Oh the places We Go, The People We see

[Lovemy3babes]

Oh, awesome update!

The switched bag would have me in a panic. I would have lost my mind! I'm so glad you got it sorted out.

The girls are adorable in their matching outfits!

 

[Caretames1]

Happy Birthday

 

[mom2rtk]

HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY BIRTHDAY JEN!

 

[jenseib]

OK, playing catch-up again.

So glad the surprise in the journal hit when it did, after such a long day.

You know, I could have happily lived my entire life without hearing that rat story!

OMG on the luggage story! YIKES! And yes, I'd want to beat your dad senseless too. I have 2 cell phone resistors here at our house as well. Robbie has needed his twice and been unable to use it because 1) it was in the car that had been towed and 2) it won't work on a cord if your battery is dead. Then of course there was last week when my husband's car died and his phone was at home. Are they just all alike?

But man..... on vacation? GADS what a mess that could have been!

But this more than makes up for all the headaches, right?

They are so STINKIN cute!

Of course, this one might be even cuter:

And yea for getting to meet Rinky Tinky Tinky! I'm so jealous of all nicely.

I can just feel the excitement and craziness when you guys boarded the Dream.

So glad you got to meet Pluto, and I'm loving the photo in your signature.

And LOL at you telling Gail she's a loser. I have the same problem every time I hand my camer off to someone. The whole "viewfinder" concept appears to be quite out of date!

Your excitement for sailing is so infectious, even for someone like me who is pretty sure they never will. You tell the story so well, it really makes me want to try it......

I was so surprised to find that gift card! I am a gift card junkie. When people asked what I wanted for my b-day I told them Disney or Amazon gift cards. My family is like really? You want more Disney gift cards? Um yeah, I will be going back at some point in time and that is really where I like to spend my money.

The kids were too cute. They all were so excited. I think the younger 2 weren't really sure what was going on, only tht Mickey was involved. I think they all turned into cruising pros pretty quickly though.
I wish I would win the lottery, (I know I say that a lot and still rarely play) and could take the family again. Claire had a BLAST with Alexis being onboard with her. And Aunt Mary and Geoff too. They spoil the girls so much. And they are fun. There were times Claire would be off with one of them and tell me to leave because she was having fun and I would ruin it. LOL

Gail and I get a long pretty good now, but growing up I was soooo mean to her. I hated her. She was a pest and annoying, you know, all the things a younger sybling is. And she was good at being sly and then when I attacked her I got caught and she was all innocent. LOL.

I do hope you get to cruise someday. I know you would love it. In fact if I did ever win the lottery, I would be taking you, Katie, Carey and Kadence on one! What fun that would be!

Oh, awesome update!

The switched bag would have me in a panic. I would have lost my mind! I'm so glad you got it sorted out.

The girls are adorable in their matching outfits!

Thanks.
It was a bit sketchy there for a while. I just kept thinkg we WOULD get it back. I had to stay positive in our panicked state.

Happy Birthday

Thanks so much

HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY BIRTHDAY JEN!

Thank you! It's going to be a totally different kind of one today!

 

[mom2rtk]

I do hope you get to cruise someday. I know you would love it. In fact if I did ever win the lottery, I would be taking you, Katie, Carey and Kadence on one! What fun that would be!

See..... I'm just quoting this so that when you do win you can't edit the promise from your post!






Thank you! It's going to be a totally different kind of one today!

Boy, ain't that the truth. Maybe if you give the doctor a box of chocolates and tell him it's your birthday he'll keep Skip in one more night!

.

 

[mickeystoontown]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND VALENTINE'S DAY!

 

[MEK]

Abby was not so happy about this. She still wanted to see Mickey MOOWSE! I started to laugh and say how cruel we were. After all we had prepared her for this for a year and got her excited about meeting characters and then the first one she sees we say she can’t.

You guys ARE totally cruel! Poor thing! I hope she recovered!

Great shot of the whole gang! Love the T's.

That boat just looks so fabulous and that chandelier - no matter how many times I see it I still can't believe how beautiful it is. Can't wait to see it in person.

 

[MEK]

What - it's your B-day!!!!!!


Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JKSWonder]

Gail and I get a long pretty good now, but growing up I was soooo mean to her. I hated her. She was a pest and annoying, you know, all the things a younger sybling is. And she was good at being sly and then when I attacked her I got caught and she was all innocent. LOL.

You could be describing me and my little sister here! She looked and acted like a perfect angel when everyone was looking, tortured me when no one was looking and then everyone managed to see only me giving her the smack she so richly deserved!

 

[jenseib]

.

LOL! I will don't worry!
I just talked to Skip, he sounded down right away, so I knew he was probably staying another night. And i was right. The Dr. says he needs to keep him away from smoking and the barn, plus he is waiting on culture results. So it sounds like till at least Sat. he will be there. Which is good. I am glad the Dr. is taking control. Je told Skip if he was bad, he would take his hip away from him. But seriously if the infection goes into the new hip, he would have to.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND VALENTINE'S DAY!

