groceries put away, toilets cleaned, laundry done, furniture dusted, schedules outlined, and bags packed! We said our goodbyes to the kids, and wished my parents good luck. Whew, I was exhausted and wondered if all of this was worth just a week away. About five minutes down the road I said a little prayer and told myself to just RELAX. It worked and I was ready for vacation with my hubby to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. It was so nice just to sit next to my husband and talk, laugh, listen to music, and even enjoy the silence. Then I remembered it would be getting even better-no cooking, no dishes, no dirty laundry, no running around like a chicken with my head cut off-for a whole week!We decided to stop and shop at the Outlet mall near Houston to pick up a few needed things for the cruise. Those shops are great. We don't have much more than a Walmart in Mineral Wells and I sometimes forget what real shopping is all about and i am a girl who likes to shop. What's even greater though was that Rob was the one who suggested it. Now that is a miracle in and of itself because Rob does not like to shop!
Later that afternoon we had a great time visiting with Rob's sister Stephenie, her family, and his sister Bonnie, and her husband. Stephenie made a a great dinner and we really enjoyed our time with them. We just don't get together often enough.
The next morning after going to Barnes and Noble to get some good read'in we headed out for Galveston. We thought the wait to get on the ship would be excruciating, but it wasn't bad at all. Before we knew it we were on the ship enjoying a very nice lunch. You know half of the reason for cruising is the food of course. And believe me, we ate! Shhh don't tell, but we skipped out on the whole safety demonstration and hid out on our balcony. We felt like kids who were going to get caught. It was fun. The first two days we just read, ate, enjoyed the sunshine, and spent much needed time together, just the two of us. It was awesome and very romantic!!!
I was reminded why I fell in love with Rob in the first place. Sometimes we get so busy in our daily, crazy, hectic lives we forget what it was like in the very beginning.
Jamaica was our first stop and it was gorgeous! After being in Texas for so long where it is flat and very dry Jamaica truly was a paradise. We decided to go to the beach to catch a few rays and swim in the ocean. The water was a little cool, but after a while we got used to it. At least it was a warm, beautiful day. The beach was crowded! Rob and I made sure to pile on the sun screen just because we didn't want our extremely white bodies to get burned to a crisp in the hot Jamaican sun. being a lobster is not fun. When we went last year in February with the kids we didn't even go to the beach because it was cold and rainy. We kept our shopping to a minimum because the Jamaicans can be a little mean when you don't buy their merchandise. Sorry, but it's true, just say'in. Landon wanted a shirt, Rob and I purchased a couple as well, and 
we got a nice beach bag. They have beautiful resorts there and I wouldn't mind staying in one for a week or so, but it is kind of a scary place if your not really careful. I guess it's a great place for those who want to get drugs easily. Ya mon, don't worry be happy!
To wish us a fond farewell 
from Jamaica a band made up of kids about 12 to 15 years old played music and people would throw money down to them from the ship. I emptied out my change purse. The kids would pick up the money and put it in white linen bags . Not one coin was missed, as most families there are very poor. Some cruisers were very clever and taped money to little air planes that they flew down to the kids. It made it fun and also kept the money from going into the water. The Jamaican kids were so cute. I wish I could just smuggle one, or ten home with me. Rob wouldn't go for it. The final two songs they played for us were the American National Anthem and the Jamaican National Anthem. They knew how to work the crowd.
They even managed to wake Rob up from his nap where I am sure he was dreaming about Warm Chocolate Melting cake mmmmmmmm. 
we got a nice beach bag. They have beautiful resorts there and I wouldn't mind staying in one for a week or so, but it is kind of a scary place if your not really careful. I guess it's a great place for those who want to get drugs easily. Ya mon, don't worry be happy!
To wish us a fond farewell 
from Jamaica a band made up of kids about 12 to 15 years old played music and people would throw money down to them from the ship. I emptied out my change purse. The kids would pick up the money and put it in white linen bags . Not one coin was missed, as most families there are very poor. Some cruisers were very clever and taped money to little air planes that they flew down to the kids. It made it fun and also kept the money from going into the water. The Jamaican kids were so cute. I wish I could just smuggle one, or ten home with me. Rob wouldn't go for it. The final two songs they played for us were the American National Anthem and the Jamaican National Anthem. They knew how to work the crowd.
They even managed to wake Rob up from his nap where I am sure he was dreaming about Warm Chocolate Melting cake mmmmmmmm. 
