Mexican Riviera Cruise - SO FUN!

We had the great opportunity of taking the family on a cruise. We had originally planned it for spring break but we got an exceptional deal so we took the kids out of school for the week and headed to LA to depart on a 7 night mexican riviera cruise. We were lucky to be able to have my parents go too. We left on Nov.8 and returned on the 15th. Here is our home away from home during that week : Royal Caribbeans Mariner of the Seas! (picture taken in Cabo as we passed it on our excursion) Lots of behind the scene things happen to make sure everyone has a fabulous time! Here are some watermelons, fruit flowers and an ice sculpture we found in one of the dining areas as we arrived on the ship. To say how elaborate everything was really can't describe the reality.

One of our favorite spots, the pool. In the center was a live band which performed all afternoon everyday!

Here we are getting ready to pull away from San Pedro harbor in LA

Chris and Lindsay as we leave. Notice the other ship behind them.

Off we go on our adventure!

Cruise - Day 1 at SEA

Our first day on the cruise, we found ourselves exploring the massive ship! There were so many things to do and see, it's hard to describe! The 3 little kids went to the "adventure ocean" to play. That's a glorified word for babysitting. They had tons of activities, art and games for the kids! The rest of us found other things to keep us busy. Chris, dad, Lindsay and Emily playing miniature golf. More miniature golf!

And still, golf!

Mom found a nice lounge chair to sit and read!

Kenna and I were the most adventurous and went to the rock climbing wall. This was a huge rock wall, it had 6 different ways up. I can proudly say, I made it to the top and rang the bell. Kenna can't say the same, but according to Chris who went later in the week, my course was easy and hers wasn't. It let me know just how out of shape I'm in, as it seriously kicked my butt!

Here I am making my way to the top, Kenna is a little lower and to the right just starting her way up.

This dolphin was all over the ship so we had to get a picture. Lindsay has many pictures with him, I think he had a crush on her : )

My five cute girls overlooking the "promenade" at the end of our hallway. This was seriously a huge ship! Along the promenade are shops, a deli, Ben and Jerry's ice cream and tons of things to see!

On this day, the sports crew planned a family scavenger hunt. We signed up along with about 10 other families. We were given questions about the ship and crew that we had to find the answers to all around the ship. We couldn't use elevators or run. Jace couldn't keep up and Chris didn't want to carry him up and down all the flights of stairs so they quit and it was just me and the girls! GAME ON!!!
I will proudly announce "THE JACKSONS ROCK!" That's right, we came in first place, here we are showing off our gold medals!

Another favorite thing was the hot tub and pools. Surprisingly, I don't have a picture of any of the kids on here with ice cream. There was a self serve soft ice cream place and my kids were ALWAYS eating it. One after another!

Grandpa wrapping a towel around Baylie after a swim.

We had two formal nights in the dining room. Getting dressed up for the dining room wasn't my favorite thing, but the food was sure fantastic!

First formal night, day one. Jace wasn't too thrilled either.

Second formal night day 5.

The whole clan

Cruise - First stop, Cabo San Lucas - Day 2

Our first port was Cabo San Lucas! Beautiful turquoise waters, warm temps, and again, yummy food! Lindsay, Makenna and my dad went on a different excursion so we have no pics of them at this port. We had booked an excursion called "the semi sub." This was a submarine looking boat, but it never left the surface of the water. We crawled down inside, which took us to 8 feet below and it went to different parts of Cabo. Here is the "yellow submarine" with Emily and Ali. Jace and I inside the submarine. Good thing it was air conditioned, it was roasting outside!

Just a few of the beautiful marine life we saw from the windows!

Cabo's famous arch at Land's end. That's where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet. It's the last form of land (actually rock) along Baja California!

Lover's beach! They say on the other side it's called divorce beach.

After our submarine excursion, we walked along the pier, ate at solomons landing (another yummy restaurant we found last Nov.) and shopped ! Chris and Jace, I just loved this picture!

We stopped at looked at what was on the menu at Lorenzillo's lobster bar. Tons of live lobster! Which one should I choose?

We had a fabulous day in Cabo and at this point were looking forward to the other ports of call!

