I'm back!!!

Did you miss me? The girls and I got back in town yesterday afternoon from the cruise. We had so much fun I can't even begin to tell you. We headed out to Houston last Friday to spend the night so we wouldn't have a long drive the day the cruise departed. We stayed at a Residence Inn and we had a 2 bedroon suite with a pull-out couch so it was 2 to a bed for the night. Up bright and early, we got our showers, got packed, had the maintenance guy take a picture of all of us on our first full day of vacation and we were off to the ship to officially start our cruise!

Of course it was hurry up and wait. We got there and got parked, made it inside to get checked in and then they boarded us by group number. All in all it took about 2 hours to actually get on and get to our cabins. We had two cabins with ocean views, big windows, not the little port holes, and there were two lower bunks and one upper bunk in each room. I have to say that the beds in those rooms are the most comfortable beds I have slept in other than my own king size bed. Ok, so after we drop our luggage off, we have a mandatory meeting of everyone in the ship, really it is a practice drill, in case we sink. It is so that everyone knows where to go for the lifeboats based on what cabin you are in. After that we were free to roam around and check things out. First order of business was to find the on board bars! After that we had to find the dining rooms because food was important. Then the next must find place was the coffee shop. I must have good dark coffee in the mornings and not the weak stuff they give you for free. We got all of that done and having been assigned a late dinner seating we headed down to our formal dining room at 8:15 pm. They have another indoor buffet that you can eat at that is less formal or you can go to the formal dining room for dinner each night. But we chose the formal room each night because it is fun to get dressed up and go and have a 4 or 5 course meal with your own personal waiter. Plus you have a different menu for each night. The food was absolutely awesome! After dinner we hit the bar for a few drinks and then it was off to bed because it had been a long day.

Day 2 was a full day at sea. We were lazy and just chilled up on the back deck, ate way too much food and again hit the dance bar for drinks and dancing. Day 3 we arrived in Cozumel. This was the day I was looking forward to the most because we booked a shore excursion to go swim with the dolphins. We got to kiss them, hug them, they pulled us with their fins, pushed us on a boogie board and got to just swim around with them. I have to say it was by far the coolest thing I have ever experienced. After that we stayed there and went snorkeling, ate some REAL mexican food and had a few mixed drinks. When we left there we went back to the pier and did a little souvenier shopping. After that it was back to the boat for a nap before dinner. After that, as you guessed, it was off to the bar for drinks and dancing. Day 4 we were in Progresso where we wenk Kayaking in the mangroves which was a lot of fun, and then more souvenier shopping and back to the boat. Dinner, more drinks and more dancing. Day 5 we were at sea all day on our way back to Houston. This was the only day that we had bad weather but it was only a few morning showers, just light rain, but it was clear by noon and we were back up on the deck laying out getting some sun. Off to dinner again, more drinks and more dancing.

The next moring I awoke and looked out the window to see the port of Houston as we were pulling in. We docked at 0700 and were finally able to get off of the boat and to our vehicle around 0900. We had to make a stop at the Houston airport to drop Misty off so she could catch her flight back to Colorado. Finally got out of Houston and on the road around 1030. We made a quick stop for a burger and then made it back into Dallas and had the last girls dropped off by 1530. My mom and brother came in the night before to get her stuff out of storage so I hauled ass down to meet them and give my mom our suburban to take with her since we aren't using it. After a quick hello they had to hit the road so we were off to our friend Michelle's house to spend the night. After a 5 day vacation at sea, I was worn out and ready to see my baby because I missed him. And yes, I am talking about J! But I did miss Smokey also! :)

I could go on and on about the cruise, but I won't bore you. I will say that if you ever get the opportunity go take one, do so. At least try it once. After only one cruise, I can tell I am going to become a cruise addict and take one any chance I can get. We were on the Carnival Ecstasy and you can look at pictures of the ship, their ports they sail out of, their routes and prices and pictures of the inside. Also you can see what all is included in the price and what activities the offer. It is all at carnival.com to see.

Today was spent doing some running around we had to get done, we both went and got a couples massage (where we are both in the same room on tables next to each other) and we are now doing laundry. Didn't quite get everything done we needed to do so we called and told them we will be available at noon tomorrow. Last thing we have to to is get a PM on the truck in the morning after we finish getting it loaded back up. Then it is back on the road for us doing what we love best. Spending time together and driving cross country!