Cruisin...

Vacations are the best... time off work, no cooking, relaxation...what else more could we ask for!?
We found a killer deal for a cruise out of Jacksonville, FL for 5 days that would take us to Key West and the Bahamas. We couldn't resist the temptations to get away right before Thanksgiving so we booked it. My mom found the deal and the whole clan came along and it was a blast.

My parents, Philip's parents, my sister and Rich, Uncle Jay, Aunt Betsy and a friend Iris. Eleven of us set sail on Saturday Novemeber 15th which happened to be my sisters 25th birthday! We celebrated her birthday in style on the ship singing at her during dinner and presenting her with many cards. The trip was her gift from many of us. Philip and I also gave her a gift that will last the whole year (her wedding dress!)

The first day (the day we boarded the ship in Jacksonville) it rained on and off and the weather was less than desireable but at that point we didn't care... we were on vacation.

The second day was a day at sea and it was beautiful. We spent most of the day relaxing on the ship, soaking up the sun, reading our books and napping while the boys played ping pong, shuffle board etc.

The third day we spent at Key West. We had been to Key West before on our last cruise but we got off to check out all of the shops and eat some good food. We ate lunch at this lovely street side restaurant Fogarty's that a handful of the ship's entertainment staff was eating at so we figured it was good! We spent the rest of the day on the ship relaxing which was the theme of this vacation. Several evenings we played bingo and we always attended the shows. I can't leave off the fact that Philip got called up to be a part of one of the shows. We have a lovely video capturing his participation in the entertainment which was priceless. It involved a boa....

The fourth day was spent in the Bahamas and we spent the majority of the afternoon in the Bahamas. We shopped all of the streets and ate crabs cakes and conch at a local restaurant on the streets. It was pretty windy so we ended up heading back to the ship for dinner (and it was free as always which was a plus!) This evening was the talent show and Rich entered and performed for the guests of the cruise ship. He was definintely the best act! He sang and played the piano....!

The final day was at sea and it was quite rocky. Not the rockiest I have been on but pretty rocky. Enough that the barf bags appeared all over the boat! We REALLY Relaxed today because it was too chilly to spend time on the deck sunbathing. I finished reading TWILIGHT!

ENJOY THE SLIDESHOW of OUR TRIP!

We truly enjoyed our very relaxing vacation minus the constant headache I had from all of my recent neck/back pain. We slept really well thanks to the slight rocking of the ship. NONE of us got sea sick :) We are all very well rested and ready for another short week before THANKSGIVING (our favorite holiday!).

Aunt Hilda and Uncle Bill are coming in from TX, Aunt Janet and Cousin Brittan are coming from TN, Rich's parents are coming from Winston and Eliza and Rich from DC! We can't wait to have everyone in town including all of our friends for the big annual Friday night JEW CREW PARTY!

Lots of big updates this coming weekend/Monday! Stay tuned...
Family...shopping...lots of food...dress shopping with my sister...and so many photos!