Carnival Fascination 2/16 - 2/21

We knew my Mom (Grammy) was coming for a visit over winter break and we wanted to take her on a little vacation while she was here.

(a vacation on vacation if you will)

Matt really wanted to take a cruise but I was pretty hesitant.

I couldn't see the fun in taking a boat to beautiful destinations when I could fly there and bask in the sun and sand for 4 days and then fly home.

Matt was persistent and persuaded me saying that the kids and Grammy would share one cabin and we would share the other.

Ahh...no kids...I'm sold.

(just kidding kids - Grammy time is important!)

So our tickets were bought for a 5 day Bahamas trip on the Carnival Fascination

2/16  Jacksonville

2/17  Fun Day at Sea

2/18  Key West

2/19  Nassau

2/20 Fun Day at Sea

2/21  Jacksonville

and then

a Carnival Ship gets stranded in the Gulf of Mexico

1 week before our departure!!

I started the trip out apprehensive and also COLD!

We happened to leave Jacksonville, Florida on a record cold day.

We were chilly waiting to board the ship.

It didn't take long to go through security and get on the ship.  Everyone was friendly and helpful.

(I'm sure all Carnival employees were told to be on their BEST behavior after the stranded ship incident.)

And we were off.

So long Jacksonville skyline

We found our cabins and got comfortable.

I think Grammy and the kids fit quite well.

(the bathroom is next to the door behind Lauren's bed)

We had inside cabins on the lowest deck.

That is a fake window.

We spent the evening and the next Day at Sea exploring the boat.

There was so much food!

I started off eating pretty well but somehow since the food is included my appetite seemed to get bigger by the meal.

Breakfast

 Swimming in the Pools

It was still pretty chilly on the 2nd day but the kids were able to talk Matt into a dip in the pool.

A window seat on Hollywood Boulevard (deck 9.)

Our favorite spot for people watching.

Lauren and I "heart" cruise sunsets.

It was still cold and we packed for the tropics so we all broke down and bought Carnival jackets.

Lucky for us they were 50% off!

her inner gangster?

date night

 arriving in Key West

(see Grammy really was there)

finally it was warm! 

In Key West we walked up and down Duval street

from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean and back.

Along the way a storekeeper asked if L and T would do her a favor and feed the rooster.

We saw a lot of "gypsy" chickens roaming free in Key West.

The kids thought it was pretty cool and were quite happy to do the storekeeper a "favor."

the Southernmost beach

(L and T (in green shorts) are in the middle playing where the water meets the sand.)

Every night we'd find cool towel creatures waiting for us in our rooms.

elephant (wearing my sunglasses)

bunny

The kids really enjoyed them so Grammy bought them the Carnival Towel Creations book which gives step by step directions so they could make their own back at home.

On our Nassau day we took advantage of the nearly empty ship and spent some time swimming in the pool.  It was awesome to have the pool to our selves.

We ended up having 4 hours to spend in Nassau and after seeing the chaos of the port that was plenty of time.

Right off the ship there are people everywhere wanting to sell you something, take you somewhere and especially, braid your hair.  I know they are just trying to make a living but I wanted to relax.  Being our first cruise we didn't plan any shore excursions (plus they were Spendy!) so at first we walked along Bay Street (t-shirt shops, straw market, knick-knacks and jewelry) 

and then we took a taxi to Atlantis on Paradise Island.

 Atlantis seems like it would be a fun place to vacation sometime.

However, it did not seem anything like authentic Nassau.  It could be a fancy resort placed just about anywhere (warm) in the world.

We walked around for awhile.

the Bahama "honk"

And then found a restaurant to eat across the street from the $$resort$$.

 chilling in the Bahamas

(How lucky are these kids?!)

Three ships were exploring Nassau at the same time.

Next time we'll make sure to have an excursion booked to experience the "real" Nassau.

Back on the ship we continued to enjoy ourselves.

We went to a Family Comedy show at the Punchliner Comedy Club

and later Matt and I went to the adult show.

Both were very entertaining

 

 We also spent some time on the water slides!

 Tyler and Lauren rode the big yellow one many times.

It looks like Tyler just walked all the way down.

Lauren and Daddy

Daddy and Tyler

(Momma was happy just to take the pictures)

The kids also spent a lot of time at Camp Carnival.

(aka free almost-all-day child-care)

They made friends, friendship bracelets, played video games, decorated t-shirts, learned how to make the cool towel animals and also stuffed their own teddy bears.

They were hesitant to go into Camp Carnival but they always came out with big smiles and having  had a lot of fun.

People watching was another fun part of the cruise.

Matt would be gambling in the casino and the rest of us would sit in the window seats on the main walkway.  The kids would play their iPads and Mom and I would sit chatting while sipping a diet coke (Mom) and a glass of red wine (Me) and watch the people walk by.

Mom and me (and my sunburn) relaxing.

On our last night of the cruise we ate at one of the Dining Rooms (instead of the buffet/deli/pizza salad/hamburger bar.) We had to wait awhile to be seated and our waitress was definitely in a stressed out mood.  She was curt and short and devoid of patience....so Matt tipped her an extra $10 to try to cheer her up.