Cruise - next stop, Mazatlan Day 3

When we arrived in Mazatlan, our plan was to head to the beach and hang out! Lindsay had the opportunity to parasail, grandma taught the kids to body surf, and we rented a couple of wave runners. (camera battery died, so pictures of us on wave runners. A real bummer because Jace is obsessed with them and had a fantastic time)
Lindsay all harnessed up and ready to take off! She's trying to understand this mexican telling her what to do ; ) Her take off video is at the end. Grandma showing the kids how to body surf! Way to go mom!

Makenna's attempt, notice she's behind the wave? She just missed it, but they did catch on! Grandma to the far right, Lindsay holding Baylie, Emily in the middle and Chris holding Jace and Ali. The water couldn't have been more perfect! We all loved just hanging around swimming in the warm water.

Emily and Lindsay!

Makenna getting up from a body surfing attempt. SO FUN!

Getting ready to head in! SMILE GIRLS!

Lindsay's parasailing take off video.

Cruise - Last stop, Puerto Vallarta - Day 4

Our final port was Puerto Vallara. This is my favorite city, we've been here a lot and I love it every time we go! I love the "old" mexican cobblestone streets, the fact that it's not as commercialized as some of the other mexican cities and of course, the food! Chris took Emily and Ali to swim with the dolphins so they missed out on our fun! They weren't allowed to take pictures during their excursion so we didn't get to see the cute girls with the dolphins, I heard they did fantastic! Me and Jace riding the bus into town from the ship.

Shopping the flea markets, I love it! I love bargaining with the vendors and the feeling of getting a good deal! Jace didn't want to walk, EVER!

Me and Jace in our best "nacho libre" looks! You can find these masks at almost every vendor in the flea market!

The city itself has many awesome statues and structures along the "malecon" which over looks the ocean and the hotel zone in the background!

Me and mom, OLE'!

Puerto Vallarta's famous arches! (Still along the malecon)

Baylie and Kenna strike a pose near the mermaid statue!

And finally, I could write about Puerto Vallarta without telling you of my FAVORITE restaurant there. It's called Pipi's (if you ever go there, it's a must) We found this restaurant about 2 years ago and loved it so much went there 3 times that week. I knew I had to eat there at this stop of the cruise! Lindsay enjoyed it too!

Cruise - Day 5&6 at SEA

Days 5-6 were spent at sea heading back to LA. This is our fantastic waiter Cornel, he was from Romania, with mom. Say cheese!Jace and grandpa with the lion at the end of our hallway.

Two of these last days were spent doing a lot of ice skating. We were able to watch an ice show but no pictures were allowed to be taken during the show. It was an amazing show! We all loved it! Lindsay and Kenna turning the corner!

Ali spent A LOT of time falling but loved every second of it! Lindsay gave her the title of "professional ice faller" which she thought was awesome! She was the one who never wanted to get off the ice! Lindsay helping her up, again.

Emily with a nice grin! Havin' a ball!

Jace wasn't so sure of the ice skating and didn't last long at all. He's hanging on the Kenna for dear life, and wanted her to carry him. Lindsay and Emily watch.

Lindsay, Emily and Baylie! Cute sisters.

Chris trying to help Jace, he still didn't like it and got off at this point, I think he might be crying in the picture.

Kenna and Emily chillin' out in on of the port hole windows. Such a beautiful view of the ocean.

Mom and dad, not sure what mom was looking at. Cute couple and we were so glad they were with us.

Three cute kids waiting to watch one of the 3 parades that went down the "promenade" during the week! This one was a fairy tale parade.

Goofing around and the dinner table. Jace proudly puts his napkin on his head!

Baylie and I got caught coming out of the restroom : )

Captain Johnny! Everyday he would announce "good morning, good morning, this is captain Johnny speaking to you from the bridge!" Cracked us up! We couldn't understand a word he was saying other than that. He is from Norway.

We all had a great time and enjoyed the fantastic 90 degree weather Mexico had to offer. It was so fun to get to spend time together and enjoy each other as well as grandma and grandpa. We are blessed to be a family! This is a vacation we won't soon forget! We are all looking forward to another!