boston's french quarters: Cousins Cruisen' 2009

This January Monte and I went on a cruise to the Western Caribbean with his cousins Erik and Adam and their wives Nancy and Jamie. We planned the trip over a year ago! So let's just say we were very excited when the day finally came! We flew to Houston, where Adam and Jamie live, and stayed at their beautiful new home one night. The next day we drove to Galveston and boarded the Carnival Conquest (after a brief fog delay). We spent two fantastic days at sea and then arrived at our first port: Montego Bay, Jamaica. We had a great day at the beach, very relaxing and beautiful. We ate conk fritters and drank Red Stripe beer. We also did some snorkeling and some fancy dives off the trampoline. The boys replenished their rum supply. The next day we arrived in Grand Cayman. Monte and I went on a Stingray and Snorkel excursion while Adam and Jamie went to the 7 mile beach and dined at the Ritz. Erik & Nancy went kayaking through the mangroves. We met up later at Margaritaville, only to be surprised by a free, very private, Jimmy Buffett concert! To top it off, later back on the ship, we ended the day with a five star dining experience at the Supper Club (fancy apps, fillet mignon, lobster tail, exquisite desserts). Our last port was Cozumel. This is where we entered the Amazing Cozumel Race. (kind of like the reality show) It was girls against boys, and the competition had been building for months. Things started out with the boys taking the lead, they were really kicking our butts. But, one mistake sent them miles in the wrong direction. In the end, neither team won (there were 7 teams in all - i think), but the Girls did beat the boys! We came in 4th place. Yeah!!!! Our last day of vacation was another day at sea. The boys continued their Shuffleboard competition and us girls worked on our tans. Nancy and I also did a 1 mile Breast Cancer Walk on the ships track. Carnival raises about 1 thousand dollars per cruise for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. We ended our cruise with one more delicious Supper Club dining experience. (trying to make sure we gained as much weight as possible during this vacation!) The next day we headed back to the airport, and sadly said goodbye to everyone. We were depressed the trip was over, but were ready to head home and give Gabby and Aiden big hugs and kisses. Of course, they were dying for us to return with their souvenirs! One last thing, we would never have been able to make this trip happen if it wasn't for my Mom and Chris. They were so generous to take time off from work and hold down our fort. The kids had a great time with them. Thanks Mom and Chris, We love you!!!!!!!