So we got back from our cruise aboard the “Monarch of the Seas” last week and it was a total blast. I’d definitely do it again if I get a chance. It was a perfect ending to all the trips that Jamie and I have taken this summer. Although we are back to working full time and I am getting ready to start my last semester ever (unless a Masters in my future?), I was reminded just how much fun we’ve had as I was choosing pictures to put on the site.

The cruise lasted four days and three nights, but in reality the last day was just spent waiting around to get off the ship and collect our luggage. The first day we spent most of our time getting familiar with the ship and going through emergency drills. That is where I got my photo of Mark with his life jacket and where we first heard the phrase, “water activated light” (must be spoken with English accent). The second day we ported in Ensenada Mexico and took a tour to La Bufadora which sounded a lot cooler in the brochure than it actually was in real life. Even so, it was still a lot of fun to ride a tour bus through the city and country side. The third and last full day was spent out at sea. We spent a lot of time by the pools and got a nice sun burn, errr I mean tan. Jamie and I also happened in on an art auction where we found Andrew chillin’. We didn’t buy anything, but it was a lot of fun to watch people go crazy over the “mystery” pieces.

It really was the highlight of our summer to be able to spend time with my entire side of the family in such a festive, yet elegant setting. It was only possible because of my wonderful Grandparents who felt that the best way to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary was to take us all on a cruise.