View Full Version : Prince Carter's MAW Disney Cruise PTR
Hschlink
11-26-2008, 10:36 AM
Hello Everyone,
This is my first attempt at a PTR! I only hope that I’m entertaining you as much as some of the others have entertained me! Let me also say this will be our family’s first Disney cruise (my husband & I cruised on our honeymoon in 2002)
The Cast:
Yours Truly :Pinkbounc (Holly, 27 years old)
Unfortunately I suffer from OCP or Obsessive Compulsive Planning
DH :car: (Kyle, 28 years old)
More of a “fly by the seat of his pants” type.
DS :charac4: (Carter, 3 years old)
His talents include wrestling, eating like a piggy, and kickin’ cancer’s butt
DD :butterfly (Breah, 3 years old)
Even though she has a twin brother she is the one in charge…aka Drama Queen
I should first start out with a little background on our family. In May of 2007 Carter was diagnosed with a Wilms’ tumor…a cancerous tumor of the kidney. Since then he has gone through 3 surgeries, 6 months of chemo, and too many ER and doctor appointments to count! Almost a year to the day that we found out Carter had cancer we found out that the Make-A-Wish organization of Minnesota would be granting Carter his Disney cruise wish!! I was so excited for him I could hardly stand it!
Some of our cruise details are: 4-nights on the Wonder from Jan. 11-15th. We are flying out of Minneapolis the day before and will be staying at the Hyatt at the Orlando airport.
I’ll be posting some of my caringbridge journal entries the next few weeks leading up to the cruise so you can read a little bit about our family and what Carter has had to go through since May of 2007. Thanks, and hope you enjoy!
Holly
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/CBpic3.jpg
iu97alum
11-26-2008, 10:54 AM
YEA! I Found it!! Can't wait to hear more! What a great start for your PTR!!!! We can be OCPers together!
MagicMe
11-26-2008, 11:45 AM
Your twins are beautiful and what a little trooper. I'm sure the entire family definitely deserves this break! You are going to love it!!!!
Tarabra
11-26-2008, 03:42 PM
What gorgeous kids you have! I'm saying a little prayer for Carter. I know the Disney cruise will lift everyone's spirits.
wuv tigger
11-26-2008, 04:22 PM
Your kiddos BEAUTIFUL!!
wuv tigger
starrzone
11-26-2008, 04:36 PM
:woohoo: Welcome to the DIS! I can't wait to hear all about your family's adventures. Your kids are so sweet; your son looks like quite the little trooper :hug: .
ShawnaH
11-30-2008, 04:14 PM
Your children are adorable!
Magic3forme
11-30-2008, 04:18 PM
Your kids are adorable!
Hschlink
12-02-2008, 09:17 AM
Thanks for all the comments!! :banana:
May 23rd, 2007
Well, Carter's surgery was a success. Thank God we had one of the best pediatric surgeons (Dr. Moir) and we were at one of the best medical facilities in the US (Mayo Clinic).
Dr. Moir said that his surgery couldn’t have gone any better! They were able to remove the tumor and left kidney with out any problems and with minimal blood loss.
We spent the first night after surgery in the PICU. He seemed pretty comfy, but was also on a lot of pain medications!! I really can’t say enough good things about the nurses there. They not only took care of our baby, but they also took good care of us!!!
Carter was doing so well today that they moved us back to the regular pediatric floor by 10 am this morning. They also removed some of the lines from his hands and legs so he would be more comfortable.
He slept most of the day and when he was awake he would usually lay there and stare at you with his beautiful blue eyes.
We are expecting the pathology reports back from the doctor sometime tonight. That will be able to tell us what stage the cancer is at and what the next treatment will be.
Stay tuned….
Tink rules
12-03-2008, 02:52 AM
Looking forwards to hearing more!!! :)
Hschlink
12-05-2008, 09:38 AM
May 24th, 2007
I have another "Good News" update! Kyle and I found out today that all of Carter's lymph nodes came back negative for cancer!
That means Carter's tumor is a stage 2 and he will not need radiation! He will have to start chemo in a few weeks and I'll have more info about that after we meet with his oncologist.
