Day at Sea

Friday was our last day on the cruise and it was a day at sea.  We slept in a bit and then got breakfast.  After that we all met as a family. 

It was July 4th so dad shared some thoughts on our country and how Heavenly Father guided our forefathers to make this country a free country.  I am so grateful to live in the United States of America,  it really is the land of freedom and opportunity.  Our country needs some help, politicians are out of control and power-hungry, but I do believe that Heavenly Father is guiding this nation and will continue to do so as long as we turn to Him.

Mom and dad have always been very patriotic and taught us to love our country. Lori shared some thoughts from Cody about our country.  It was so fun to hear his perspective after living in a different country. He talked about his memories of the 4th of July and that he thinks of fireworks at his grandparents house.  I think of that too.  He also talked about how he took hot water, electricity and other convivences for granted, but now he realizes what a blessing that is. I'm so glad Lori shared Cody's thoughts. He has always been a very insightful, thoughtful person.  We sure miss him!

We all laughed at dad for bringing his own cup on the last cruise, so he made sure to show us that he brought a cup again this time.

We stopped when Matt and I saw a whale so everyone could come see it.

After that grandma and grandpa played the candy bar game with the grandkids.  We did this on the last cruise and used to do it every year at the family reunion.

Then we took some pictures. Grandma and grandpa with the grandkids! All of these kids love grandma and grandpa so much and not just because they take them on cruises!

I love all of these people so much. I hit the jackpot with my family and the people they married!

The OGs!

I still look around because I feel like someone is missing.  We aren't complete without Jen.

I'm so grateful that my kids have been able to grow up with their grandparents. My parents have been wonderful about supporting their grandkids.  It's been so fun to have them join us at their games and performances over the years.

Mom and dad have always been so supportive and generous with us.  They have been worried about us while Keith has been out of work.  A couple of weeks ago they were so generous and gave us some money and told us to just take it and use it however we need. That took a huge burden off of us. My whole family has been so generous and I can't think about it without crying.  It has made me feel so loved.  We are so blessed to have such an amazing, generous family.

Mom and dad have been wonderful examples of a loving marriage.  They are the most Christlike people I know and they would do anything for their family.

Caitlyn is getting her CNA this summer and needed to take 40 vitals, so everyone helped her out.

After the family gathering everyone went off and did different activities.

I can't remember what we did. I might have taken a nap.  Matt loved sitting on their balcony with mom. I love this picture. 

I think this was the first day on the boat. Paul and Tiff were so nice and watched the kids at the pool a lot.

I think this was the first day too.  We always saw family when we went up for meals.  We would grab tables when we could get them so everyone could sit together. 

Wyatt got some 4th of July swag.  Wyatt cracks me up.  One day we were eating lunch and Wyatt came over to us and asked where Caitlyn and Jonah were.  Wyatt was in his swimming suit with one flip flop on. He said he left his key and his phone in his room and needed to get into the room. I asked why he only had one flip flop and he said he couldn't find the other one. I was able to get the cleaning lady to open their room for me so I could get Wyatt's stuff.  Then I texted the whole family to track down Wyatt and have him come meet me at the room.  I was looking for Wyatt a lot on the boat, ha! He was living his best life and didn't let missing a shoe stop him!

I love this picture.  The week went by so fast and it was already our last night at dinner!

The waiters sang a song for us at the end of dinner.  They walked around the dining room and they all joined the line when it passed them. I looked over and saw Jonah following them in the line.  I was confused and wondering what he was doing.

Turns out Mel offered him $20 to go up there and perform with them.  He jumped right up and did it. Mel, Paul and Tiff were laughing and recording him. When he came back to the table he said, "best coworkers ever!"  He is so funny and sure makes things fun. 

These three were our waiters. The main waiter wasn't very friendly, but he warmed up as the week went on. 

I loved watching everyone get up and dance every night. 

Mom loved to get up and clap along every night.

After dinner we were all excited to go to a comedy show.  They had two comedians and it was in the big theatre.  Unfortunately, it was not very funny.  The first guy was okay, but the second guy was so bad. 

Cute girls.

We tried to go to the 4th of July bash after that, but it was packed so we went upstairs and got ice cream cones instead.

I think we all had ice cream withdrawals after the cruise.

We all gathered up by the ice cream machine to visit.

The last night is always hard, it's hard to see these amazing experiences end. All the adults stayed up as late as we could before we were ready for bed.  It was great to have so much time to visit on this trip.

We all enjoyed playing games and laughing together.

The kids stayed up to play games after the adults went to bed. It was weird to have Caitlyn, Jonah and Wyatt in the other room and not even know when they got home at night. Wyatt loved the freedom! The trip was amazing.  I'm so grateful for this time with my family and the memories that we made. Thanks mom and dad!