Thanks Lisa!

You guys ARE totally cruel! Poor thing! I hope she recovered!




Great shot of the whole gang! Love the T's.

That boat just looks so fabulous and that chandelier - no matter how many times I see it I still can't believe how beautiful it is. Can't wait to see it in person.

We are sooo mean. But believe me that kid was very spoiled on this trip.
I never get tired of looking at it either.

What - it's your B-day!!!!!!


Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks. It's a crazy day, but I have stopped for a few minutes to eat a gourmet bologna sandwich.

You could be describing me and my little sister here! She looked and acted like a perfect angel when everyone was looking, tortured me when no one was looking and then everyone managed to see only me giving her the smack she so richly deserved!

too funny. Yes, Gail was Mom's little angel for many years, I of course knew better. And never once believed , even till this day.

 

[jecskc]

Stopping in to say hello even though I have been lurking for a while now. Looking forward to reading more. Going over to read your TR about your trip with your friend Lisa because my DD has an overnight guest and they are sleeping in the family room downstairs. Because of this, DH is up in the bedroom and he insists on watching Ben Hur tonight. So I might as well read one of your TR's if I have to watch that for four hours .....

 

[Beth D]

All caught up on this one now! I keep a roll of neon colored smiley face stickers in one suitcase, and plaster new ones all over everythign when we go on another trip. Stands right out against our bag colors, yet not a string that we have to worry about getting caught on a luggage carousel!

Do you find that you still do the same things when you board a cruise, even though you're up to what 3 or 4 now? I was thinking about how I spent last year on the ship, and what i'd do next year. We're still on a smaller ship, but since we're sailing out of a different port - Miami, I'll still probably spend most of sail away up on deck watching the coast/scenerey go by.

 

[mousetravel]

Catching up again!

Loved the AKL & Boma pics. Would you recommend breakfast at Boma? We've had dinner there, but not breakfast. May have to try breakfast on our next trip!


LOVE the kids' matching cruise outfits!!! So cute!

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

Happy belayed bday

 

[jenseib]

Stopping in to say hello even though I have been lurking for a while now. Looking forward to reading more. Going over to read your TR about your trip with your friend Lisa because my DD has an overnight guest and they are sleeping in the family room downstairs. Because of this, DH is up in the bedroom and he insists on watching Ben Hur tonight. So I might as well read one of your TR's if I have to watch that for four hours .....

Thanks for reading along!! I often have to find a corner to read stuff too as others don't wantto share the Tv as well. LOL

All caught up on this one now! I keep a roll of neon colored smiley face stickers in one suitcase, and plaster new ones all over everythign when we go on another trip. Stands right out against our bag colors, yet not a string that we have to worry about getting caught on a luggage carousel!

Do you find that you still do the same things when you board a cruise, even though you're up to what 3 or 4 now? I was thinking about how I spent last year on the ship, and what i'd do next year. We're still on a smaller ship, but since we're sailing out of a different port - Miami, I'll still probably spend most of sail away up on deck watching the coast/scenerey go by.

I did things differently each time somewhat and then some things the same. This is my 3rd. Both Dream cruises I went to Cabanas, but on the magic went to Parrot Cay. This time was a bit different as it wasn't pouring rain like last time on the Dream. And with family I went about things differently too. It was very different than my first day on the magic.

Catching up again!

Loved the AKL & Boma pics. Would you recommend breakfast at Boma? We've had dinner there, but not breakfast. May have to try breakfast on our next trip!


LOVE the kids' matching cruise outfits!!! So cute!

it was good. If you are staying there, it's more worth it so you don't have o travel so far.
I don't think at this point in time we will go over just for breakfast there, but never say never!

Happy belayed bday

Thanks. I feel older this week too!

 

[jenseib]

We were heading to Cabanas after finally getting to the aft of the ship, ….even though all did not agree with this move, …..and up to Cabanas. We did not see the rest of the family at all and I just chose a couple of tables out on the back deck.
I took a few pictures just like Geoff’s!

I took Claire and Alexis to get some food and then sat them down at the table. Soon Gail and Rob had found us. They said they waited at the elevator for a short time, but knew we would find our way and left.

We took turns going to get food and sat down for a feast.

YUM!

I did make more than one trip. At some point Rob showed up with a tropical drink in his hand. He told Gail he bought it for her, but he had done a pretty good job at drinking himself. LOL

I took a few more pictures off the back of the ship.

Someone had finally found the rest of the family inside eating. We were now going to head to our staterooms as it was just about time.
We headed down, but actually had to wait a couple of minutes for them to drop the ropes. Actually the other side got dropped but our side was still up for a minute longer. I almost panicked that they had forgotten us!

We entered our room and soon saw our Castaway Club Member gift!

But wait! There is also something else on my bed as well.

It was from Gail! It contained a frame, a flash drive and a picture album. It was so nice of her! She said it was a thank you for arranging all the details of the trip.

We scoped out the room then.

We had to take a look inside our bag.

