We got into Ft. Lauderdale super early in the morning for a cruise. Because we'd gone all out for the room we were considered the VIP's on board. As I said at the beginning this allowed us quick embarking and at the end it allowed us early debarking too. Our luggage was picked up from our room the night before so we didn't have to haul it ourselves.
We took our very ripe, yummy mango from Antigua and asked the waiter in the restaurant to slice it up for us. I don't know if I said it or not, but most often we ate at the breakfast bar in the morning. One morning we were taking it slower and ate at the big restaurant. We had so much fun that day. We sat at a very large family style round table with lots of people we didn't know. Thankfully on a cruise, not knowing others doesn't last more than a smile and a shared passion for over-medium eggs. We met some great people that day. So when we had the chance to eat, we chose to do it at the restaurant again. We met some more great people and REALLY enjoyed that mango for breakfast.
At some point we realized it was time to go. I have to say, I was a bit sad and a bit ready. Can't tell which feeling was stronger at that point. I can only vacation for so long before I'm ready to go home. Thankfully, that wasn't the end of our time alone, but it was time to get off the ship. That's when we got our bill and I freaked just a bit. We had spent a lot at the spa! Chris was good though. Where we had paid our parking and our Ft. Lauderdale hotel in advance it wasn't a big deal as it could have been.
I think the hardest part for me was eating at a Wendy's for lunch. I know, isn't that strange? After being treated to such good food, without paying, it was kind of an odd shock to sit in a fast food place and know I'd paid for something that wasn't near as good! Anyway, we explored a bit that day in Florida and grabbed some food for our little mini fridge, but eventually just hung out in the hotel and went to bed early.
Ok, not so early - we were on vacation! We actually spent the evening discussing the history of US foreign policy. I know doesn't sound real interesting for most people and no, my husband did not tie me to a chair and force me to listen. I asked some questions that led into the discussion. It was such a fascinating topic and Chris is so knowledgeable on it and patient with me that I kept asking questions. I love history and for those of you who don't know, I really enjoy politics. It's just so rare to talk about it outside our marriage. Most men don't want to know what I think about politics - in general I'm assumed to be as uninterested as the other women they know, and most women are not interested in politics or tend to just relate what their husbands say. I'm not knocking girls or guys, I'm just saying that Chris is the only one who really knows how interesting and fun I find politics. It was amazing and I took notes so I wouldn't forget! Chris thought it was really funny and I'm sure, a bit flattering though he'd never say so.
We knew we only had a couple days, but our first full day in Ft. Lauderdale we did... absolutely nothing! I mean it too. We slept in late, woke up to our mini fridge breakfast and went back to bed. Literally for the rest of the day we sat in bed and watched TV - Jaws to be exact and some other watery adventures. At some point we got hungry for a real meal and got out of bed in time for dinner and a movie. I know, like we didn't watch enough that day or something. We went to the third installment of the Transformers in 3D.
The next day was pure fun. We went to the beach! We knew that we wanted to go snorkeling again before we left the coast, and due to our fabulous wandering capabilities we'd found a great place and a dive shop that loaned us some gear for super cheap. We grabbed some Subway and lots of quarters for the parking. It was such a great time. We loved it especially since Hurricane Irene was on it's way and we knew people would be having to go home soon. School for most of the kids had just started as well so there were very few tourists to deal with. Great for us.
We had such a wonderful time. I love the water! Can't stand how salty the ocean is. I guess that's what happens when you grow up in an area with lots of fresh water to play in! We played in and out of the waves and laid in the sun. It was such a great afternoon. When we were done at the beach we were soooo tired. We found a great place to eat for dinner and so enjoyed the rest of the evening.
So on Wed we jumped in the car and headed home. The drive wasn't that bad, Chris and I have been traveling by car for a long time. We love to see new places and do new things. So anyway, after a 10hr drive we finally made it home.
It was so great to see my kids. They didn't seem bigger this time (guess not enough time had passed), but they sure were fun to hold and cuddle. The next couple of days we just spent time showing them pictures and giving out the fun presents we'd collected. The best part was Chris didn't have to go back to work right away!
And that was our fabulous 10th anniversary celebration! Thanks for reading!
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