Beach Day!

I'm not sure if you remember, but the last time the Woods went to the beach, things didn't go well.  Walker hated the sand and it was a bust of a trip.  So, I didn't really know what to think about trying the beach again.  But, we decided to go for it.

Our Costa Maya excursion was called Jungle Beach Break.  And, they weren't kidding.... we were literally taken into a jungle.  Bizarre!!!  I'm very glad that we didn't get kidnapped.

The sand was white and nice, but the water wasn't anything exciting.  In fact, it wasn't blue and the bottom was VERY rocky.  Not what you would think of a nice tropical location.  But, we made the most of it.

And, the best news.... the kids loved playing on the beach!!!!

Bunny and Everly have matching toes!  Every time Everly is with Bunny she asks for painted toes.  It's a cute little tradition they share.

The Disney Magic!  A great ship.

On our way back to the ship after a fun day in the sand!

Successful beach day!  Clark and I are very excited that we can now plan a beach vacation.   I have a feeling we will end up in Florida next summer.

Arg, Matey!

A fun event on the ship..... Pirate Night!  We came prepared!  I have to point out.... I've been with Clark for almost seven years, and we have NEVER dressed up! No Halloweens, no theme parties, nothing.  So, I really love this picture:

Such a fun pirate family!

Bunny got in on the action:

And, so did RayRay:

But, there's one member of our party that just couldn't handle all the excitement:

Yep, that's my E Lee... sound asleep in a loud room.  She was pooped.  My children have NEVER been able to "sleep anywhere".  They aren't the type of kids that will sleep with action around them.  But, this girl was so tired, she was totally knocked out even before we ordered our food.  It was actually pretty cute.  The best part?  When we got ready to leave, she woke up and acted like it was time to party.  Such a funny girl!

The other fun fact about this pirate night?  Good preparation for Halloween!  W & E love being pirates!!!

Dolphins are NOT Scary!

After the paralyzing fear of the turtles, I just wasn't sure how Walker would handle actually swimming with a dolphin.  I was worried.  

Bunny has always, always, always loved dolphins, so she and I were taking Walker in with us while Clark and Everly watched.  (It's really a shame that she wasn't old enough to go with us.)  I was just really hopeful that Walker wouldn't freak out.

Here we are.... getting ready!

I am so happy to report.... Walker is such a brave boy!!!!  He was a little timid at first, but that went away quickly and he really loved being with the dolphin!!!!  Walker loved getting to touch it and was really excited when he splashed us!

He's my brave boy with his new friend:

A kiss for mommy:

Bunny wanted to take this fellow home with her:

Being in the water with the dolphin was an awesome experience and I can't wait to do it again.  Next time, Daddy and Everly will be a part of the group!

Turtles are Scary!

The first stop on our cruise was Grand Cayman.  Our excursion included a turtle farm and dolphin encounter.  We saw the turtles first.

They were pretty fun to look at.  Walker and Everly enjoyed seeing them and watching them eat.

But, then there was an opportunity to touch them.  You could get in the water with them and even hold them.  I was excited.

And, Bunny was excited.

The rest of the family.... not so much.

Walker was terrified! He absolutely hated the turtles and kept saying, "turtles are scary!"

I guess if you think about it, they are kind of freaky. 

But, here's the deal.... this experience happened just before it was time to swim with a dolphin.  Needless to say, I was a little nervous.  Considering his reaction to the turtle, I was fearful that he wouldn't go near the dolphin.....

Stay tuned!

Fun Friends

Walker started using the term "friends" on this trip.  He referred to characters and toys that way.  So, you never know who you will run into on the ship....

Everly's friend, Minnie!

Bunny and RayRay are definitely friends!

Walker lining up all his "friends".  Thanks Bunny!

Playtime Together!

Since Everly isn't three yet, she wasn't allowed in the "club" where Walker got to go play.  The good news, they had some open house time where she got to play with him.

She was all about the big slide!

Climbing!

They love playing together.

Sliding!

I bet they went up and down a hundred times!

Dressing for Dinner

"Formal" night on a Disney ship isn't exactly formal, but we did still take the opportunity to dress up one night.  And, I'm so glad.  Because I got this picture:

They are so sweet!

Smiley family.

Love my precious family!

I also need to point out... the kids were fantastic at mealtime.  They ate great and were so well behaved.  It made me realize... they aren't babies anymore.  It's amazing how grown up they were on this trip!!!!!