Our room connected to Mom and Dads and we opened the doors and checked their room out as well. Pretty much identical to ours only facing the other way.
Mom and Dad also got a gift from Gail. I can’t remember what it was though. I know part of it was onboard credit. We found out Mary and Geoff also got a gift, including champagne, from Gail too.
Mom and Aunt Mary had inherited some money after their Uncle had died and they paid a big portion of our cruise with that.

Our bags were already in our room, all except Moms. Last time we cruise, Mom’s bag was the last to make, so I reassured her it was still on its way. She mentioned that she wondered if it had been delayed because she packed an iron! WHAT!!!!!!! She knew irons were not allowed. I had told her the time before and we used the laundry room to iron when needed. I had also told Geoff and Mary this as well because Geoff likes everything perfect and wanted to bring one. I told him it was a big no-no, and he asked about a steamer and I told him that was frowned upon as well.
Well Mom said her and Geoff decided they were going to each bring one anyways. UGH!

We got Claire’s swimsuit out and I took a few pictures from our balcony.

I would love to try a Royal Caribbean cruise out some day too.

I don’t think I mentioned this before but I have become a verandah snob. LOL! Once you sail with one, it is so addicting. The view is amazing and just sitting there and relaxing is wonderful.
When I had met with Rinky earlier this day she had told me that they had a verandah this time, while last time they had an inside room. She said I was so right about the verandahs. She doesn’t know how she could ever go back to an inside room!

After we had our suits on, we headed down to Gail and Robs room.

Rob, Alexis, Claire and I were on a mission to go on the Aqua Duck.

Their room was connected to Aunt Mary and Geoffs, so we headed in through the connecting door. We didn’t want Abby to see what we were doing.

This is the view from their room.

This is the hot tub above them.

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks. I feel older this week too!

No doubt!

 

[jenseib]

Geoff and Mary and Gail and Rob, Katie and Thad, and Vicki and Pete were a bit down the hall from us and had bigger rooms. I was kind of jealous. It wasnt a lot more room, but still it was nice.

Mary and Geoffs room had a murphy bed in it, but it was never needed or used.

We snuck out of the room and headed up through Cabanas.

We found a lounger and set our stuff down and headed to the Aqua Duck. The line was about 20 minutes, not too bad. The girls were measured and they got a wrist band saying that they could only ride with an adult.
Rob and Alexis went first and then it was our turn! It was super fun once again. The cold water does go up your back, but it still is really a fun thing to do.
I just wish there was a graceful way to get off the thing. I am sure if you videoed me getting off my raft, it would be a winner on Americas Funniest Home Videos. HA!

We then hopped in the pool a bit. It was packed. Pure people soup! The girls were bummed that they couldn't actually swim, but I told them cruise pools just arent made for real swimming.
The girls decided then to go on the slide.

I went up to the top deck and watched.

Rob went off to find something to drink. I had to laugh a little later when I saw him carrying a bucket of beer. I had thought he meant he was getting something from the drink station like I had.
I sat up top and kind of watched the girls from there.

Rob handed me a beer. I took it, but I couldnt get it opened.

I had to get a cast member to open it for me. I then sat with my feet in the water drinking my beer. Well thats a no-no! I was soon tapped by a CM and told I had to take my drink away from the pool. No problem.

While standing off to the side I took a quick shot of the area and Aqua Duck.

I turned around and look who I found!
Vicki, Mom and Geoff starting off the cruise with special drink.

The girls wanted a snack at this point and ice-cream was calling to them. I took them to get a cone and they were happy. Gail is a little strict with the amount of junk that the girls have, so you have to sneak it in when you can. LOL! Actually Gail let them eat quite a bit on this trip, much to Alexis delight!

Before you knew it, it was time to head to our muster stations. I guess I took this on the way. LOL!!

I think we made a stop in the room first and then off to the muster drill. This was the first Disney cruise where I had an outside muster station. It was pretty warm out there and they really cram us together. I kept a look out for my parents, but never saw them. I would've assumed we had the same spot since we had connecting rooms, but they must've been further down or something, because I did not see them at all. I know I asked if they went, and they did, but I dont remember where they said they were.
I got to talking a guy and his wife standing next to us. They were part of the pod cast group onboard. They were fun to talk to and the guy was very passionate about Disney. My kind of person! I think this was their 5th cruise, if I remember right. I love finding people who are geeked up about Disney like I am.
After we went through the drill and directions we were released and it was a mad house. They had us using crew stairs as well as the public ones.
Claire and I made our way up to the top of the ship to find a spot to watch the sail away show. This was exciting. Last time we sailed the Dream, our embarkation day was rainy ...I mean pouring buckets rain, and our sail away party was in the atrium. We now were going to get to see it outdoors on the Dream for the first time!

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

I have to ask a silly question does the aqua duck go upside down ?

 

[jenseib]

I have to ask a silly question does the aqua duck go upside down ?

no it doesn't. It just has a few little bunny hill type pop ups and thats it. Not wild at all.