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Friday, January 31, 2025

Farewell January

Today we enjoyed a quiet day at home. There was no school, but the house was quiet. Our big girl left for a basketball tournament before the rest of the house woke, and most of the boys left to go ice fishing with Grampa after breakfast. I've spent most of my week getting things in order around here and filling boxes with things we no longer use. Sawyer and Lily played together all day while I quietly sorted and tidied. By the time the early afternoon rolled around, I had pretty well cleaned every room in the house, and paused to snuggle Cooper to sleep. 




Watching a sleeping babe never gets old. The way their long lashes rest on their chubby cheeks, their soft little hands and curled fingers and toes. There are days I wish they didn't have to grow up!

After spending a few hours outside sliding, these two requested some hot chocolate. I had some whip cream left over from breakfast and they were quite happy with the whipped topping in their warm cups of chocolate! 

The day ended with baths while Daddy took the two big boys to hockey practise. 

 

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Snuggle Bug

Back home, doing what I love!

 

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Home

There's no place like home!

 

Friday, January 24, 2025

Final Night


My heart is about to burst as I sit and watch the children all lined up waiting for the Aqua 80 show to start. They came prepared to get soaked this time and made sure to sit front and center. It's been such an epic trip and I am so grateful we had the opportunity to connect and enjoy some special time with each of them this week. Their sibling bonds have been strengthened and it was fun to watch them grow and stretch.

 

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Labadee

Today we made a stop at Labadee! We pulled into port as we were enjoying our breakfast and were lucky enough to have this little window to look out as we docked. 


The weather was gorgeous! We couldn't have asked for a nicer day.

We were welcomed onto the island with music and dancing. 

We all tried desperately to keep up to Mr. Stannix as he marched ahead to find us seats on the beach before it got too full. We often fell behind because we were soaking in the sights and then we'd have to run to catch up.


Once we had claimed our place at the beach, the three older kids and I walked back a little ways to find the hut where we would enjoy our next excursion.


We joined a group and got on some harnesses to do the big zipline over the ocean!


They had already done the Dragons Flight last year, but I hadn't!

We practiced on this much smaller zipline, but Joe was too short to get himself down, so one of the guys there picked him up in his arms and said, "Big muscle" as he lifted him to the side of the platform. The boys laughed about it for hours.

When we were all practised up, we were driven further up to the BIG zipline. 

I could have stayed up their all day taking in the view! Wow!


The ride was short, but thrilling and I loved every moment of it! They had enough lines heading down that we were all able to start at the same time and race to the bottom together.

The rest of the day was spent at the beach. The big kids found a beach volleyball court and spent hours playing in the hot sun. I swam in the ocean with Mike and tried to steer clear of the plant life touching my feet and legs. Finley and Oliver built sand castles and motes and also enjoyed swimming and splashing around.



Later in the afternoon we wandered down the beach a little more and came across these awesome swings! 






When the sun had completely worn us out, we gathered our things and slowly made our way back to the port. 

We stopped along the way to enjoy the different resting areas.

Just before boarding we found the Labadee sign & someone kindly offered to take our pictures. One of the kids suggested each taking a letter, so that's what we did! I love the way it turned out with the letters and the ship in the background.

Hyrum got first in a mini golf competition after dinner. And I enjoyed a game of ping-pong with Finley while he chatted away. It made me think about how often they beg for our attention, and how much more settled they are after some time spent with us. 


Camilla & Hyrum have all met some new friends at Teen club (and Joe tags along with them when they're wandering around the ship). They all hang out together until I message them to come to bed. Right now I'm sitting in the stands to watch Flowrider trying my darndest to keep my eyes open. The sun has exhausted me and I'm ready for a vacation from my vacation... I'll be glad to sleep in tomorrow and enjoy one last day on board. I can't wait to hug my babies at home!

 

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Jamaica

Today we stopped at Jamaica! The boys stayed on the ship for the day while Camilla and I ventured off to go horseback riding on the beach. It was such an interesting place to visit.


We managed to find our meeting place, get our bracelets, and make our transportation for the day. It was a one hour drive to the farm and our guide, Donnet, kept us entertained the entire way by telling us about the country side and sharing some Jamaican history with us. She joked, "We were once a British Colony, so we drive on the right side! Your side is SUICIDE!" She also described Jamaican pudding as "fire at the top, fire at the bottom and hallelujah in the middle."

"Talk to me!" was also something she said often after asking a question.


Camilla had been dreaming of this day since the last cruise, but their excursion was cancelled due to weather. She was so excited to finally be able to ride a horse in the ocean. 

I loved being there right along side her to enjoy the moment!

And we even made it back to port on time!


Dinner called for two desserts! Ha!

And we finished off the evening at the flowrider watching the boys!

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

A Day at Sea

Today was a sailing day as we head to Jamaica. We enjoyed the day at sea soaking in the views and eating good food. It was rather windy, which made it hard to notice the fact that I was burning as I sat on the deck reading my book.



I managed to finish my book as I sipped on Pina Coladas and listened to the kids play in the pool!

I also enjoyed walking the deck with this handsome guy. 


Dinner was "Dress your Best" tonight, so we made sure to see the photographer for a family snapshot on our way in. It was a great memory for me as I cherish pictures.


Part way through Dinner, Camilla & I snuck up to the deck to catch the sunset. 


It made my heart happy to have someone who appreciates the beauty as much as I do to chase sunsets with! 

She is growing up to be the most beautiful young lady, and I am so proud of her and all that she does!


We made it back in time for dessert to be brought out! Worth it!