CRUISIN' the Carribean!

MIAMI

Brian and I were so fortunate to be able to go on a cruise with other EF Foundation (the exchange student program) friends!  We left our kids in the hands of a mission companion of mine, Grandma Kenna and many good neighbors who also helped out.  Our 1st stop was a Miami!  We arrived in good time and were able to do some sight seeing there before we boarded the ship the next day.  We headed down the Piers with one of my friends and co-workers, Teresa Tomita!  The piers had a very nice ambiance and we truly enjoyed our 1st night!  Starting with a great meal at Bubba Gumps!  (oh yeah!)

We told the kids that this was Tarzan's tree!  So many vines to swing from!

"Run Forrest, Run!"

Our future Yacht!

I don't remember what was happening here, but I think they either look like they were trying to dance, or she was gearing up to slap Brian across the face!  Either way it's a funny picture!

Miami skyline.

We're on the SHIP!  Goodbye Miami!

The occasional live band on board!

Turning around to head out to sea!

Key West
Our 1st port was Key West, Florida.  We went to bed and woke up there...so very cool!

We found our 1st Alligator to show the kids - her name was Bridget!

An odd customer in a Key West store!

The other ships docked at Key West

Goodbye Key West - Hello Sudoku!

Nassau, Bahamas

The  who EF group went on an Snorkeling excursion in Nassau!  We were greeted by a very fun, friend and vibrant staff aboard a large catamaran.  "Hello clear waters!"

A picture with my bosses! 
Dan Soderaval (EF Foundation President), Kamala (my local IF boss and dear friend) and Bob Fredette (EF Foundation Vice President)!

Kamala and Fred Free

Notice the Hotel "Atlantis" in the background!

The "MAILBOAT!" was awesome

Our driver...he didn't seem nearly as entertained as us!





The entire Free family!

Crystal clear water!

Animal towels!  We had a VERY sweet room attendant!

I convinced Teresa to get up there and Karaoke...I don't think she was all that pleased that I left her up there alone!
She did great!

Teresa and her sister

What a cutie!

Where in the world do they keep large ice sculptures on  a ship?  It's amazing what they do!

This must be one of the 1st 2 little piggy's!

 Coco Cay

The Royal Caribbean's remote, private island!

No explanation needed!

We took an early morning kayak ride and LOVED IT!  Sting Rays, Star Fish, Jelly Fish, etc...!  SO beautiful!

Little Lizard on a Little Island!

Brian stumbled upon a beach volleyball competition, hosted by the cruise!  One of the teams needed an extra player!  They were awesome!  It was double elimination!



He was a valuable player...see?!



They WON the tournament and received "gold" medals!

Awesome lunchtime entertainment on the island!

We snorkeled and saw a sunken airplane and some old cannons from an old ship!  Also, lots of beautiful fish...and scary jellyfish!

Mariah and Kamala Free - Beach Babes!

The man in the background has significant meaning and was my reason for taking this picture.  Kamala and daughter Madeline (who is married to a young man named Fletcher) giggled every time they saw him because they thought he looked like Fletcher in about 30 years!  He, of course, was nicknamed Fletcher on the trip!

Our last dinner and "meet the chef's!"

Our lovely and patient server!

Angie Redford and her family!

The head waiter!



Angie and her sisters were quite the entertainers the last night on the ship!