Cruising

 

Every year Chad and I take a trip together for our birthdays and anniversary instead of buying gifts.  We started this on our 10th anniversary when we went to Russia on a mission trip, and we have just continued each year.  We are very fortunate to have wonderful family members that take care of the kids.  We take turns picking where we go.  This year it was Chad's turn, and he chose a cruise.  This is a good choice for us because it really forces us to "disconnect" from everything. 

Our cruise was out of Fort Lauderdale, so we flew in on Saturday (gotta love airline miles!).  Our hotel room was right across from the beach, and the view from our room was amazing.

Sunday morning we got up and headed for the cruise terminal and loaded the ship.  We spent the rest of the day enjoying the ship and sailing away.
Monday was a day at sea.  It was overcast, so we didn't get to enjoy much sunshine.  However, I did enjoy a day of reading and relaxing and got an entire book read!



  
  That evening was the formal night, and we didn't really feel like dressing up.  We went to a mexican food restaurant they had on board and enjoyed some tableside guacamole, tacos, quesadillas and churros.  After dinner we went to the musical show. Monday night was a rocky night at sea as we hit some rough waters.

We arrived in Grand Cayman on Tuesday and were looking forward to jet skiing to a sand bar, hanging out with sting rays, and snorkeling at a coral reef.  Unfortunately, when we found our meeting spot, we were told that the waters were too rough to take anything out.  We were disappointed as we were looking forward to the excursion, but we enjoyed some more down time on the ship.  We watched some movies that afternoon and went to Johnny Rockets for burgers that night.

Choosing from some oldies but goodies

The staff was dancing to a song, but I don't remember which one!

After dinner, we played miniature golf, and I am happy to say that I finished victorious!  I beat Chad by 2 strokes-which is unusual.

Wednesday we arrived in Falmouth, Jamaica to rain.  We headed out for our excursion, and thankfully the skies cleared up.  We explored some caves first.

The caves were neat EXCEPT for the BATS!  They were all over the ceiling and would dive bomb at times. 
After the caves, we headed to Dunn's River Falls, and it was awesome!

It was definitely our favorite part of the trip!  We got some exercise and enjoyed God's beautiful world!
The bus ride to the ship was an hour long, and we took in all of the scenery.

By the time we got back to the ship and ate lunch, I was wiped.  We took a nap and just went to eat dinner in the cafe.  We arrived back to find this some towel art in our room.

We also received news that we would not be going to our last port on Thursday due to some problems at the port.  We were disappointed because we had never been there.  But, that made for a day of relaxing, reading, and just taking it easy.  We ate dinner that night in an Italian restaurant on board, and had a towel animal waiting when we got back.

We played a game of Phase 10, and I won that as well.  I was on a roll!

Friday was our last day at sea, and the sun was finally out!  I enjoyed some time in the sun with a book on our balcony while Chad spent some time studying.

And by the end of the day, I finished it!  It was more of a political thriller, The Theran Intiative by Joel Rosenberg, but it was good.  We finished the day with dinner in the dining room and another game of Phase 10.  Chad won, so we had to play a tie breaker game.  I won the tie breaker!

We arrived back at the terminal early Saturday morning and headed to the airport to head back to Dallas.
Although our trip didn't go as planned, we are thankful for our time together, resting, rejuvenating,  relaxing, and reflecting.  I firmly believe that it is important for couples to spend some intentional time alone together.  Even if it is a night away, that time together is vital.  If you don't have family to help with your children, maybe you can work out a trade off with friends. 
I'm already dreaming about next year...it will the big 20!  How is that possible?!

Fabulous 15

This past Thursday, June 14th, Chad and I celebrated fifteen years of marriage!  Although we took an anniversary trip back in January, Chad still made arrangements for us to go out that night!  He is SO thoughtful.  It was a wonderful dinner that ended with a special treat.

It is hard to believe it has been 15 years!  I am very thankful for our time together and look forward to many more years to come.  Chad is the most humble person I know.  He does not ever want credit for what he does and works behind the scenes to get things done.  He is very thoughtful, always putting the needs of others above his own.  He makes me laugh, is handsome, and is a great Words with Friends player (I'm not bitter at all that he has beat me the last 8 times we have played!). 
Happy Anniversary, Babe!  I love you! 
Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me with a Godly man!

Pinch Me

Have you ever had those times when it seemed like you were living in a dream, that reality had taken a break?  That has been my life the last week.  Chad and I had the opportunity to take an early anniversary trip and celebrate 15 years of marriage last week.  We went to New York, and it was so special!  I treasure the time that we have together, just the two of us.  I am SO thankful for family that takes care of our precious children.

The view from our hotel room - the Chrysler Building.  We were on the 33rd floor!

Our first meal in NY- S'Mac.  Yum!  They make all kinds of mac and cheese.  I had the Alpine which included bacon.  Chad had the cheeseburger.

It snowed the first day we were there.  It was beautiful!

Another meal, their turkey sandwich was delicious!

Chad had to visit the newest Apple Store in Grand Central Station

Fried zucchini from Carmines-no we did not eat it all.  Do you see a theme with our trip???

We took a ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. 

This is the view from the Empire State Building.  It was beautiful at night.

We went to Serendipity for dessert.  We shared this and still did not finish it.  It was my favorite meal!

Along with the adventures above, we also saw two shows, Phantom of the Opera and Spiderman, walked the financial district, saw the Freedom Tower that is under construction, and happened upon a celebration of the Chinese New Year.  I was able to read two books over the week as well!  I enjoyed every minute with my best friend and can't wait to do it again!

This weekend we have eased back into reality.  Last night we had the opportunity to attend the chamber banquet, and I received the cute bag below.  I just love it!

Back to life was we know it, doing our best to live for Jesus.  Have a great week!