Graduation and Ten year anniversary Celebration!!!

Jake and I celebrated our ten year anniversary and my college graduation on a cruise to the Caribbean and Mexico!  For first time cruisers we didn't quite know what to expect and were a little apprehensive about getting sea sick, but our trip ended up being everything we hoped it would be! The cruise experience was really fun and entertaining. The food was amazing and displayed so beautifully at every meal. We never got sea sick. The weather was perfect, which was such a nice break from the snow back home. We had such a fun time each day. 

On sea days we would look at our itinerary the maid service would put on our beds the night before. There was always so much to do. Comedy shows, singing and dancing shows, magic shows, karaoke, night clubs, swimming, fitness centers, games, live bands, spas, shopping, hot tubs, and endless amounts of food and drinks. We took advantage of it all. In the morning we'd have an amazing breakfast, Jake would have his omelette and french toast, I would have waffles and fresh fruit and guava juice. After breakfast we would workout with the beautiful panoramic view of the ocean, then lounge by the pool in our swimsuits and enjoy the weather. Then we would have lunch together, see a show, walk around the indoor shops, swim some more, etc. Dinner was always so nice in the southern lights ballroom. We had lobster, fruit bisque, steak, pasta, tropical fruit, more seafood (Jake was in heaven!) and delicious desserts. I am still missing the molten chocolate lava cake I had every night after dinner! 

Being waited on at every meal, having your room cleaned and bed turned down every evening, every meal cooked, and being constantly entertained by the staff was such a treat! We felt so spoiled. It was really nice though being able to relax and enjoy each other's company. We were able to talk so much, and it felt like a six day continuous date! And we didn't get tired of each other ;) We actually missed each other when, funny story, we got separated from each other. 

We only had Jake's phone on the trip because I left mine with Jake's mom since she forgot hers in Seattle. We were always together except one afternoon on the ship Jake went to work out while I wanted to read by the pool instead. So we said we'd meet where I was laying in an hour. Well an hour went by and Jake hadn't returned and I was getting hot and needed shade and a drink. So I walked down a deck to get a drink and sit inside the restaurant. I walked back and thought for sure we would see each other in that area. Nope. We both circled around that part of the ship looking for each other for almost 2 hours! (I will say part of that two hours I stopped at the chocolate extravaganza and Jake stopped for lunch at the seaside BBQ Haha.) Finally I went back to the room and said a prayer and not five minutes later did I find Jake. (Side note, I asked the lobby if they could call his name on the intercom and they they couldn't for missing spouses unless it was a medical emergency haha). 

First day on the cruise! 

So beautiful. It's amazing to me how somethig so huge can float on water. 

Jake took this for our boys, Muhammad Ali. They love Rocky and Ali. 

Our view every morning at breakfast :) 

The chocolate extravaganza! Amazing

We loved the little characters made each night on our bed.  

On our way to the captains dinner elegant evening

Every night in the middle of dinner the lights would dim and all the waiters would do a routine dance and song, it was so fun. Happy guy with his lobster, he ordered three plates of it! 

Awesome dancers at one of the shows. So fun to watch each night. 

Doing some shopping at the candy shop and souvenir shop for the kids. After the third day we were really missing them! 

Mardi Gras night line dancing! 

Our first port- so beautiful and topical! 

We rented a little convertible bug and a tour guide took us all around the island snorkeling, made us a great Caribbean lunch on the beach, gave us a tour of the ruins, and then took us to a private beach where we relaxed and went boogie boarding. It was such a beautiful day. I will never forget that Turqouise water and white sand! 

Our second port was just as beautiful. We were back in Mexico, near where we spent our honeymoon! We got a day pass to an all inclusive resort and spent the day there lounging in hammocks, collecting shells, walking along the shore, looking at all the old nearby local shops, swimming in the warm ocean, and eating the buffet lunch the resort provided. 

Our last day on sea before heading back home! Sitting in the hot tub on a balcony over the ship, so cool. Loved every minute with my handsome hunk! 

It was such a fun party boat, minus all the drunk people that provided a lot of entertainment for us as we people watched haha :) 

Our last sunset on the ship over looking that vast and magnificent ocean. It was so peaceful to watch as the ship sailed into the sun. We miss it all so much. After six fun days in the sun we were ready to see our babies and relieve Jake's mom. We were so glad all was well when we returned and everyone was happy and alive ;) The kids had a great time with grandma and were well behaved. Rae Lea was in tears as she told us how helpful the boys were with Bella when she was fussy those first couple days we were gone, and how helpful they were around the house doing their chores and showing grandma their routines. This made me so happy because as parents you wonder if you're doing things right, and when I heard news like this it made me feel proud that I could leave my kids for several days and find them self sustained and happy. So many thanks to grandma Rae for making it a fun, spiritual, productive time for them! 

After five years total of college, it felt so good to celebrate in this way, it was perfect. And after ten years of marriage, this was a perfect way to celebrate our love and growth. Such momentous occasions!  It was a memory we will never forget and we can't wait to do it again!