He gets a little better every day and he even laughed at me today! Stay tuned...I'll have more updates!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/CBpic1.jpg
nikkistevej
12-05-2008, 10:06 AM
Your kids are beautiful!!! I hope Carter has a speedy recovery- good luck through all of the chemo.Best wishes for you and your family.:grouphug:
iu97alum
12-05-2008, 10:10 AM
May 24th, 2007
I have another "Good News" update! Kyle and I found out today that all of Carter's lymph nodes came back negative for cancer!
That means Carter's tumor is a stage 2 and he will not need radiation! He will have to start chemo in a few weeks and I'll have more info about that after we meet with his oncologist.
He gets a little better every day and he even laughed at me today! Stay tuned...I'll have more updates!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/CBpic1.jpg
Wasn't that the best feeling hearing no cancer in the Lymph nodes???
vanessa3198
12-05-2008, 02:45 PM
Soooo happy to hear the good news!! :yay:
Your children are absolutley GORGEOUS!
I hope you guys have a great time on your vacation! My family and I will be going on our first Disney Cruise a month after yours and I hear from all the awesome DIS people that there's nothing like a Disney Cruise to brighten your day!
Best wishes to you and your family! :hug:
SavoryMom
12-09-2008, 09:36 AM
Your story has touched me deeply. Being the mom of my own 5 year old prince Carter I can't even imagine what you must be feeling or going through. Your little boy is an inspiration to us all. He is a strong little boy that will be around for many years to come! The news you have received couldn't be any better. I am sure I speak for us all on this board when I say I am sending all the positive thoughts that I can to little Carter and your family. This Disney Cruise will work miracles on your spirits. Where else in the world can you go where the little kiddies get to play mad science with Stitch or "pass the present" with Goofy. Have a wonderful vacation. You all deserve every moment of magic that is coming your way.
Hschlink
12-10-2008, 09:20 AM
May 25th, 2007
I've got more good news today. Carter gets to go home from the hospital tomorrow!! I was a little worried about when they would let us go home because he still needed to get up and walk around and as of this morning he hadn't. Well, he was at the hospital with daddy and they went to visit the play room. Kyle said that as soon as he let him down he ran over to the toys...so I think he might have been milking it!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/CBpic8.jpg
iu97alum
12-10-2008, 12:40 PM
Funny! Emy was the same way! Once she knew if she got up and walked around she could get to the playroom, she was zipping right along! Incentives I guess work!
jenny105
12-16-2008, 03:54 PM
You're kids are so CUTE! I'll be following along popcorn::
Hschlink
12-16-2008, 04:18 PM
June 1, 2007
Hello,
Another update for you all…Kyle and I met with the Oncologist this afternoon to talk about Carter’s chemo treatments. Here is what we found out:
Carter has surgery on Monday morning to insert his port-a-cath (type of device for intravenous access in patients who require frequent or continuous administration of intravenous substances). This is a minor surgery and Carter will be able to go home with us the same day. His first series of 19 treatments will begin on Tuesday. He will have treatment once a week if his white blood cell count is high enough. If it’s not we may need to skip a week thus making the length of chemo longer. Some other good news we found out today, Carter will not have to stay overnight in the hospital for his treatments as long as he is healthy!! We do need to monitor his health very closely as he will be more susceptible to illness =(
That’s all for now…I’ll update you again when Carter has his first chemo treatment…kiss his cute blonde hair goodbye =(
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/CBpic6.jpg
Hschlink
12-22-2008, 12:41 PM
June 5th, 2007
Hi,
What a day!! We left home at 7:30 a.m. and didn’t get back until almost 7 p.m.! We had a chest x-ray, an ultrasound, a blood test, a urine analysis, a meeting with the oncologist, and his first chemo treatment! I would say that out of all the tests the chemo was the easiest!! The chemo center at Mayo was excellent!! We got our own room with a TV and they had snacks and juice for Carter so he could eat while he got his treatment. And the nurses there were exceptional…very, very nice!