Later we found these in our room.

The card said "we're sorry you had to wait" but I'm thinking our waitress sent this to say "sorry and thank-you."

When we got our bill the gratuity charge was only $57 per person for the entire 5 night trip.  That breaks down to about $12 in tips per day to be spread out to anyone providing service on the entire ship.  Room Service, House Keeping, Dining, Casino, pool side beverage service etc. etc.  

That's not much at all so we tried to tip extra when we could.

Finally we made our way back to Jacksonville.

One last look back at the Fascination before starting our 5 hour drive back home.

I think everyone had a fantastic time.  I am so happy we went on the cruise and I can't wait for the next one.

Back home the kiddos posed with Grammy wearing their new Minecraft t-shirts they had made for them in Key West.

PS.  Here is Matt's favorite poker table on the Cruise.

No cards, just iPad looking thingies.

He made money ($100 net) at this able and I have a story to tell.  Just ask me about it sometime.

(I'm just not sure it's world wide web blog-worthy)

We had such a Bon Voyage!

Code Red

At the dinner table, as usual, I asked the kids if anything special, funny, sad, scary, interesting, educational, [insert any adjective] happened at school.  I'm practically begging them to open up because they don't tell me much (unless someone broke a bone or got in loads of trouble.)

In response to my question they said the usual "No" but today it was more like a, "No...but..."

I pounced.  "But WHAT?!"

Lauren nonchalantly said they had a "Code Red" today.

I've heard of other schools in the area practicing for a "Code Red" but this is the first time L and T's school have had the drill.

I'm thinking the Mountain Dew Code Red should be the only Code Red my children ever know of but unfortunately it is not.

image source:

http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/mountain-dew-code-red/images/30601438/title/mountain-dew-code-red-photo

The "Code Red" is the latest drill practiced in our schools in light of the recent school violence.

I asked Lauren what it meant.

"It's like when a burglar breaks in the school and you need to hide from him.  And a Code Yellow is when a parent forgets to get a visitor sticker or if a dog is loose in the parking lot.  That's happened before, you know"

Good to know.

I then asked Lauren what happens during a "Code Red."

"Well first the principal said [over the loud speaker] it was time to get ready for a 'Code Yellow' so Mrs. X locked the [classroom] door.  Then the principal announced a 'Code Red' and we had to turn off the lights and go hide where all the book bags are. ... We stayed there until the principal unlocked the door.  For like three minutes."

Tyler said his experience was about the same except he had to hide behind the book case.

I'm glad the principal and school has a plan in case of an emergency but I'm quite sad that it has come to this.

I, myself, grew up only with the Fire Drill.

Living in the South now and with the threat of tornadoes my children regularly practice a Tornado Drill in addition to the Fire Drill.

And now they have to add Code Yellow and Code Red drills to interrupt their early elementary education.

So sad but unfortunately necessary.

PS.  I promise a Cruise Re-cap Post is on its way.

Weekly Menu 2-22-2013 & Cruise Teaser

Guess what we did this week for winter break? 

We hopped on a Carnival Cruise Ship for a round trip out of Jacksonville, Florida which included Key West and Nassau.  I was quite skeptical about taking a cruise, especially a Carnival cruise since the liner has been in the news recently BUT! I loved every minute and can't wait for the next one.  A more detailed cruise post will come but first I have to get to my waist slimming weekly menu.  Lord knows I didn't stick to my healthy eating plan on the all-inclusive cruise ship.

Friday:  Pastrami Reuben Sandwiches with French Onion Soup (Since I served the soup with sandwiches I omitted the slice of Italian bread over the soup.  Kids, Grammy, Matt all loved it.  Dinner Success!)
Saturday:  Hot-and-Sour Soup & Kung Pao Shrimp
Sunday:  Vegetarian Taco Soup & cheese quesadillas
Monday:  Greek Villagers' Salad & hummus & flat bread
Tuesday:  Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas & celery & fruit
Wednesday:  Vegetable Calzones (search for "vegetable calzones) & caprese salad
Thursday:  Greek Meatballs & orzo
Friday:  Teriyaki Tuna with Ginger Vegetables & fruit

I hope you all have a great week.  I also hope that I stop swaying on dry land.  I still feel the motion of the ocean.  =)

If you give a Grammy Duck Tape...

If You Give a Grammy Duck Tape,

She's Going to Make a Wallet

(or two)

(from Boy's Life magazine, Feb. 2013)

Tyler's wallet

Wow, there's a lot of room for CASH in there.

AWESOME!

 Lauren's wallet.

L was a great help with the Bunny Ears and Funny Faces.

You may think this is a funny face picture

but this is her Go-To face whenever she sees the camera.

The finished wallet.

She obviously LOVES it.

I only got the natural smile/giggle below

because I went against Everything I teach the kiddos and yelled out,

"Butt Nugget."

So, Grammy's pretty awesome with Duck Tape...what should we give her next?!

