vacation recap : formal night

Our third day at sea offered a formal night for dinner. It was fun to see people all dressed up for dinner in tuxes and evening gowns, and the teenage girls in their prom dresses. Great people watching on those ships, I tell you. The Rodg and I went a little more middle of the road. I sported my favorite Free People dress and he left the ascot at home.

vacation recap : half moon cay

Our first day at a port was at Half Moon Cay. It is a private island that is owned by Carnival Cruise Line. It was interesting because there are only 30 people that actually live on the island to maintain it and guide the excursions. The other people who were manning the gift shops, restaurant, and bar came straight off the boat before they let the passengers debark.

Let me tell you, this island was absolutely gorgeous! The water was as clear as a swimming pool, and the sand looked as though it could have been bleached. This place was the definition of paradise.

Look at that sand! We were definitely spoiled by this beach since it was our first port.

Rodger takes in the view while on our "hike & bike" excursion. Our guide kept saying things like "Yah, Mon," and referred to me as "Boo". We learned some interesting facts about the island, got to see some sting rays, and tried a piece of an amazing native fruit (that I'm not even attempting to spell here).

This was the sand bar where you could do the sting ray encounter ($$$). We got to walk up to the dock and check out the rays, starfish, and that long thing that looks like poo is a Sea Cucumber (so I'm told, at least).

vacation recap : i'm on a boat!

The strangest thing about a cruise is cruising. I'm serious. You're residing on a gigantic floating city of a boat for a week. And that boat isn't just a means to getting from port to port, it's a vacation in itself.

So, first and foremost, here's a glimpse of the sea life.

Okay, so I'm not on a boat here. I'm in the Detroit airport. on an escalator... But I like this picture.

The rest of these are on the boat, i swear.
This was our view as we disembarked from Miami.
sunset over the water.
Dinner in the formal dining room. We ordered a fair share off of that menu.
Yes. We cruised the line that makes towel animals. And yes, it was awesome to be greeted by some sort of toweligami like this every night.

it's good to be home!

We just got back late last night from our vacation to the Caribbean. I'm still editing my photos. So here's a little peak at why It's good to be home!

I love my puggies.

my little brother got married!

Last night I attended and photographed my little brother's somewhat impromptu wedding ceremony. It was windy, and the weather threatening, but it turned out to be absolutely gorgeous (even with the imposing storm clouds). Riverscape will forever have a warm little place in my heart.

I don't think I've seen Chuckie that happy since my dad took us to Disney World when he was nine! His bride is the sweetest, most beautiful thing that has brought about an amazing change in my younger bro. He is truly a better person because she is in his life. The two share a love that I've seen in very few people, and I couldn't be more thrilled for them.

Congratulations, Chuck and Kisha Spitzig! I love you both!