Carter will get chemo treatments every Tuesday if his white blood cells are high enough…if not, we wait until they are!! One of the biggest things we have to worry about is Carter getting sick, so please if you visit him…wash your hands first =) The drs said that is the #1 thing you can do to prevent from spreading germs!! So I stocked piled antibacterial soap!!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/xmascard2.jpg
MagicMe
12-22-2008, 02:54 PM
Wow! Your trip is coming up fast. I'm enjoying the updates. Obviously you kept a separate journal during Carter's illness. I know you haven't gotten there yet but I sure hope that everything has worked out for you.
Hschlink
12-26-2008, 09:26 AM
Fast forward to his last treatment: Oct. 10th, 2007
Wow, chemo is over! :woohoo: Carter had his last chemo appointment yesterday! There were no fireworks or a marching band on the way out, but I still feel like we’ve accomplished something!
Carter is doing well =) He was a little bit gaggy and his appetite isn’t what it usually is, but that should only last a day or so. Carter will have another check-up in three weeks along with another surgery to remove his port-a-cath. Those should be smooth sailing compared to what he has been through already!
Since his last treatment in October of 2007 he has had a full checkup ever 3 months which usually include a CT scan, an ultrasound, blood work, urine analysis, chest x-ray, and a meeting with his oncologist. Thankfully Carter has had a clean bill of health at every checkup! He has gone so often that he doesn’t even flinch when the nurses have to poke him for blood or for an IV. It’s sad that he has had to go through it so often that it’s come to that point…but that’s why he has the nickname “the man”.
There have also been other events since we discovered Carter had cancer that has changed our life. In September of 2007 they had a benefit for Carter and there were so many people there it was overwhelming! During the planning of this benefit we created a group of people called “Team Carter”. And in April of 2008 we were able to raise money and participate in a walk/run called the “Fools Five”. We all did it as a group and even had “Team Carter” t-shirts made for everyone! My father was one of the very first people to help organize and run in the first “Fools Five” about 30 years ago. So I knew that was a very proud day for him. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it!!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/Breahpic1.jpg http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/Carterpic2.jpg
Hschlink
01-02-2009, 11:22 AM
Wow…I don’t believe it! We are leaving for our Disney cruise a week from today! I’m so excited for the kids but nervous because there are so many things I need to get done before we go!! Make a Wish of MN has gotten us reservations for a hotel with a water park on Friday, Jan. 9th. Then in the morning of the 10th we get a limo ride to the airport and another nights stay at the Hyatt in the Orlando airport. THEN…on Sunday it’s off to the “Mickey Boat”!! I can’t wait to write my trip report when we return!
:cool1: :banana: :yay: :woohoo:
Tink rules
01-02-2009, 07:18 PM
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
Just remember about this week...
Do your best...
Leave the Rest...
Angels do no more... :cloud9: :cloud9: :cloud9:
camarks1234
01-03-2009, 08:48 AM
Just found your report and am excited for you. I know what you're going through/have been through and it's not fun.
Our son was diagnosed with Medullablastoma last March and we finished up our chemo this Dec. It seems that our mission this year is to just CELEBRATE LIFE!!!
So that is my prayer to you and your family. Have TONS of Mickey fun and CELEBRATE!!!!!!!:cheer2: :cheer2: :cheer2:
I can't wait to hear about all of it when you get back. We leave for our son's MAW cruise Jan. 31st. woot!:dance3:
iu97alum
01-07-2009, 09:16 AM
4 DAYS!!! Are you excited!
starrzone
01-07-2009, 06:22 PM
:cheer2: Wow; only 4 more days until you'll be on the big :boat: ! I bet you're so busy right now; can't wait to hear how the trip goes!
iu97alum
01-14-2009, 12:14 PM
Can't wait to hear about your trip!!!!! hope you're having FUN!!
Hschlink
01-16-2009, 12:45 PM
We had a fantastic time! I’ll start my trip report as soon as things settle down a bit…maybe this weekend?!?! I know there is another wish mom that will be leaving for a cruise soon so I don’t want to give a way any surprises! Here is a quick review:
Some of my favs: 1) Castaway Cay and the Conc Cooler. 2) Palo, and 3) Disney’s Dreams, and so much more!!!
