Mexico, Texaco, All the Way to Mexico!

Bryce and I in our "formal" attire before dinner. I guess you can consider a shirt, tie, and flip flops formal when you are on a cruise ship bound for Mexico!

It actually happened! Bryce and I took out first cruise. WE have been talking about doing this for years now and I was sure that it was never going to be a reality. BUT, we boarded the Royal Caribbean ship Vision of the Seas on Sunday May 18th and our epic journey began. I can hardly believe the pictures I am posting, because it almost seems like it didn't happen. I feel, already, that I never left Des Moines and I never cruised to Mexico. I don't have a ton of pictures right now, but there are more to come. With twelve people flashing their cameras at every turn, I am assured there are more photos on their way to me. And when I get them, I will give them to you!

Dinner with the Jolley Family. This was our first "formal" dinner on board the ship. Most agreed that dinner was the highlight of the whole vacation. We got to eat such delicacies as duck, snails, lobster tail, prime rib, Atlantic salmon, creme brule, and countless other fantastic foods.

The other side of the table. Obviously that empty spot by Bryce was where I sat. We pretty much kept this seating arrangement the whole time we were on board. Conner and Summer were always treated first, and it seems our table was extra popular because we had two adorable kids with us.

Laying out on deck was a must for all of us girls. It was a little cold most the days we were at sea, but his day was perfect. I could have slept there for days. Here we were on the very front of the ship looking out into an endless blue with the optimal amount of sun beating on us. Can, it be more perfect that this?

I told Kailey and Lacey to strike model poses on the stairs. This is what I got, but I guess this could be model posed. I think they look better than models. This just gives you a small taste of what our boat was like.

Girls Night At the Movies

I got invited to spend the night with a bunch of amazing girls this Tuesday. Everyone, especially my husband, should be very proud of me for going because I have a tendency to be a hermit. I am so glad that I went! We went to coldstone to get ice cream and then saw Made of Honor. The ice cream of course was fantastic beyond description, but the movie left something to be desired. Granted, I had pretty low expectations for I had heard the movie wasn't that wonderful. And, guess what, it wasn't that wonderful. BUT, the company and the conversation was more than wonderful. Here Amanda, Natalie, and Brittany settle in their seats before the movie starts.

Karin, Me, and Jenni really had a good time. As you can see, I have a turtleneck and a winter coat on. Yes, it is spring, but I FREEZE in movie theaters. I also have been on a make-up strike so I am so happy that all of you get to see me face nude. I do look a little scared that I'm getting my picture taken don't I.

P.S. Jenni, Karin and Amanda are all three on to bigger and better parts of their lives. They get to say so long, farewell to Des Moines and get going with the rest of forever! Good Luck Girls, I will miss you all. Thanks for letting me be a part of this good bye night.

Cruise Cruise Cruise

Vision of the Seas Cruise Ship.

Cabo San Lucas. One of our three ports to stop at.

Mazatlan.

Puerto Vallarta.

Mothers Day is for Moms

Lots of Grandkids and a Grandma

1st photo: Starting at top - Tyler Shuldberg, Celinda (Grandma) Hamblin, Jed Hamblin, Zach Shuldberg, Jake Hamblin, Rohne Klein, Taylee Klein, Cameron Shuldberg, and Josh Hamblin. 2nd photo: Starting at top - Tyler Shuldberg, Zach Shuldberg, Jed Hamblin, Jake Hamblin, Taylee Klein, Rohne Klein, Josh Hamblin, and Cameron Shuldberg. Recently all of my mothers grandkids were at the same place at the same time. That doesn't happen very often because they all live in seperate places. Idaho, Utah, and Seattle. They had to make sure this moment was captured. Here is my Mom and all her Grandkids. The photos are scanned so they aren't the best. Poor Tay is the only girl. She is soon to be outnumbered even more because Ben and Heidi are going to have another boy.

Walk that Walk

New SHOES! I don't know if I love anything more than a new pair of running shoes. I would buy a new pair every month if I could. But, a great price, and a special occasion definitely make a purchase like this possible. Bryce and my bitrthdays are in the next week and so we ordered some new shoes for ourselves. (not to mention the 7 day cruise we go on in 10 days) I immediately got my running garb on and took a turn around town. I love the spring for running, not to hot, and a nice breeze to wick off the sweat. This is my first time in a pair of Asics and I have to say that I am impressed. I am a huge Nike fan myself, but I am loving these. Don't we have such hottsie tottsie legs here!

Special Delivery!

I know I know, another post about the cat. But, cut me some slack! I have no children yet and the cutest thing to put on here is this cat. Anyway, Bryce and I got new asics running shoes for our Birthdays and they finally came. He gets them super discounted through the school. Some crazy idea that if the company gets podiatrists to like their shoes they will reccommend them to people. I know, wierd! ;)

We got the shoes out and tried them on immediately. I took mine for a quick run, and when I came home Seven was in the box. No one put him there either, he just got right in and took a little snooze. I thought it was definitely blog worthy. What a character!

Black on Black

Those of you know now me well, know that I am an animal fanatic. I could be, but I'm not, one of those people who have wierd posters of dogs with hats on and save the whales bumper stickers. I really really really really love animals. I grew up with all sorts of pets. Dogs, cats, snakes, rats, grashoppers, frogs, etc. You name it we had it. Wyoming of course is teaming with its fair share of cattle, horses, pigs, chicken, and sheep. All of which our family had at one time growing up. Not to mention the deer, antelope, rabbits, squeakies (grounghogs), and any number of wild animals. I am a softy for each and every one of them. I just really can never get enough of any animal. So, naturally, since I moved away from my blessed country home abound with my precious animals, has had it's heart breaks for me. BUT, no one get too upset, because as you can see from my picture . . . I HAVE A CAT! Introducing . . . drum roll please . . . SEVEN. (yes, he is named after the idea George had on Seinfeld. I didn't name him that though, his previous owner did)

Cruisin' in Style!

I ventured to many different places to try on swimming suits this week. I usually get home from swim suit shopping and am just depressed. It's the lighting in the dressing rooms, they show every flaw. At least that is what I tell myself, it's really not me right?! Anyhow, I was pretty discouraged and was ready to go home after over three hours of searching, when I came to the target clearance rack and stumbled upon this beauty.

I actually didn't realize that the pattern on the suit was butterflies until I got home and tried it on. I thought it was just a paisley pattern. I'm not a huge fan of butterflies, but this actually works really great don't you think!

I've never tried the skirt bottoms before, and I hope they don't bug me. It sure is nicer to have those upper thighs covered though, I feel a lot more comfortable walking around. I feel like I don't need a huge beach towel draped over me the whole time I am out of the water. AND, no board shorts, which is usually another necessary accessory I need in order to allow myself into a swimming suit. HOORAY FOR TARGET!