Weekly Menu 2-9-2013 and Grammy Memories

Weekly Menu 2-9-2013

Saturday:  Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage, garlic bread & fruit
(Instead of the turkey sausage I used jalapeno-cheddar chicken sausage that was on sale.  It was really good!  The kids scarfed it down.)
Sunday:  Thai Green Curry, pearl rice, l/o baked ziti, green beans & fruit
(Yumm!  Matt said this is what he thinks of when he thinks of curry.  A little spicy but nothing L and T couldn't handle.)
Monday:  Buffalo Chicken "Cupcakes" and left-overs  (Grammy's request)
Tuesday:  Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki, l/o rice & edamame
Wednesday:  left-overs or pantry meal
Thursday:  Pork Chops with Creamy Marsala Sauce & egg noodles

Grammy's here!!

We've been anticipating Grammy's visit for awhile now.  Lauren mentioned to me that she needs to make some more favorite memories of her.  Her favorites currently are when Grammy overflowed the coffee maker and also when she let an egg roll right off the counter and splatter on the floor.  Lauren cracks up every time she tells us this story.

Well Grammy flew in yesterday afternoon and did not disappoint in the new memory category.  She taught the kids a very memorable rhyme.

"What did you have for breakfast?"
"Pea Green Soup."
"What did you have for lunch?"
"Pea Green Soup."
"What did you have for dinner?"
"Pea Green Soup."
"What did you do after dinner?"
"PEA GREEN SOUP!"

ha ha ha ha ha.  The laughing hasn't stopped nor has the repeating of the rhyme.  I'm sure this will quickly spread around the school and without a doubt Grammy has made a new memory with the kiddos.  =)

a little Lauren, a lotta Tyler

Lauren's latest project from Art Club is an awesome guitar made out of cardboard, newspaper, paper mache and personalized with paint.  It looks awesome and she is super proud of it.

Remember when I pulled her and her brother out of school early because of the impending Severe Thunderstorms?  Well she was in tears on the drive home because she thought she was going to miss a chance to work on her guitar.  (By the way, Art Club was cancelled that day)

Her guitar sure looks good.  And she looks pretty cute holding it, no?

So lately on this blog I've been talking about Lauren A Lot and Tyler A Little.

It's mostly because Tyler refuses to be in a picture unless it looks something like the pic below.

2013

(almost SEVEN)

(L is almost NINE)

He's going through a stage where he doesn't want to be in any pictures for fear I'll put them on the blog.

He says, "Momma, don't put my picture on the blog!"

So, since I can't put any recent/decent pictures of him up I thought I'd reminisce and post pictures of him from the February 7ths (or so) from the years gone by.

Grab a Kleenex and let's get started.

Feb. 2007

(he's almost ONE)

(L is almost THREE)

2008

(almost TWO)

look at those eyes!

2009

(almost THREE)

(L is almost FIVE)

2010

(almost FOUR)

2011

(almost FIVE)

2012

(almost SIX)

with Emma who is almost nine

and another from FEB. 2012

the Beast Unleashed

I can't believe he is almost SEVEN now and his sister is almost NINE.

Someone needs to tell me how to STOP TIME!

First Week of February (and lots of Lauren)

After spending the last week of January waiting for my conjunctivitis to go away (to no avail) I finally went to the Minute Clinic at CVS to get some antibiotic eye-drops.

This bottle of approximately 15 eye drops and about the size of my vitamin cost my insurance more than $100.  Luckily I only had to pay $20.

They must make a killing because every other kid is getting eye drops for pink eye just about every other day.

Moving on to a less contagious topic

(unless you are looking below at Lauren's contagious smile:)

Lauren went to an American Girl Doll birthday party for her friend.

Here she is wearing her new AG dress.  Her AG doll had the same dress and I'm bummed I didn't get the two of them together.  Some day!

She had a lot of fun and all of the girls looked so pretty with their dolls.

It was a GREAT! BIG! week for Lauren.

She came home with a printout of all her 81.2 Accelerated Reading (AR) points for the month of January.  (When a student reads a book they can take an AR test and earn points.)

Not only did she earn more points than anyone in her class but her teacher even acknowledged with a note that she's "never seen this before."

Like her teacher said, "She is amazing!"

She's GREAT at reading but she's also getting BIG.

She lost her first baby molar!

And to my horror (at her growing older) she has another one that is slightly loose.

(I thought this wasn't supposed to happen until she was closer to 12.)

 (hey Oregon peeps - notice her t-shirt?)

I probably should document her frustration though.  Having lost a big old molar she thought the tooth fairy would bring her a Lego set.  I think she was less than thrilled with the (already generous!) $2 left by the fairy.

I'm sure in no time she'll be able to buy her own Lego sets because Matt and I think she may have inherited his engineering gene.  Check out this video of her invention to spin the dial in Twister Hopscotch.

This week we also got started on our school Valentine Cards.

I bought suckers and felt mustache stickers and put them together.  

(Get it?!  When the friend eats the sucker he/she will look like she/he has a mustache.)

I'll take a picture of L and T sporting a lollipop mustache soon. 

I'm going to tape the suckers to this Valentine Card.

 pretty cute, eh?

And talking about pretty CUTE

What's a post without a picture of Tyler!

The Cute-ness is killing me.

Hope you all had a great First Week of February.