We were able to buy most of the kids gifts in Grand Cayman. We had very specific orders from them on what they wanted. They have a lot of nice shops to choose from. Emma wanted jewelry and we got Lauren an awesome shirt at the Hard Rock Cafe. We went to a local beach and just took in the warm sun, gorgeous beaches, and RELAXED! Can I just tell you how blue that water is. I wish I could just transport it back home. There is something healing about just looking at the stuff. It instantly says vacation here we come!
next up was Cozumel, Mexico. As you can see it was a gorgeous day. We went to Passion Island ("our island" since we went their on our first cruise and fell in love with it. We were pretty much the only ones their the first time) The water was as clear as a swimming pool. We could see fish swimming around trying to avoid the humans. Rob enjoyed taking an outdoor shower to rinse all of the salt water off. We had lunch there and it was some of the most delicious authentic Mexican cuisine I have ever had, there was just one exception. I spied some delicious looking Salsa Verde that I spooned quite liberally onto my fish and rice. It did have a sign that stated, "spicy", but I thought , no problem, I'm from Texas, I can handle it. I shoveled in the first bite of rice, then a second bite of fish,Whoa. I felt like fire was coming out of my mouth, nose, and ears all at once. I could swear blisters were forming in my mouth instantly.
Just call me fire engine number nine. Rob just sat there and chuckled to himself reminding me it did say, "spicy." Yikes, I needed liquid, fast and any form of it would do. Rob was kind enough to get me some Pepsi's and after what seemed like an eternity the heat subsided. I told myself no matter what I wouldn't let this spoil my time there and I am happy to report it didn't! I don't know if Rob will ever let me live it down.
On our way back to the main island we had quite the variety show, thanks to about 30 men and women who all had matching red tee-shirts that identified them as the "Cruising Cajuns." I can only describe the group as people around our parents age who wish they were still in high school. You might know the type. The were rambuncious, loud, and very drunk! Imagine a 60 something beer bellied man with the self proclaimed name of "Tic Tac" tattooed onto this big belly pole dancing to the blaring music of the Black Eyed Peas followed by several women who thought they were still high school cheer leaders. I didn't know whether to unashamedly stare with my mouth wide open, laugh hysterically, or vomit over the side of the catamaran. I think I did a little of each. Rob was probably thinking where is a rifle when you need one? Luckily the two kids on the boat had fallen asleep from their big day at the beach because I think they would have been scarred for life needing costly sessions of therapy over several years.
The last full day at sea was a little windy and chilly. I think Rob definitely got his money's worth with the balcony off our room. He spent a lot of time reading, taking pictures, making friends with our neighbors, and just chill'in. I love this picture of him in his cozy bath robe.
Just call me fire engine number nine. Rob just sat there and chuckled to himself reminding me it did say, "spicy." Yikes, I needed liquid, fast and any form of it would do. Rob was kind enough to get me some Pepsi's and after what seemed like an eternity the heat subsided. I told myself no matter what I wouldn't let this spoil my time there and I am happy to report it didn't! I don't know if Rob will ever let me live it down.On our way back to the main island we had quite the variety show, thanks to about 30 men and women who all had matching red tee-shirts that identified them as the "Cruising Cajuns." I can only describe the group as people around our parents age who wish they were still in high school. You might know the type. The were rambuncious, loud, and very drunk! Imagine a 60 something beer bellied man with the self proclaimed name of "Tic Tac" tattooed onto this big belly pole dancing to the blaring music of the Black Eyed Peas followed by several women who thought they were still high school cheer leaders. I didn't know whether to unashamedly stare with my mouth wide open, laugh hysterically, or vomit over the side of the catamaran. I think I did a little of each. Rob was probably thinking where is a rifle when you need one? Luckily the two kids on the boat had fallen asleep from their big day at the beach because I think they would have been scarred for life needing costly sessions of therapy over several years.
The last full day at sea was a little windy and chilly. I think Rob definitely got his money's worth with the balcony off our room. He spent a lot of time reading, taking pictures, making friends with our neighbors, and just chill'in. I love this picture of him in his cozy bath robe.It was the perfect getaway for Rob and I just to relax and recharge our batteries. I look forward to another 15 years of marriage with my best friend and true love. We all need romantic getaways once in a while, at least I know I do. It helps remind me how blessed I am to have this amazing man in my life and gives us a chance to feel like newlyweds again; although we don't quite look like newlyweds anymore. It was quite exciting coming home to a houseful of rug rats that had much to tell us about the adventures they had while we were gone. I love my children dearly, they are my life, but little do they know I am already starting to plan our next getaway!!!
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