The cruise that we booked in December of 2023 for March of 2025 came and went. It seemed so far away when we booked it, yet now we did it, and it's a memory.
We went with 13 families from West Hills Christian school. There were friends for everyone, and although initially I was a bit nervous about the kids running off by themselves, I soon realized that they would never be alone.
We flew down to Long Beach, California the night before the cruise ship was to leave. Everyone was so excited. We stayed that first night in a hotel near the cruise dock.
As we made our way on the ship the next day, the excitement was electric, especially Caleb, who really couldn't believe we were entering and going to be living on such a big ship.
The first few hours were chaotic as we found our rooms, unpacked and explored. Evelyn and I shared a small room with twin beds. John had a bunk room with the boys. Evelyn immediately unpacked me/us and organized all our cosmetics, lotions and gear. It looked like a dorm room.
The first few days we were at sea. I honestly didn't see much of the kids, as they were off with friends.
It really got exciting on our first stop of the trip: Puerto Vallarta.
Our friend David, who organized the trip, rented a catamaran for the day. Five families spent the day cruising around the ocean, stopping to snorkel, swim to a beach and watch whales. We also had music and an open bar, so the party was lively and fun.
Our boat broke down as we made our way back to the dock. We bobbed lazily in the ocean while a few of the crew completely dissected the bowels of the boat. Eventually they got it started and we were on our way back to the ship, most of us badly sunburned.
The next day we docked at Matzalan. We spent the day on a beach, eating tacos and riding on banana boats. The girls got their hair braided by the locals. There were a lot of people trying to sell us things, which was overwhelming at times. Evelyn had a fun time boogie boarding in the ocean, and the boys built sand castles with their friends.
Later that evening, James told me his stomach hurt. I offered him some tums, thinking that perhaps it was something he ate on the beach that day. However, he refused, saying he thought he was going to throw up. Sitting at dinner, my friend noticed just in time that he was going to lose his lunch right there at dinner. We alerted John, who grabbed him and rushed him out of the restaurant. The next 36 hours James proceeded to lay in bed, throwing up everything he had..and then some.
The next day we were in Cabo and because James was still sick, I took the other three kids off the boat by myself. I negotiated a boat to take us to see the rock formations in Cabo and then we walked around in town. It was very hot that day; we eventually found a place to rest and drink a smoothie before heading back on the boat.
That night Levi got sick, and he was the one throwing up -from both ends- for the net 24 hours. Poor John was on call at dinner, running back to the room to attend to his urgent pleas for help.
Our final day was spent at sea, and about mid way through the day, Caleb fell ill. Thus, all three boys spent the remainder of the trip in the dark room watching movies. On Saturday, James and Levi were feeling better, however Caleb was in sorry shape. He had to navigate the endless lines with a suitcase with crowds of people. He was miserable, but we had to encourage him to keep truckin forward.
We had several hour in Long Beach before our flight home, so John rented a mini van and we just drove around the costal towns so Caleb could lay sick in the van.
We eventually boarded our flight, which ended up being a connection through Sonoma. But we made it home.
About a day later, both John and myself got terribly sick. We spent the entire week just feeling bad. I'm pretty sure we had Covid or the flu. Who knows, but Caleb ended up going to the doctor and had pneumonia.
On top of that our master bathroom toilet overflowed and went through the ceiling of our kitchen. We had people tearing up flooring and blowers working 24/7.
Our newly remodeled bathroom is now out of commission. The beautiful tiles were torn up. It's been a tough few weeks back. The only things that keeps it a bit upbeat is the wonderful spring weather.
Evelyn took it upon herself to design and plant a little garden in our front yard. Grandpa was more than happy to assist.
She has also been busy with track, running the longer races of 1500 and 800 and some relays.
She is also involved in the school play, Madagascar. Admittedly she is doing it for the social piece...but I actually think she is enjoying it a lot. She has a minor part of an old lady and a baboon. ;) Practices start ramping up this coming week..and I've been designated as the "food mom" who is going to bring meals in to 60 kids before their after school practices.
The boys have been gearing up for baseball with some long practices and a scrimmage game. They are also doing a spring soccer team. They just keep on going! Keeping them active and busy is really good for them.
And then there is my house. Trying to keep a somewhat positive attitude but.........😑
We commemorated by driving boys to baseball practice, going out to eat, and a set of glorious diamond earrings. 💎
BUT we are planning a big trip in a few weeks.
20 years went by in a flash.
