St. Thomas

Our day on the US Virgin Island of St. Thomas was spectacular!

We started out with a ride on the Screaming Eagle speed boat. It was a thrilling ride (kind of like riding a jet ski) and a windy and wet tour of the beautiful island. We even got to see the secluded Indian Rock that you can only see from out on a boat, so not many tourists get to see it we were told. Ben and I got the awesome front seat!! We were able to see the amazing views with no one blocking our view...and I was sitting right next to the driver so I knew when he was going to suddenly break and soak us all so I could duck my head :)

 

We took a walk on the boardwalk along the ocean to do some shopping at the flea market. Along the way we some some fun wildlife, as well as pirate ships and a fire truck we thought the kids would like to see :)

St. Thomas is a dreamy island I have only seen in the movies! I wish we could have stayed longer and seen more. Maybe we can come back when Ben is a real doctor...hey I can always dream :)

At Sea

This day was definitely not the highlight of our cruise. I spent most of the day seasick in bed, while Ben either sat beside me bored or tagged along as the fifth wheel with our friends. I tried to get up mid day and we had brunch then went mini golfing with the gang...and lost because I was so dizzy. It was a pretty lame day, but there were a few good moments.

We got to see some awesome ice sculptors :)

And, as always, we got a fun towel animal :)

We also had our first formal night where we got all dressed up and had a nice dinner

Half Moon Cay

Happy Mother's Day from Half Moon Cay!

I have to admit, I was a little depressed to wake up on Mother's Day without my kiddos. I pretty much got jipped when it came to Mother's Day this year. The only thing I got was a rose at dinner from the waiter. I was really missing my sweet babies today! I tried to keep a happy face on for Ben though so I didn't ruin his vacation....and it wasn't that hard to be happy while on Carnival's private island in the Caribbean :)

Half Moon Cay had white beaches and clear blue water. It was a beautiful way to spend the day. We even got some snorkeling in. We were able to get up close and personal with the fish. Although most of the fish blended well with the white sand, there were a few colorful ones and even a few barracudas! 

  

When we had enough of the snorkeling we relaxed on the ocean together on a huge mat. The boys had fun trying to dump us all in the water...it' was nice for them to be young and carefree without kids and school/work for a day! And we all got fried in the bright sun!! 

Even though we were all burnt to a crisp, we were still able to enjoy dinner and a show. And wish the Pettits a happy anniversary!

Bon Voyage

Friday May 10, 2013 was a sad day full of tears for this momma. Ben made me leave my kids, who were all too eager to leave me to play with cousins :), and whisked me away to sunny Ft. Lauderdale Florida. I know...why was I crying?

We arrived late in the night and took a taxi to the party room...a hotel room that we shared with our good friends the Pettits and the Pfeiffers. It took me back to my single days. Danna, Nicole and I shared the bed and Ryan, Mike and Ben shared the couch. It was a late night full of laughs, and an early morning with six of us getting ready in one bathroom for our cruise. Good times!

We left the hotel and took a shuttle to the dock where we would finally get to embark the Carnival Liberty and start our much needed graduation trip!!

  

After exploring the massive cruise ship and relaxing for a bit, we ventured to the front of the ship to watch the spectacular view as we left port and started our adventure at sea!

  

We had the first of many amazing gluttonous dinners followed by relaxing on what would become our favorite deck. Ahhh, sweet serenity!

Caribbean here we come!!

Retirement

Today was my last day teaching Joyschool with these sweethearts...and Ellie's last day going to school with her Iowa friends. We are really going to miss these cute kiddos!!

(Jacob Conover, Iylie Dille, Elise Coombs, Gregory Fausett, Marlee Cook)

April Showers Bring May...Snow?!

Yes, it's May and it is snowing!! Two days ago we were wearing shorts and enjoying 80 degrees and sunshine. Today we are in a winter wonderland. Pick a season Iowa!