On Board

We offered to throw my parents a big party to celebrate their 50th anniversary.  Instead they wanted to get everyone together and head to the beach.  With a group of seventeen, we figured that a cruise would be the best way to accommodate everyone.  Flexible, low maintenance and fun.  It was perfect!

The ship had a whole water park area, complete with water slides, buckets, etc.  It was a chilly afternoon, but it didn't stop the kids from enjoying the activities!  (I, meanwhile was wrapped up in a towel and tried to stay warm!)

 Having a ball!  How is it that kids just don't seem to feel temperature?

 The big cousins enjoying the water park part of the ship.

 And in the on board pool.

Brothers freezing each other out at the water park.

While the water play was great fun for the kids, I just loved having time with the whole extended family.  One evening everyone gathered in the library to eat Fanny Farmer French Mints, Stuckey's Pecan Logs (thanks Gary!) and play games.  Some of my favorite memories of my childhood were playing games after a day at the beach. I loved doing that again!

On board the staff always have a bunch of silly games going on and one of the games was "The Newlywed and Not So Newlywed Game".  My parents were picked to compete as the 'not so newlywed' couple.  It was silly and embarrassing and fabulous!

The cabins fit four people, so the Caboose, and Ginger's littlest one both bunked with my parents.  They LOVED being able to be with Nanna and Grandpa.

 The last night while all the grown ups were busy packing and getting everything organized, the kids gathered to play games in the hallway.  Some quality cousin time!

 Every so often at dinner the staff would play songs and start to dance.  When 'Gangam Style' came on, we all joined in on the dancing.  So. Much. Fun.

Waiting to debark and making the most of our time with my brother Gary and his wife before we parted ways.  While we were waiting, and at Aunt Caroline's urging, Big Boy #2 actually had two ice cream cones.  For breakfast.

 The last night the wait staff brought my parents a piece of cake and sang them "Happy Anniversary".  I love this picture!  They just look thoroughly happy. 

It's too bad that Gary and his wife didn't take too well to being at sea - they really struggled with sea sickness.  I loved the cruise and it seemed the perfect blend of independence and family togetherness.  It would be fun to do something like this again.  My family is just really fun to hang out with!