Cruise!

We are going on our cruise vacation! We are going with three other couples, and are starting to get very excited. We leave on Sunday, and will be gone 7 days/nights, returning next Sunday. There are three port destinations (Cozumel & Progresso in Mexico and Roatan in Honduras). We have been to Cozumel before, but not Progresso. And certainly not to the island where Roatan is located in Honduras! So far, we have not planned any excursions or anything. We might do our own exploring and snorkeling once we get there. Hopefully we will find one excursion somewhere that entices us. :)

Since we are going with friends, we did lay down some ground rules. Pretty much, anything goes. There are no obligations about hanging out together, doing the same excursions, or anything. If we all decide we want to do the same thing, great. If one couple chooses to do something different, great. If we all decide we want to do different things, great. The only thing we have scheduled right now, is we are all set up to eat dinner at the same table at night. And even then, there are other restaurants on board, if one couple wants a romantic dinner by themselves.

I'm super excited about spending an entire week with Jesse. This summer will be our 5-year anniversary, and we really have only had one other big vacation together since getting married and going on our honeymoon. (And since I had just gotten pregnant, I was sick the whole time!)We really need this time together, away from work, and even away from Ryleigh. I must admit, Jesse has been slightly neglected the past year or so, and I can't wait to just love on him all week. I want to come home, all in love and giddy again. I can't wait to walk on deck, hand in hand, watching the sun set. I can't wait to play in the ocean together, swimming side by side, pointing out beautiful fish and creatures of the underworld. I can't wait to get all cleaned up for dinner every night-- a yummy dinner that I don't have to cook or clean up after! I can't wait to curl up next to him at night, not having to turn on a baby monitor or worry that she will suddenly wake up. I am VERY excited. :)

The ship is so cool! I really had not looked at it much until this week, for some reason or another. But I did some extensive research this week, and I keep getting more and more pumped! On board there are so many things to do:

• Ice skating
• Rock climbing wall
• In-line skating
• Royal promenade (shopping type environment)
• Themed bars and lounges
• Casino
• Miniature 9-hole golf course
• Golf simulators
• Day spa
• Fitness center
• Pools
• Hot tubs
• Johnny Rockets restaurant
• Portofino Italian restaurant
• Steak & seafood restaurant

And more! I'm hoping Jesse and I can get a couple's massage together, like we did on our honeymoon. At that time, we had our massage, overlooking the beautiful mountains. How cool would it be to have it this time looking over the Caribbean? We are also going to gamble!! Haha- neither of us have ever done it before, so we are setting a very low budget, knowing we will go blow it. But, hey- you got to do it at some point in your life, right? Why not now?

For dinner, they have different dress codes. Jesse is not very happy about this, insisting that he does not want to dress all formal on his vacation. I would be okay with one formal night, but two seem a bit much. So I imagine on those nights, we might go eat at one of the other on-board, casual restaurants. Who knows. Truly, we both want to play the whole week by ear, with no schedule and no plan. Easier for him than for me, but I'm trying to get into the spirit.

We both need a vacation desperately. And we are EXCITED.

BUT...this will be the first time to leave Ryleigh- ever. Sure, we have gone on day visits to College Station, or out on dates at night, but she has never slept away from us. Well, she has never slept away from me. Honestly, I know she will be in good hands, but it is so hard nonetheless. Ryleigh will be staying with my parents, and luckily, my sisters, Susan and Julie, will be home during the week. It works out pretty perfectly, with Sus and Juls watching her during the day, so Mom and Dad don't have to take off work. I'm worried that it might be slightly overwhelming for them- Ryleigh can be quite a hand-full! But I know they will take good care of her, and all three of them will have a blast! They are going to think I'm crazy...I typed out tons of notes and information, pertaining to her schedule, feeding, doctor information, and of course Mommy tips! Jesse referred to my "book" as a "technical document for caring for Ryleigh." That was not my intention, but sure, in a sense, that's what it is. I'm really just trying to help as much as I can. It makes me feel better knowing I have done all I can. YES, I know she will be fine. I don't know if I will be fine... :) It might be a long week, without my baby.

So! We leave in four and half days! I have started packing and organizing everything as best I can. I'm sure I will forget something, but oh well. There is a lot of STUFF to pack and items to remember!

Please say a little prayer for our safety on the boat, Ryleigh's time with her grandparents and aunts, my time away from Ryleigh, and an incredible bonding time for Jesse and I. Thanks, and I'll be back with pictures and stories soon!