the hotel pool, waffles in the hotel lobby and re-packing all of our gear, we are on the road again. The kids are passing time by listening to books on tape, reading, playing their Leapsters and magnet boards. They have only watch 2 movies the entire trip.
Tomorrow is the big cruise day.
A lot has happened since out last post...
We left Minneapolis at 4:05 pm Tuesday nigh in the rain - we lucked out and missed all of the snow.
It is hard to believe all of the "stuff" we were able to pack in the car. Thanks to family and friends who loaned us their vehicle and cargo topper. If it weren't for the larger vehicle and roof storage, Lucy would not have been able to bring along her 5 pairs of shoes and princess wand!
By the time we reached St. Paul, Jack and Lucy managed to get every entertainment item out of their backpack. Books, crayons, paper, Leapsters, movies, etc. continue to litter the floor of the car. We're constantly reminding them not to go thru everything right away, as it will be a long trip.
Rain followed us through Madison but the drive was pretty uneventful. On a side note, outside of the Chicago area, Illinois is really an uneventful state! The amount of groceries we brought along is unbelievable. Grandma teases that if we run out room, we can sell them back to a grocer. The groceries do come in handy - we are able to eat meals and snacks in the car. Or if we are ready for a break, we set up a picnic at one of the numerous roadside rest stops. What is the point of stopping to let the kids get their wiggles out if we stopped only to try and contain them at a restaurant?
We did not intend to drive straight through the night, but that is what we did! Based on all of the crazy looks we received from friends prior to the trip, I was starting to wonder if I was nuts? How would we make it 1/2 way across the country when we cannot event make it to St. Paul without the kids fighting and asking "when are we going to be there?". The trip took some mental patience preparation for myself! The kids have been great so far so it has been hard to stop driving when all is going smoothly. Yesterday Lucy did have one request, "can we sleep in a bed tonight?"
Thanks to Jack, who has kept us on geographical track, we made it thru Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee before checking into a hotel yesterday in Macon, Georgia. It wasn't until we were stuck in Atlanta traffic at 4pm that Jack was the first one to finally asked, "when are we going to be there?"
After unpacking the car we stretched our legs a bit by walking around the Cherry Tree festival downtown. We capped off the night with in-room pizza and a 6 pack split between the 3 adults.
Fully anticipating that the kids would be exhausted from travels we settled in for an expected good night of sleep. Ellse, however had different plans. She was up until 2am and back at it at 6am this morning. Joel took the late shift with her and I took the early shift allowing for me to get a quick workout and load of laundry in while she was nestled in her strolled.
After a well earned dipped at the hotel pool, waffles in the hotel lobby and re-packing all of our gear, we are on the road again. The kids are passing time by listening to books on tape, reading, playing their Leapsters and magnet boards. They have only watch 2 movies the entire trip.
Tomorrow is the big cruise day.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Final Countdown
T minus 1 hours and 16 minutes until take off...
it is with mixed emotions that I sit and write this post.
I am excited at what lies ahead, yet a bit nervous about how everything will unfold.
Will we get to Madison full of smiles or tears? Packing up all of the entertainment items for the road trip takes me back to the days of younger years when I traveled cross-country with my family - all 9 of us, in a conversion van to Florida. I remember my dad plugging the TV/VCR combo into the cigarette lighter while my family debated which tapes to listen to along the way.... boy how times have changed. Now the DVD player hangs compactly from the ceiling with the wireless headphones resting in the seat backs.
Leapsters, DS, IPods and computers all accessible with the slightest slip of hand. What would happen if we just forced our kids and ourselves to unplug, look out the window, and just simply take in the great beauty of our country? Would our kids find the same fun we did in the license plate game, name that tune or radio sing alongs. Nothing beats falling asleep in the backseat of the car to peaceful vibrations of the rubber hitting the open road. Times have changed but hopefully the lasting memories of a family road trip stay tuned...
it is with mixed emotions that I sit and write this post.
I am excited at what lies ahead, yet a bit nervous about how everything will unfold.
Will we get to Madison full of smiles or tears? Packing up all of the entertainment items for the road trip takes me back to the days of younger years when I traveled cross-country with my family - all 9 of us, in a conversion van to Florida. I remember my dad plugging the TV/VCR combo into the cigarette lighter while my family debated which tapes to listen to along the way.... boy how times have changed. Now the DVD player hangs compactly from the ceiling with the wireless headphones resting in the seat backs.