Trip Report Coming Soon :-)
iu97alum
01-16-2009, 02:30 PM
Oh yea!! Ant tips for us? We leave sunday!!
jenny105
01-16-2009, 03:17 PM
I'm glad you had an amazing time!
Tink rules
01-16-2009, 09:31 PM
We had a fantastic time! I’ll start my trip report as soon as things settle down a bit…maybe this weekend?!?! I know there is another wish mom that will be leaving for a cruise soon so I don’t want to give a way any surprises! Here is a quick review:
Some of my favs: 1) Castaway Cay and the Conc Cooler. 2) Palo, and 3) Disney’s Dreams, and so much more!!!
Trip Report Coming Soon :-)
Glad to hear you had a great time!!!
Oh yea!! Ant tips for us? We leave sunday!!
Relax and enjoy yourselves!!!! :flower3: :flower3:
Hschlink
01-19-2009, 09:48 AM
Were back and we had a fabulous time!!!
Saturday, Jan 10th. “On our way”
I’ll admit, it was really hard to sleep because I was so excited. After months of waiting we were finally on our way to a trip of a life time! It was fairly easy to wake the kids that morning even though they spend the following night playing in the hotel’s water park. We got ourselves ready and headed to the front desk where we were to meet our limo :-) We got there early (I’m always early) so we had sometime to walk around the hotel with the luggage cart. If you ever find yourself with 2 3-year olds and nothing to do….just grab a luggage cart. We did that for a good 20 minutes or so!
Finally the limo pulled up and we were on our way to the airport. This was the first time the kids have ever been in a limo. You’d think they would want to sit next to mom or dad? Nope…they wanted to sit up by the driver and chit chat about Mickey Mouse and the boat! We arrived at the airport and met Shannon, a MAW volunteer. She helped us get our bags checked and even sent us through the VIP security area so we didn’t have to wait in line…very nice. Note to self: going through security with 2 3-year olds isn’t fun…no matter where you are going on vacation.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/limo.jpg
Finally we got to our gate! Shannon asked if it would be OK with us if she told the flight crew about Carter and maybe get to see the pilot! 10 minutes later we got to board the plane and Carter got to sit in the co-pilot seat and he even got to wear the captain’s hat!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/plane.jpg
Now…I was a little nervous about the kids and the plane ride. I wasn’t sure if they would be scared or even sick. I tried to get them all excited so it would seem like something really fun was about to happen. The plane started toward the run way and both kids seemed excited and were looking out the window. Then I herd the engine roar and looked at both kids…huge grins on their faces…I think we were going to be all right! The plane ride to Orlando was pretty uneventful thanks to portable DVD players :-)
Once in Orlando we got our bags and checked into the Hyatt at the airport. For anyone spending the night in Orlando for the cruise I would suggest staying at the Hyatt. It was VERY convenient. Our room was very nice and we had a balcony with views of the runway. That might sound like a bad view…but at night it was actually very pretty. And I never once herd an airplane?!?!? After swimming on the roof top pool (another excellent place to watch planes) we got some dinner and went to bed. We had an exciting day ahead of us! :cool1:
Tink rules
01-19-2009, 11:52 PM
Great start... Can't wait to hear more!!! :thumbsup2
Hschlink
01-20-2009, 12:02 PM
Sunday, Jan. 11th.
Today is Mickey Boat day! We got up early so Kyle and I could get ready and pack up our luggage. Kyle was able to sneak out with Carter so the two of them could get us some breakfast from Krispy Cream in the Orlando airport. After we had our donuts we headed down to the front desk area to check-in for the Disney Cruise bus. Another good reason to stay at the Hyatt…the cruise bus was very convenient :-) After waiting awhile and chit chatting with the other cruise passengers we headed off “single file line” style to the bus loading area.
After waiting some more we finally got to board the buss…YEAH! The ride to Port Canaveral wasn’t too long and the bus was very comfortable…did I mention they show cartoons during the ride there…very nice! I knew we were getting close so I grabbed Carter and put in my seat so both kids could see the boat. And there…finally…the MICKEY BOAT!
