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!