Romantic Movies

I dragged Dave to a movie last night - yes, to a chick flick. It wasn't the greatest movie I have ever seen but it had a happy ending. (And no one died, no guns, swords, explosions, nuclear weapons, etc. which is reason enough to celebrate.)

Dave typically only tolerates my type of movies - just as I only tolerate his. He always mocks them once the credits start to roll and pretends he enjoyed the last two hours full of love and frivolity.

I got to thinking after the movie that husbands should be more willing to go to chick flicks. You see, watching others in love and seeing happy endings usually puts wives in a more euphoric mood, and that can only mean good things for husbands. Next time your husband complains about seeing something romantic, remind him that a combination of his good behavior and the romance on the screen may be to his benefit in the end. How can he say no to that?

Fun Day at Sea - Day 7

Dave and I hung out all day and made our rounds aboard the ship - including a tour of the kitchens. It was a little bittersweet knowing today is the last day. We sure did have fun living in this fantasy world where people serve you three meals a day, make your beds twice a day, and where cell phones are completely obsolete. We can hardly wait until we can take a cruise again!

Grand Cayman, BWI - Day 6

It poured rain all day long here at Grand Cayman. The local people said they really needed the rain but it spoiled our day. We were supposed to go on a Pirate Adventure in honor of the many pirates that stationed here. However, the Adventure was canceled because of the rain.

Still, we made lemonade out of lemons and decided instead to see the town. We jumped in a taxi van and took a grand city tour - in the rain. What we saw of Cayman was beautiful. It is definitely a place I would love to see again - without the rain.

That's Hell, Grand Cayman


So named for these jagged black rocks in the background


Pirates at Tortuga Rum Cake Factory


You should have seen the crowd all gathered around the free samples
We watched from a distance


Here we are at the dolphin encounter where others from our ship were swimming with the dolphins


And finally, warm and dry and all gussied up for dinner

Isla Roatan, Honduras - Day 5

Today was also a relaxing day spent with Dave. We bought tickets on the sky ride and landed at Mahogany Beach where we played in the water and slept under the sun. While I browsed the port shops Dave went on a zip line adventure. I have always wanted to go to Honduras (because most of the people in my mission were from there). I don't know if this American-influenced island really counts as having traveled there, but it was fun to be so close and to meet some of the local people who were all so very kind.

Belize - Day 4

Sorry about the lack of pictures from Belize. While all others in our party went out on excursions, I made a quiet day of it. I did a little shopping at the port, then back on the ship I took a leisurely lunch followed by a few hours of reading by the pool. Not a lot of opportunity for pictures but it was one of my favorite days at sea.

I finished the first book in the series and got a good start on the second book. These are the adventures of four unusually talented children who work together to solve mysteries and help the adults in their lives. The first was good but got slow at times; the second is a page-turner. I recommend them but you have to read them in order.

photo credits here and here

Cozumel, Mexico - Day 3

Today we docked at the pretty island of Cozumel, Mexico then boarded a ferry that took us to Playa del Carmen on the mainland. From there we traveled to the amazing ruins of Tulum, an ancient Mayan civilization built on a beautiful stretch of beach. Seeing this crumbling city made me reflect on the people from the Book of Mormon. Tulum was built after Moroni buried the plates but the people who lived here were descendants of the Nephites and Lamanites. Just seeing these old ruins really brought that sacred book of scripture to life. Amazing!

And while we were there I sampled some of the local fare. Delicious! Dave wouldn't try it -- worried about parasites and such. Boy did he miss out, but there was more for me!

Fun Day At Sea - Day 2

Hanging out at the Casino
(looked but didn't touch)


All dressed up for dinner


Dave and his parents


Dave found the arcade onboard - which was supposed to entertain the teenagers, not so much the adults. I loved the blacklights!


Elephant Towel Creation

Cruising - Day 1

Dave and I are taking a vacation from reality aboard the Carnival Glory (with his parents, brother and sister-in-law). We'll be sailing around the Caribbean for the next 7 days, seeing new places, eating fine foods, relaxing and forgetting the cares and worries of home. But the very best part of all is that our cell phones do not work. Hallelujah!

Mr. & Mrs. Erickson

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Erickson were married on Wednesday, May 12 in the Salt Lake Temple. The day was cold but the events were wonderful and they are incredibly happy!

Congratulations, Megan & Mike!