Happy Holidays 2011

An Italian dinner at Johnny Carrino's started the evening, then it was off to Mom's for the gifts. I surprised them all with a Chinese gift exchange to start things off.

Several gifts were stolen...Dale took Johnny's remote control car, Lanell took Johnny's Starbucks gift certificate, Chelsea wasted no time in stealing Grandma's cute knit hat, and Hollie took Grandma's movie gift certificate. Grandma got the last gift which was an insulated glass and a Sonic gift certificate. Next it was time to open gifts one by one, so all could see the action.
Brinkley, Brian and Hollie's puppy was all dressed up in her Christmas outfit complete with bling...she got held and loved a bunch. What a cutie!!
We all grabbed our cameras and the kids and Brinkley had to endure photo time.....they survivied!
Ross helped Dale get his remote control car up and running and even set up a small driving course. Next Lexi put together her cotton candy machine with the help of Ross and Nick....she whipped up some yummy peppermint cotton candy. Everyone got a taste! All were on a sugar high by the time they left!!!
The party ended, a good time was had by all!!!

Crusing on Mariner of the Seas

Bags packed, we drove to Galveston to board our ship, Mariner of the Seas for a week long cruise. Imagine our surprise as we were unloading our bags to see our friends, Bill and Joanie boarding the same ship...small world! We settled in our cabin 6655, unpacked, and enjoyed dinner in the dining room. Our first day at sea was spent in the gym and the solarium, since it was kinda windy and cool on deck. Tuesday, Cozumel was our first port, but high winds and rough seas cancelled my diving with Cristina...dang! Dinner that night at Portofino's with Bill and Joanie was delicious, especially after the yummy desserts.

Wednesday, Grand Cayman was our second port, but again high winds and rough seas spoiled all our plans...dang! Wednesday night we attended the ice show, pretty good. Thursday, Falmouth, Jamaica was our final port and we awoke to rain, but it did clear up and we went ashore to look around. We did a brief tour and saw an old church, but the area is poverty stricken and our tour had a police escort, very sad. Friday and Saturday we had sunshine, clear skies and smooth cruising....so we hit the gym and then the hot tubs to relax. Saturday night Dale and I enjoyed dining at Portofino's again. We enjoyed the cruise even though the weather didn't cooperate, we met new friends and had many interesting conversations on board. We especially enjoyed having cocktails at the "Diamond Cocktail Party" every night before dinner. Getting off the ship was a breeze and we arrived home shortly after lunch.