The bus dropped us off and we headed inside :-) After a quick potty break we headed for the line to check in and were handed a boarding card with #10…that’s OK with me! We got up to the check-in desk and the lady said she would be right back…she came back with a #4 boarding card and said they should be calling it any minute….SWEET!! Just one of many nice surprises during our trip :-) Off to take our security pictures!
After pictures they called the number 3s…that means were next! Kyle and I decided to get in line to register the kids quick because it looked like short waiting…again…easy and painless! On to the boat we go! “Disney cruise line would like to welcome the Schlink family”!
My fist order of business was to pick up a couple strollers…I was tired of carry the kids everywhere!!! Strollers…check…on to Beach Blanket for lunch.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/Buffet.jpg
OK, now off to change our Palo dinner reservations! There was a bit of a snafu when I made our initial Palo reservations a month or so before our cruise. I’m pretty sure it was user error and I forgot to click the “submit” button to make the reservations finalized…ooopppsss! Our dinning schedule was Tritons, AP, AP, and Parrot Cay so we decided to do Palos on our second AP night even though it was pirate night…we still went to the party….well three of us made it to the party (more on that later).
Bye this time it was 1:30pm so we headed to our state room to check it out, changed into our swim gear and headed to the Mickey Pool!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/Porthole.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/Door.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/MickeyPool.jpg
I love the Mickey Pool…it’s the only one we played in. It was PERFECT for my kids! After getting plenty of “water time” we head back to our room to get ready for the safety drill!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/SafetyDrill.jpg
After the drill we decided to check out the Oceaneer’s club. They really enjoyed it there and LOVED the slide! We made sure to show them where the potty was. I like how everything is just their size!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/Carterslide.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/BreahSlide.jpg
After playing in the Oceaneer’s club it’s time to get ready for dinner. Tonight we are in Tritons and was pleased that there was no waiting when we got there and we were able to sit down immediately. Our server for the cruise would be Pascal…very nice and accommodating. After dinner we decided to see the Golden Mickeys….the show was awesome! I wasn’t sure how the kids would do during the shows and if they would have the patience to sit and watch the entire show. We sat down, the show began and I didn’t hear a “peep” from them until the end! Back to our room…I was exhausted, and it was only the first day!
Tink rules
01-21-2009, 12:35 AM
Glad you had a good first day!!! Isn't the ship beautiful???
Hschlink
01-23-2009, 10:52 AM
Monday, Jan. 12th
We decided to start the day off right and order room service for breakfast. I would suggest to anyone to try that at least one while you’re on your cruise. It was nice and relaxing just sitting in the room instead of waiting in line to get your food…plus…you can order a mimosa!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/Breakfast.jpg
Today we were at Nassau and because Kyle and I have already visited Nassau and we didn’t have any shore excursions planned we were going to spend the day on the ship. We also had a couples massage planned for that morning…yeah! After getting everyone ready we head to the Oceaneer’s club to drop off the kiddos so Kyle and I can get to our massage. I knew the kids were going to have an “issue” with us leaving them there so I tried to prep them along the way telling them that mommy and daddy were going to leave, but we would be right back to get them. Well…that didn’t work so well :-( They were upset when we left, but the counselors were very good about taking there hand and leading them to an activity to get their mind off of Kyle and I leaving. I knew they would be fine after a few minutes and left feeling a little bad…but that quickly went away when we got to the spa!!!
Kyle and I really thought hard about whether or not we would get a couples massage just because of the cost. I’ve never had a massage before and always told myself that I shouldn’t have to pay for someone to give me a back rub! Well…I’ve completely changed my mind! It was one of the best things I’ve done for myself in a long time!! It was fabulous! I only wish I had more time and more money to do it ALL the time. Before Kyle and I started our massages we filled out a short form and I made sure to add on there “No sales pitch please”, and they followed my request.
After the massage we headed back to the club to pick up the kids and headed to the Mickey pool. I think one of the reasons I like the Mickey pool so much is because all I have to do is sit pool side with my tootsie in the water and relax. It was easy to keep my eye on the kids at all times and they are really comfortable with water so they could play by themselves.
