Family

Families are wonderful things.  They are the people who (should) love us and support us not matter what happens.  Families rejoice when good things happen, cry with you when bad things happen, and pray with you and help you when you are struggling.  They are the people who should be with you until the end.  They know your good side and your bad side.  I know not all family’s are like this, but they should be.

We want what is best for all our family members.  Even if it means you or they have to do something difficult.  The hardest things we have to face as a family are often the things that are difficult and hurt us the most.  While these choices must be made for the better, it often doesn’t feel that way when you make them.  You are often left wondering if you did the right thing and the guilt that goes along with it.

One of our family members is in this situation right now.  While I hope and pray for the best situation, I know that sometimes the best situation isn’t the ideal situation.  No matter the outcome and the decision that is being made, the family will be there to help and encourage no matter what.

Our Caribbean Cruise

Day 1: Travel Day

I was up at 3:15 to make sure we have everything and to pack the luggage into Grandpa Ron’s car.  Patrick was woken up at 4 to be up in his car seat for the drive to Milwaukee.  He didn’t sleep again until we got on our second flight to Tampa around 11:15.  We meet up with Chris and Rachel at the airport.  While we waited for check in, Patrick and Joshua rode the “alligator” with Grandma Mary a few times and then wrestled on the floor.  As we were loading the plain the pilot allowed Patrick and Joshua to sit in the cockpit.  They both seemed to enjoy that.  Patrick sat with Mary for the take off so he could see out the window.  He seemed to really enjoy the takeoff and landing.  He even asked for “Mo” after landing in Atlanta and Tampa.

We spend that evening on the cruise ship exploring everything.  Michael went to bed around 4:30 as he was in the process of switching over from night shift to days.  Patrick was so tired he fell asleep right at the dinner table.

Day 2 and 3: Fun at Sea.

We spent the first two days at sea on our way to Jamaica.  Hurricane Ernesto was heading right for our ports of call and our schedule had to be changed. We lost Belize and Honduras, but picked up Jamaica instead.  We took Patrick swimming in the kiddie pool, as he is not allowed in the other pools due to being in a swim diaper.  Techniquely he isn’t supposed to be in any pool, but we were told the kids usually go in the kiddie pool with swim diapers on.

We decided to eat dinner each night together at Truffles.  We have the same table and the same waiter, Zosimo (sounds like Kokimo but with an s sound), each night.  We had our first elegant dinner on Tuesday night and I ate lobster for the first time.  It wasn’t bad, but not something I would probably order again any time soon.

Day 4: Montego Bay, Jamaica

Finally arrived in port.  Michael, Rachel, and I took off to go zip-lining through the Jamaican forest while Ron, Mary, Chris, and the boys went to the beach.  We had a good driver named Herbie who kept us entertained and told us a lot about the island and some of the things on the side of the road as we drove.  Once we arrived at the orange plantation were we would be zip lining, we were strapped in and given a quick lesson.  There were 7 lines to go on.  We went over two rivers and one very large valley.  The valley was my favorite as it was the longest and had a beautiful view.  We then returned to the boat for lunch.

After lunch Michael and I went to the port to buy a few souvenirs and then went to the “child free zone”.  We swam and then just lay around in the chairs.  We meet for dinner as usually at Truffles.  Tonight the waiters all danced for a short while.  Patrick and Joshua got up to dance as well.  Once it was over both boys wanted to keep dancing so we found a band that was playing and they danced around more.

Day 5: Grand Cayman Island

Beautiful beach day as the whole family took a bus to 7 Mile Beach.  Patrick didn’t seem to like the water; too many waves I think.  Most of the time Joshua and Patrick played on the beach in the sand with me.  The rest of the family swam and took turns coming to play with us.  We stayed on the beach for about 2 hours before returning to the ship for lunch and naps.

Day 6: Cozumel, Mexico

A fun and busy day with the whole family.  We took a taxi to Stingray Beach to swim with some stingrays and to snorkel.  We were taken to a theater type area to be given instructions on what we were going to be doing and to give us all our supplies.  While we were waiting I began to blow up Patrick’s little floating boat.  He was climbing on the concrete seats when he fell backwards about 2 ½ feet and hit his head very hard on the concrete floor.  I was sure he cracked his head open but he ended up with just a red spot here he fit is head.  We were able to feed the stingrays and pet them as they swam by.  Patrick didn’t seem to mind them.  After about 30 minutes with the stingrays we went over to the enclosed area to snorkel.  Patrick floated around in his boat while we snorkeled.  We took turns being with him.  I loved being so close to all the fish and seeing them.

Day 7: Fun at Sea

Our last day on the ship was pretty relaxing.  Patrick, Michael, and I swam in the kiddie pool and just relaxed.  I had a pina colda that I shared with Patrick.  He seemed to really like it as he drank about ½ of it.  That night Rachel, Ron, and I sang karaoke with a live band in one of the lounges.

Foods we ate:  Chocolate Melt Cake, Lobster, Alligator Fritters, Shark Fire Crackers,

Not Again!

Michael and I have had problems in the past with water.  Many of our friends and family can tell you, when it comes to us and water, something will go wrong.

Went on a canoe trip; hole in the canoe and I had to bail.  We got a new canoe and then a thunderstorm passed through.  Driving to see a concert that winter.  Michael's wiper fluid is frozen so we can't wash off the  stuff the trucks a throwing on the windshield. I'm throwing what water we have from a water bottle on the windshield so we can see to stop at a gas station.  There are more stories but you get the idea.

The family cruise is coming up in a few days and what do you know. . . Hurricane Ernesto is coming through at the same time.  Should have know we'd have this happening. :)  Not sure what the cruise line is going to do but this will be interesting.

Traveling with a Toddler

We are embarking on a grand adventure in a few days; traveling with an active toddler. And by traveling I don't mean in the car were he will be restrained in his car seat or were we can stop and let him out for a little bit. Oh no! We will be flying. That's right, I will be one of those people you dread and pray you don't have to sit by. Patrick will be a lap child and I'm sure will not want to sit on anybody's lap. The first plane ride will be about 3 hours and then we will have a short layover before the last flight of about 1 1/2 hours.

To help keep him entertained on the flight I'll be packing some of his favorite toys.  Instead on just tossing them all in the bag I've made some smaller bags with different closures.  When he looks in the bag he won't see all the toys, but different bags to "unwrap".  My hope is that this will make the toys last longer.

As Patrick is still in his crib, when we travel I ususally bring along his pack 'n play for him to sleep in.  As we are flying I'm not going to use his pack 'n play as one of our checked baggage.  It's bad enough having to pay for checked baggage but I'm not paying to "ship" his bed along.  That said, I bought Patrick a foldable travel bed that will fold down into a 1 inch high circle that I can pack in my bag.  He loves to play in it right now.