We boarded the boat Saturday and the party began. Imagine Disney World on a boat. The kids were immediately in heaven. The details would take too long to describe and you still would never get the full picture. It was all just so fun.
Our first port of call was Key West on Sunday. We went on a dolphin watch/kayak/snorkel adventure. The dolphins were beautiful. Kayaking through mangrove islands was amazing. And the girls actually snorkeled in the open ocean! We saw sponge beds, fish, and sea horses. I love that our girls are adventurous!
Monday was our first day at sea. Can you imagine being stuck on a ship with 1500 children? Worry not, Disney's got it covered! The girls were thrilled to spend their day with the princesses getting autographs, watching Toy Story 3 in 3D with their dad, playing in the kids' "lab" and club play areas, swimming in the mickey pool and riding the water slide. There was no shortage of activities and staff to entertain the small ones.
Tuesday we spent the day in Grand Cayman at a place called Botswains. It was a turtle farm and animal reserve. We were able to touch and hold all sizes of green sea turtles and see many loggerhead turtles.
We also snorkeled with the girls in the artificial lagoon there. It was the perfect environment for the girls to get comfortable and really settle in to the water. Caity took over 30 underwater photos. Amber rode on my back most of the time. She especially liked swimming with the turtles.
Wednesday we were in Cozumel. The girls went with Brad parents to swim with the dolphins. Brad and I went to Playa Del Carmen to see the "Secret River". We walked, waded, and swam through underground caves. Everyone had an amazing time.
Thursday was our second day at sea. The girls and I enjoyed the movie Tangled
in 3D. Then Caity and I battled through her independent study while the little ones had a nap with Daddy. We got autographs from several other characters and played all over the ship again. Drew was happy to wave and blow kisses to the characters but was brave enough to give Minnie and Micky 'knuckles'. The girls also got a kick out of watching Nemo from the top deck spa.
Friday we enjoyed Disney's private island Castaway Cay. It was a bit chilly (the only down side to January cruising) so this time we skipped the snorkeling there and went for a bike ride instead. We played on the beach and danced with the characters. And we snuck in some hammock time too.
And now, it's back to reality...
What a blessed life we live!!