After getting some lunch we decided to head back to our room and change. Kyle and I didn’t have any intentions of getting off the ship in Nassau, but it was a gorgeous day so we decided to take the kids and the strollers and just walk around outside a bit, grab a souvenir or two, and take some pictures. Getting on and off the ship is pretty painless unless you encounter another stroller or a wheelchair along the way…there just isn’t room for both. We took a quick walk up and down some of the streets and I was able to pick up a shirt from the Hard Rock Café for a souvenir for myself. I happen to look down at the kids while we were shopping and noticed they were both out! We took it slow on the way back to the ship just so they could get in a few more minutes of snooze time.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/Nassau1.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/Nassau2.jpg
Once we were back on board it was about that time to get ready for dinner. Tonight was at Animator’s Palate and it was also the night we got to dress up and look spiffy…so I was really looking forward to it! On our way to dinner we decide to check out Mickey and Minnie so we can get some photos with them. I could tell that Carter was really tired tonight. He hadn’t had his usually afternoon nap in three days so his reserve tank was running on empty. He was out before they could bring him dinner…poor guy!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/Mickey.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/Kyle.jpg
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After dinner we decided to take Carter back to the room and put him to bed. Breah has never needed a nap so she was wide awake so her and Kyle decided to catch the Toy Store show. I stayed back with Carter and we both caught some extra Zs!
MagicMe
01-26-2009, 12:06 PM
I am so glad you and your wonderful family enjoyed the cruise. I've cruised on the Wonder twice and the Magic once and they're both fantastic!!! It's now my favorite vacation!
I'm really enjoying reading about your cruise and look forward to the day at sea and castaway cay!!!!
iu97alum
01-29-2009, 11:19 AM
More! More please!!
debsite
01-29-2009, 06:35 PM
My 15 year old daughter and I have gotten caught up in your family's story. We think your children are just beautiful, and Carter's an inspiration for everyone. We are so happy to be able to share in your trip and your happiness on the cruise.
Thank you and best wishes to your entire family!
Debbie
starrzone
01-29-2009, 07:13 PM
Looks like you guys had the time of your lives! :cheer2: Your kids are adorable and I can't wait to read more.
MMitchell29
01-29-2009, 07:42 PM
More! More please!!
I second that. Please give more ...........
MMitchell29
01-29-2009, 07:44 PM
We had a fantastic time! I’ll start my trip report as soon as things settle down a bit…maybe this weekend?!?! I know there is another wish mom that will be leaving for a cruise soon so I don’t want to give a way any surprises! Here is a quick review:
Some of my favs: 1) Castaway Cay and the Conc Cooler. 2) Palo, and 3) Disney’s Dreams, and so much more!!!
Trip Report Coming Soon :-)
Just a quick question? How was the weather there in Jan?
maroo
01-29-2009, 09:26 PM
Oh my!!
What a GREAT TR!! Great job so far!
I thought we only had one Wish Trip Cruise TR going...and I found out we have another one!
Do you mind if I put a link to your TR on our Wish Trippers Unite thread? It is the blue link in my siggie?
At any rate, I am subbing! Can't wait to hear more!!
Hschlink
02-03-2009, 02:59 PM
Tuesday, Jan. 13th
Yeah! Today is Castaway Cay day! Out of all the things planned for this trip I was most looking forward to Castaway Cay…only because I knew the kiddos would have a great time! We woke up early and grabbed a bite to eat and headed back to the room to change. We were some of the first people off the boat which was nice because we didn’t have to wait in any lines to get off the ship, I love that.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/welcome.jpg
I knew by reading other trip reports that if we traveled a little further closer to the family beach it would be less crowded, so that’s what we did. We parked it right in front of the swimming play thingy. I know this was my first time here, but to me, this seems like the perfect place to be. It wasn’t too crowded and we were right by the bathrooms and only a short walk to Cookies BBQ. After getting settled in I made Kyle get me a Conch Cooler. I’ve herd so many good things about it I didn’t want to leave with out having one….boy am I glade I had one…it was fantastic!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/water.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/drink.jpg
After enjoying my drink we decided to play in the water and the sand a bit. If you look hard enough you’ll notice that my son is wearing his socks on the beach…lol…there is a little story to this. I got both of my kids new Crocs for the trip and for some reason Carter’s gave him a blister…or as he would say an “owie”. He was VERY concerned about getting his “owie” wet and couldn’t for the life of me get that sock of that kid! So, I’m pretty sure that he was the only one on the beach wearing socks! BUT, it was his trip and he can do what ever he wants! The funny thing is he went in the ocean anyway…he just had to have that sock on?!?!?
