Cruising! Back to the real world

We're back! We've survived a week at sea with the 6 of us in two tiny cabins. Things went as well as they could, I think - we made these plans 7 months ago hoping for the best, but it's always a gamble. Jason was starting a runny nose when we left last week, and Sarah had some tummy troubles, so the Kid's Club was off limits to them for most of the week. Jason insisted on either holding my hand or being carried most everywhere, and due to the fact that we had 3 shore days in a row, the little two missed naps 3 days in a row, other than what they caught here and there when they just passed out. Sarah finally had a meltdown yesterday in the car when we were about 30 minutes from our house, and I really couldn't blame her.

The ship was amazing, and I know Evie and William had a fantastic time. Evie really enjoyed her birthday on Saturday - and honestly, how could she not? Tomorrow, I will spend my 40th trying to finish costumes, catching up on laundry and trying to get ready for Halloween - such is life :)

I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my week at sea, even with the fussy little people. I didn't lift a finger to cook a meal, wash a dish, clean a bathroom or make a bed for an entire week. It probably would have been better to wait until S&J were a bit older, but hindsight is always 20/20. Our week could have gone better, but it also could have been a lot worse - no one was sea sick, and nothing happened that would have required us to fly home - good thing, as our passports are still MIA.

I'll leave you with this lovely picture I snapped Friday evening while crossing the balcony from my cabin to Matt's (yes, we split up and shared with the kids - all the adjoining ones were booked so we used the balcony to cross between the rooms & the little people couldn't open the doors - not that I'd have wanted them to...)

I have probably hundreds more pictures & will post them at some point, but for the moment real life is calling and I must answer. Now if only my head would figure out that we're not on a ship anymore and my house would stop rocking. Srsly - it's a bit unnerving :)