Disney Cruise Part 2

Our first port of call was Nassau, Bahamas. Our day started early with a ferry ride to Blue Lagoon Island. When I saw that we could swim with the dolphins I knew this was the one excursion that I wanted to do with Anna and Gerard. I will not lie I waited up and booked this excursion the minute I was able to do so.

The island was BEAUTIFUL! We were split into small groups of 30. We each got the chance to pet, feed, dance and kiss a dolphin. I totally enjoyed the entire experience. After the dolphin encounter we were free to enjoy their beach until 3:45 pm. The water was warm, blue and gentle. There were hammocks hanging between palm trees and it felt like paradise. If I ever get the chance to visit this island again the beach day would be enough for me.

 

 

These are the only pictures I have so far because I have not had my disposable water camera developed. I am honesty not sure there are better pictures on that camera. As you all can imagine Gerard is not so patient when  the camera comes out so I am sure I do not have the pictures I wanted. sigh.

 

We made it back to the boat for a pre-dinner ice cream and a rest. One thing I liked about the dinning experience is that we each night we are taken to a different dinning room. The first night it was interactive which was very cool. The second night it was the gardens of France, and the third and fourth night were in the Royal Palace. My favorite food was in the Royal Palace and my favorite experience was in the Animator (the interactive one).

 

The third day is when we went to Disney's private island known as Castaway Cay. Gerard ran the early morning 5K. I will not lie I sent him on this run so that Anna and I could have some time with the characters. We got up early to meet Donald duck, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and her favorite Stitich. Gerard met us at breakfast then it was back to the room to apply loads of sunblock. This private island was also beautiful.

 

My camera lens was a bit foggy.

 

A tram took us to the beach area. The sand was warm and soft. The water was the perfect temperature. Lunch was tasty. We had no complaints about this magical stop. I could have stayed there all day. We actually sent Gerard back to the ship early because Anna and I were not done playing. Later that night the ship hosted a pirate night with fireworks but the beach wiped us out.

 

The following day was our at sea day. We decided to go see Monster's University. The pool was too crowded for us. Gerard and I decided that this was our least favorite day on the cruise. If we were to cruise again without this large group we would pick a cruise that did not have an at sea day. We liked the ports of call best. Overall this was a beautiful cruise and I think it was worth the money that we spent.

 

At dinner we were able to sit near the other families who traveled with us. Anna loved being able to visit with her new friends in between courses. Anna ate steak every night and also decided that she also likes salad...dressing on the side please.



Our Disney Vacation Part 1

 About 18 months ago a group of us who adopted from Russia talked about going on vacation together. The dream of getting as many families together on vacation was born. Where do you go when you have a bunch of children...Disney World of course. I decision on  a meet and greet at Walt Disney World was decided and then a Disney cruise. Gerard and I talked about it and thought that it was a doable vacation for us. So we saved, and saved and saved some more.

Last August we really started the push to save that included Anna. Every week we each added money in to an envelope. For us watching that money grow was exciting and a good teaching moment for Anna. We will continue to save like this with Anna for other big expenses. I highly recommend doing this with your children.

Me-Me and Greg decided to join us on this trip with Hans for his first trip to Disney. So the five of us traveled done last Friday (Gerard joined us after work). Packing for this trip was fun and taxing all at the same time. Anna actually packed an entire suitcase full of horses.

When it was all said and done I was able to get all our things into one suitcase and three carry on bags. For the first two days we enjoyed the beautiful pool at the Wilderness Lodge. There we met up with a bunch of fellow Russian families. Me-Me, Greg, Hans, Anna and I decided to eat at 1900 Park Fare for dinner. This was Hans' first time seeing the characters. This was the perfect start to a wonderful vacation.

 

Friday night about 190 of us converged on Mickey's Backyard BBQ. This was our first time at this dinner event. Man was it crazy and a ton of fun. Arriving early for us was the key. We were all able to sit together. The kids danced all night long. Mickey and his friends came in and out. The show was fantastic. Adrienne and I were finally able to meet up. It seems strange that this is the first time that she has met Gerard and Anna.

 

 

 

What I did not realize is at Fort Wilderness you are able to see and ride Cinderella's horses. Next time we will make a point to ride them. There just did not seem to be enough time.

 

 

 

 



We needed to get up early on Sunday to head out to the cruise. We were lucky to be able to charter a private bus so a large group was able to drive to the cruise together. Boarding the ship was an awesome feeling. Somehow it did not feel real until I was on board. We were able to get on board very early. We were able to eat lunch early and spend some time in the pool before dinner.

 

 

September 2010

 



 

July 2013

 

 

Hans and Greg

 

 

 

This is were I will end this really long post...

Pictures from Disney

We made it. I have to say I always second guess how much I pack. My feet are exhausted from dragging the suitcase and carry on bags around. It makes me really miss Gerard when he is not with us during times like this.

I could not get over how cute Anna looked when she  was dancing to the Cotton Eyed Joe song. We decided on dinner at 1900 Park Fare. We saw Cinderella along with over her step mother. I am falling asleep as I write this entry. So goodnight.

I seriously thought I hit publish last night.

Disney Bound

We are heading to Disney World on the Magical Express. You will see lota of pictures of poor Me-Me in a wheel chair because she was in a car accident last week. Gerard will be following us down this evening after work. Just in case anyone was thinking she is crazy to post that she is not home it is because my sister and the triplets will be house sitting.

I may not be able to blog much but my goal is to post lots of pictures. Gerard will finally be see by so many in person. 

40th Birthday

On the 4th of July we celebrated my sister's 40th birthday! I can not believe my baby sister is now 40. We had the whole family over. The babies are growing and Anna has good and more challenging days when they are here. The weather here has been hot. Our air conditioner has been temperamental and I need to call a repairman.

Today I plan of starting to pack for our big trip. We are going on a Disney cruise with a bunch of friends we have met through adoption. This trip has been in the works for about 18 months. I am so excited that it is so close but I am feeling the pressure of packing for the voyage.

I love the fact that we have worked hard to save for this trip. We have our spending money set aside. Gerard and I have been saving each week for about a year now. I highly recommend this weekly savings. About half way through Anna started to want to save money too. She made her own envelope to hold her money. Every week we make a big deal about putting our money away. She gets just as excited as we do.

The process of packing is a bit overwhelming. My hope is to be able to fit everything into one suit case. I do think it is possible so I am not really worried. We will also be sending at least one box down maybe two before we arrive in Florida. I just wanted to give an update before I forgot.