So...after a relatively uneventful night at the clubs...
I got up early Monday morning for a run around deck 4. I have to say that for a runner or walker, there is nothing more peaceful than an early morning run on the ocean. It is quiet and serene...I love it. As I was running, there were just a few others that dared get up before dawn and join me. As I approached one I noticed he walked just like my "father-in-law" to be
. And sure enough there was Jim walking his 3 miles...How funny is it to look at people who have absolutely NO CLUE what's about to happen...We enjoyed every minute of it...
Anyway, after a quiet breakfast with my DW and the kids...We decided to stay onboard and enjoy the pool, while the others made there way to the Straw Market for some local flavor.
the kids had a ball in the Mickey Pool and my DW and I enjoyed having some family time without all of the G-Parents/Aunts and Uncles hanging around. Aside from a few passing clouds, the day was great. The kids ended up being exhausted (so were we), so it was back to the room for a much needed nap...While the kids slept,my DW and I enjoyed an afternoon cocktail on the verandah with my friend Tony. There is something to be said for the peaceful feeling you get when the phone/doorbell or e-mail isn't bothering you. Our surprise began to take shape in the afternoon. The doorbell rang (so much for peace), it was Colin and Rufaro...They were there to pick up our invitations and gifts for our guests. This is getting better all the time. We gave them all of the things they needed to do their part in this surprise. My DW even had photos of how she wanted it set up in the rooms...She left no room for error...As we were packing up the concierge staff with goodies, the doorbell rang again...Who the hell could it be now??? It was Lucy, thank God she was alone. Get in here...We decided at that point to open a bottle of champage and celebrate getting this far without anyone knowing what was going on...A toast, to continued success...
We got everyone ready for dinner and proceeded to Parrot Cay. But there were more surprises to be had, before the BIG ONE!!! If you remember, we had told my mother this was her 60th Birthday Cruise...Signal Bhoola (Dinner Room Head Server), let's thoroughly embarass my mother with a chorus of Happy Birthday. Nice throw off...and with the birthday bash underway (which seemed to light a jealous fire under the BRMH) we certainly had them ni the palm of our hand...
After dinner, my DW and kids headed back to our room to change for the evening...The countdown has begun..Who would call first? Who would come by first??? Hmmm, curious not a call, not a knock...We got the kids the their clubs and had planned on meeting everyone at WaveBands for some drinks...We got there first and grabbed some seats...In walks Lucy, well that was OK, she already knew..."did anyone say anything yet?" she asked with a smile. No, did you and my mom go back to the room? I replied. Yes and your mother is "thrilled and pissed." Thrilled because you are getting married and pissed because she didn't bring anything she says she could wear to a wedding. She's busy in the room, looking for something to wear...At that moment my inlaws arried and sat down...Neither one said a word. Curious, what's wrong with them? Come to find out, they hadn't been back to their room yet...So they still didn't know...
This is just hillarious...My SIL was next to arrive...I believe the quote was..."I knew there was something going on. There is no way in hell you would drag all of us onto a ship, just for some family vacation. You wouldn't torture yourself that way." How right she was...We wouldn't...Anyway, we told her the my inlaws hadn't been back to the room and not to tell them yet...So far, just as we planned...
We had phone messages from my dad in the room and they were surprised but he mentioned that he may have figured it out before and didn't say anything...Apparently the BRMH went online to look at something and because the reservations were linked, my DWs married name showed up...Oh well, I played it off as a typo (don't think he bought it though).
We picked the sleeping children up...Actually had to make several trips to get them...As I walked back with my youngest (who was awake now) we were swept inside the Oceaneers Lab for some fun...Magical Moment Alert...He had a ball, all the lights and games and music...I wish I could have captured it, but of course...No Camera!!!
When we got back to the room, after almost an hour my DW wanted to know where we were...I told her that he took me out for my bachelor party...
A little dad/son time...It was really great. So off to sleep, we'll be up early for the big day...
Oh, by the way, have you seen the bar set up in our suite?
Ladies and Gentlemen...Introducing CRISTAL
In our next istallment..>The wedding pictures....
"BRMH"??
proposed to DG (Darling Girl) 
on our WONDER Cruise in 2006. She missed his first two attempts--a moonlight stroll on deck 10 on Sunday night because she was "tired and wanted to go to bed." and while snorkeling in Nassau--HE HAD THE RING ON HIS FINGER IN THE OCEAN and every time he tried to put it in front of her mask she pointed out some fish. I am so glad I did not know he had it in the ocean!
still waiting for the big moment!!!