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/sand.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/carter.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/breah.jpg
After playing in the sand and water we headed to get some grub at Cookies BBQ…the chicken was really yummy! Another tip I’d like to mention is to not forget about the fresh fruit stand. It’s close to Cookies BBQ…if you have a hard time finding it, just ask someone. I could eat fresh pineapple all day long…very yummy!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/cookies2.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/cookies1.jpg
After eating we headed back to the sand and water. My kids are pretty easy to please and they could honestly just play with water, sand, and a bucket for hours…so that’s what we did! It was getting close to 2pm and I noticed that they were getting a little pooped out so we took the strollers and decided to take a long walk around the island and headed back to the ship.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/boat.jpg
After getting ready for our dinner date at Palos we headed off to the Oceaneer’s Club to drop the kids off. We knew that the kids would probably have issues with us leaving and they did. The staff at the club was great. They each took one kid and led them to an activity to get their minds off mom & dad.
I cannot say enough good things about Palo. The food and service are EXCELLENT! It was also wonderful to have some time to ourselves and be able to eat dinner with out having to worry about one of the kids spilling their milk or not eating their vegetables! I only wish I would have brought my camera so I could get a picture of our food. I had the beef tenderloin and Kyle had the rack of lamb…both were excellent! For dessert I had the Panna Cotta. I really wanted to try the Chocolate Soufflé because everyone raves about it, but by that time I was so stuffed I wasn’t sure if I could handle something as rich as the soufflé. I though the Panna Cotta was excellent. It’s a sweet cream custard with fresh berries…perfect Kyle had the Chocolate Amaretto Indulgence. It was a little to heavy for my taste, but Kyle really liked it.
After dinner we picked up the kids from the club and headed to the Pirates Party!! After getting a couple of those cool light-up toys we went in search of a place to sit. Here comes another hint: Get to the party plenty early to get yourself a good seat. We showed up too late and couldn’t find a place to sit…or lay down…after about 20 mins into the party Breah was out…not even the fireworks woke her up!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/breahdance.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/lighttoy.jpg
After the party it was back to our room to put the kids to bed! After they feel a sleep (took about 1 minute) I decided to go back and check out the pirate buffet. I really wanted to try one of those roasted turkey legs but I was still stuffed from Palo! I decided I’d just take a few pics…then it was off to bed for me!
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/buffet1.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q21/hschlink/buffet2.jpg
Hschlink
02-03-2009, 03:03 PM
Just a quick question? How was the weather there in Jan?
Well, I live in Minnesota and when we left to fly to Florida it was -20 out! So, warm for me would be anything above 50 degrees! I would say it was partly cloudy and high 70's low 80's on our trip. I did notice that the water at Castaway Cay was a bit cool, but there were lots of people in the water.:goodvibes
iu97alum
02-03-2009, 03:38 PM
Oh yea! More updates! Looks like y'all had better weather than we did on CC!!! So cute about the socks!
Hschlink
02-04-2009, 08:54 AM
Oh my!!
What a GREAT TR!! Great job so far!
I thought we only had one Wish Trip Cruise TR going...and I found out we have another one!
Do you mind if I put a link to your TR on our Wish Trippers Unite thread? It is the blue link in my siggie?
At any rate, I am subbing! Can't wait to hear more!!
Nope...I don't mind at all :cool1:
iu97alum
03-30-2009, 11:34 AM
Saw the NED on CB! WHOO HOOOO!!!!
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