In December, yes, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we escaped to the Bahamas for a 3-day cruise aboard Sovereign of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean ship. It was a trip to celebrate Matt's parents’ 35th wedding anniversary. They were in the Bahamas for their honeymoon. Matt's sister Tracy and her husband Neil were also there. We left Avery and her cousin Nate, just two months older, in Orlando with a babysitter. We gave her lots of warning that we were leaving and when we left, she waved and said "bye." And we did have a great time. We had 1.5 days in Orlando to relax before the trip and talk about the excursions and activities we wanted to participate in while on the cruise, which was nice, too. We were surprised by the unseasonably cool weather in Florida, however. TO LEFT: Matt and Sara in their lifejackets, just outside their stateroom. TO RIGHT: Matt and Sara on the glass-bottom boat tour in Nassau.

We boarded on Friday about 1pm. We didn't leave port until after 5, so it was mostly a walking tour of the ship until the first dinner. Unfortunately, Matt's mom and Tracy were seasick. But Matt and I enjoyed walking the deck and watching the water pound the ship as we moved through the water. It wasn't long before we couldn't see land! We arrived in Nassau, Bahamas in the morning. After a glass bottom boat tour of the island (we saw homes of Oprah, Barry Bonds, Tiger Woods and others), Matt and I tried to find a beach but the ones we could get to easily walking were private to hotels. So, mostly we were stuck in the tourist-trap shopping area. I did find a cute sundress for Avery. And I bought a bracelet for a dollar from someone who came up to us in the street. Part of the experience, right? I didn't care for the straw market, which was hot, cluttered, crowded and anytime you looked at or touched something, the seller would start talking to you, but I couldn't understand them. Plus, you never were sure who was talking because you didn't know where one shop began and another started, and they were all doing other things at the same time. Matt and I did wonder the city, away from the shops area, which was much more peaceful, although far from eye-catching. We got back on the ship early and watched the sunset over the city. That evening was a comedian on the ship. He was clean and HILARIOUS, even--or should I say especially--the fart jokes. So that was definitely a highlight. This was also the formal night so we got dressed up and took lots of pictures. ABOVE LEFT: Matt suprising Sara with a kiss at the comedy night. ABOVE AND RIGHT: Dad, Mom, Matt, Sara, Neil and Tracy posing for the formal night.

Sunday, we were at the line's private island, Coco Cay. This was so much fun! The weather, thankfully, was beautiful. It was supposed to rain both days but it was clear and 80 instead. We hung out on the beach, swam and snorkeled. I had never snorkeled before and was a bit nervous because I wasn't so sure I WANTED to see what was in the water. But it was SO cool. Speaking of cool, the water was freezing but once I got in, it actually felt good. The sun was hot. We saw a lot of fish, as well as stingray and starfish and a little bit of coral. There was a barbecue on the beach for lunch so we broke to eat and then snorkeled some more. We took a lot of pictures with underwater cameras Matt's mom brought so we are hoping they turned out. Matt's parents didn't snorkel, but they really enjoyed their "piece of paradise" on one side of the island where there were hammocks hanging from the palm trees. There were storms around us that night so parts of the ship's decks were blocked off. It was SUPER windy. We enjoyed the danger of that for a bit before going inside. ABOVE LEFT: Matt, Sara, Neil and Tracy get ready to snorkel. ABOVE LEFT MIDDLE: Matt and Sara in front of the cruise ship. ABOVE LEFT RIGHT: Sara snorkeling. ABOVE RIGHT: Matt with the fish.

Monday was the last day. Matt and I got up early to watch the sun rise (a bit of a disappointment) but it was windy and cold so we went to have breakfast and watch from inside. Unfortunately, I think I got some type of food poisoning. We left the boat about 9:30am. And from 9 to about 4 I had regular (every 15 minutes or so) stomach pains that were so bad I wanted to throw up. I tried several times and it wasn't until about 4 that I finally did. I felt much better, although not perfect, after that.

Avery did very well with cousin Nate and the babysitter. We gave her lots of warning, and when we said good bye, she waved and said bye-bye before going back to playing. It wasn't tear-less though. I cried the night before when I put her to bed. I came out with tears and Matt's mom empathized. Then she started crying, too! When we got back, Avery looked up at us and smiled, then went back to the puzzle. We didn't let her get away with that and picked her up for big hugs. The babysitter took video of the kids while we were gone which was great to watch Monday night. ABOVE LEFT: Matt on the ship's deck. ABOVE RIGHT: Tracy and Sara wearing the Bahamian wrap-skirts bought at Coco Cay.