Leapsters, DS, IPods and computers all accessible with the slightest slip of hand. What would happen if we just forced our kids and ourselves to unplug, look out the window, and just simply take in the great beauty of our country? Would our kids find the same fun we did in the license plate game, name that tune or radio sing alongs. Nothing beats falling asleep in the backseat of the car to peaceful vibrations of the rubber hitting the open road. Times have changed but hopefully the lasting memories of a family road trip stay tuned...
T'was the Night Before Our Family Road Trip
T'was the night before our road trip and all thru our home
everything was scattered, no place for Ellse to roam.
The bags were all stuffed our car was all packed
in hopes that our vacation would be end up in tact.
The kids were excited, our route was all set
with hopes that the memories would not end up a fret.
Good luck said our family and friends to no end
you are crazy, what are you thinking? the well wishes they did send
Lucy, Ellse and Jack all snuggled in bed
while dreams of the good times all lying ahead
To Florida, a cruise, vacation on the beach
what a fun time to have, it was all within reach
Joel and Anna, making sure, that everything was all set
would the kids misbehave or be good, what was the bet?
A family trip, bonding time had by all
don't forget great grandma, she would not miss the call.
In the morning, the kids would be excited to see
a car full of trinkets, to keep them full of energy.
Treats, books and movies galore,
the kids would stay busy, need we say more?
Who would drive first, be it our mom or our dad
where would we stop, can we make it not so bad?
We might drive straight thru if the kids all sleep
would it be Ellse who first eventually makes a peep?
We are excited to be ready to get on our way
we hope you will check back to see where we stay.
It might be Kentucky or Tennessee blue
we wish we could make it all the way straight thru.
While we travel we'll share all our memories galore
it might be fun to hear just what we've had in store
The midwest, the central or south eastern states
who knows what will we will find, it just might be fate.
Time spent as a family, with no where to go
the hours are priceless, as most of you know.
The kids grow up fast with many things to get done
it is time spent together that means the most fun.
One day our kids will remember, for good or for bad
the road trip we once took to Florida's pad
It might inspire them to take a trip of their own
for they might have kids that will one will want to roam.
Whatever you choose for this Spring Break time
it might be near or far where you decide to unwind
Kids are a gift to us from heaven above
we need to enjoy them will all of love.
Our road trip might inspire you to just get up and go
the open road is your map you just need to know
Whatever you decide is well in your reach
however it seems the kids sure do enjoy the beach!
Happy Spring 2011
everything was scattered, no place for Ellse to roam.
The bags were all stuffed our car was all packed
in hopes that our vacation would be end up in tact.
The kids were excited, our route was all set
with hopes that the memories would not end up a fret.
Good luck said our family and friends to no end
you are crazy, what are you thinking? the well wishes they did send
Lucy, Ellse and Jack all snuggled in bed
while dreams of the good times all lying ahead
To Florida, a cruise, vacation on the beach
what a fun time to have, it was all within reach
Joel and Anna, making sure, that everything was all set
would the kids misbehave or be good, what was the bet?
A family trip, bonding time had by all
don't forget great grandma, she would not miss the call.
In the morning, the kids would be excited to see
a car full of trinkets, to keep them full of energy.
Treats, books and movies galore,
the kids would stay busy, need we say more?
Who would drive first, be it our mom or our dad
where would we stop, can we make it not so bad?
We might drive straight thru if the kids all sleep
would it be Ellse who first eventually makes a peep?
We are excited to be ready to get on our way
we hope you will check back to see where we stay.
It might be Kentucky or Tennessee blue
we wish we could make it all the way straight thru.
While we travel we'll share all our memories galore
it might be fun to hear just what we've had in store
The midwest, the central or south eastern states
who knows what will we will find, it just might be fate.
Time spent as a family, with no where to go
the hours are priceless, as most of you know.
The kids grow up fast with many things to get done
it is time spent together that means the most fun.
One day our kids will remember, for good or for bad
the road trip we once took to Florida's pad
It might inspire them to take a trip of their own
for they might have kids that will one will want to roam.
Whatever you choose for this Spring Break time
it might be near or far where you decide to unwind
Kids are a gift to us from heaven above
we need to enjoy them will all of love.
Our road trip might inspire you to just get up and go
the open road is your map you just need to know
Whatever you decide is well in your reach
however it seems the kids sure do enjoy the beach!
Happy Spring 2011
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