Key West, Florida and the snorkeling mishap

Some of the beautiful homes on the Key West shoreline


One of the 2 boats that was taken out to snorkel (we were on the other)




Our third destination was to Key West, Florida. It was absolutely beautiful! The water was gorgeous, it was a blueish teal color. Since we had so much fun on the jetskis yesterday, we decided to rent jetskis again. Since it was first thing in the morning we got the whole bay to ourselves! There was no traffic - just imagine having Mission Bay all to yourselves! We had a 4 mile radius to stay in, and it was just us! The waves were still choppy from hurricane fay, so needless to say we got some AIR with those jetskis. I got up to 52 miles an hour, and then hurriedly slowed down as I calculated how far I would of gotten thrown if I had biffed it on one of the waves. Unfortunately our underwater camera was the only thing we could bring so I'll have to post those pictures later from the CD that was made for those ones.





Then right after our hour of jetskis, we went straight to our sail and snorkel adventure. This was quite the..... adventure. Let me tell you a funny and TRUE (yes, I can laugh about it now that its over) about what really happened snorkeling.

We got on the sail boats which took us an hour out to the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world. The water was pretty choppy (thanks a lot fay) it was more like snorkeling in the ocean since the waves was so choppy. We got on our gear and jumped off the boats to go take a look around. I kept getting mouthfuls of saltwater, which at this time its about 2pm and the breakfast that I had eaten that morning was long gone. So, mouthfuls of saltwater on an empty stomach. After about 1/2 hour of snorkeling around the reef I got this overwhelming feeling of uneasiness and swam back to the boat, got my gear off, and grabbed a cup at the bar - and I threw up. After that not so lovely incident I went to go sit down and collapse where I had on the way to the reef. Only I noticed that it wasn't our stuff sitting there. It as someone else's. Then it hit me. My head swung around to the left and then I realized it............ I WAS ON THE WRONG BOAT. Oh, it just keeps getting better and better! Since they had an exact head count on the boats, I needed to go back to my boat. Could they drive the boat over there? NOPE, I had to swim it. I took a few minutes to compose myself and then grabbed some of my gear and jumped off the boat again to swim over to the boat I was actually supposed to be on. Those pictures are on the underwater camera too, so I need to get the CD to upload those pics. What a day!

Coco Cay, Bahamas

Sunscreen 101: This is what happens when you dont put on sunscreen - rainy day or not!!!


The fleet of jet skis


our cruise ship out in the distance, they had to ferry us in since the water was too shallow for the cruiseliner.

Coco Cay is a private island in the Bahamas that Royal Caribbean owns so that was our second stop.





We were able to go snorkeling here and ride jet skis for the first time - we each paid to get our very own one to drive - a guide took us around the island . The water was beautiful as we zoomed out to different places, the water under us was clear - and it was translucent emerald green! Gorgeous. Snorkeling was fun too, unfortunately the water was murky (this is what we get for taking a cruise in hurricane season) - the waves were pretty choppy but we had fun anyways and got quite the workout swimming around with our fins.

Formal dinner night

After touring Nassau for the day we got showered up and ready for our Formal Dinner night on the cruiseline. We sat directly across from another LDS couple from Utah that had just gotten married - and next to us we had a great Kosher couple as well. The 6 of us had a great time talking at dinners during the week!

I got my dress off of ebay of course - it was brand new, and I was able to get it for 90 dollars with shipping - the retail on it was around 600 dollars. I was so excited to wear it! I haven't had anything to get this dressed up for in a while - not since PROM and my wedding day! So I decided I was going to do it right. (Oh yes - as I'm sure you noticed - Brian finally shaved his head!)

Nassau - Part two: Sunshine!!!

The rain went away for a few hours and we were able to get a better look at the water - this is what I came for!!! The water is just absolutely breathtaking!! The sand is incredible - its a light beige color - so clean, so unspoiled!!

We were the first ones on the beach since we didn't care if we had to swim in the rain or not - and we got to be the first ones to take pictures of the unspoiled beach before all the footprints were embedded in the sand from others.

I wish we would of been able to snorkel, this water was just incredible! You could see down about 30 feet without any equipment. It still takes my breath away. (After being here, I dont know how we can ever go to a San Diego beach again)

I still can't believe we made it here! I can't wait to come back one day again!!

Nassau, Bahamas Part one: RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

We took a taxi over to Paradise Island to go to the beach and to see the hotel Atlantis. Our snorkeling adventure got cancelled due to the rain. That was a bummer!



Inside the Atlantis hotel



The Atlantis hotel across the bay on Paradise Island.

Well, the first day in Nassau - it was pouring rain! We decided to make the best of it and got in our swim clothes and then went to tour Nassau - we didn't come this far just to sit on the boat! We got drenched head to toe, but it was worth it! The drivers on Nassau are absolutely crazy - it reminded me of New York City back in 2001. I was honestly worried that we would make it unscathed to Paradise Island.

Lightning Strikes on the waters.....

Our cabin stateroom



Monday night Brian went out to take some pictures of the nasty thunder and lightning storm that was raging on the open waters.

Bahamas Vacation: Day 1 Sunday/Monday

Our hotel suite in Miami the night before the cruise


Checking in for the cruise




On the cruise ship in the main lobby - Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas


The Miami downtown coastline

Brian and I were lucky enough to go on the trip of a lifetime! My wonderful mom flew down from Utah so that Brian and I could go on a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas to celebrate our 10th anniversary. I've always wanted to see the gorgeous waters of the Caribbean for my own eyes. It was so worth it!





Brian and I went to Sacrament meeting and then we drove ourselves to the Ontario airport, and flew out to Fort Lauderdale, FL. We stayed overnight in Miami hotel - the hilton - we were able to get a suite and it only cost us 70 bucks on hotwire!

Dancing at Seaport Village

The kids got into the music for a little bit - I thought the photos were too cute!

I heart Craigslist!

As you know, I just love craigslist, and this is my newest find! It's a pottery barn white linen oversized chair! They still had it wrapped from their move. It's in great condition, and it was only 75 dollars. I put it in our master bedroom, where I was wanting to put an oversized white chair. Gutsy with kids, but I love it!

The Crazy Hat Shoppe

We enjoyed a fun weekend with my sisters and mom - we went swimming in the morning, took a nap in the afternoon, and then went to Seaport Village! The kids rode the Carousel, saw a juggler with fire sticks, and we had lots of fun trying on all the crazy hats in the crazy hat shoppe!

4th of July

On the 4th of July we enjoyed spending time with Kevin and Marilyn's family, as well as taking a swim at the Hadad's in the afternoon. Tyler had no fear of the water, and loved being underwater and would even smile at you underwater! He loved jumping off the ledge into the water! He's definitely a water baby! Now time for those swimming lessons...

Our 10th Anniversary!

The morning of our anniversary I woke up to lots of roses- in the kitchen, the dining room table, and by the big screen TV. We can't believe how fast the time has flown! We got a babysitter for the kids and enjoyed the day at Glen Ivy swimming in their mineral pools and spas and then went to Corona for massages. It made for a great relaxing day!

Carter's End of School Awards

At Carter's end of the year assembly, he received two awards! One award was from the principal called the Principal's Award, and the other was a library award with a medal. We're really proud of Carter doing great job in school!