Thursday, December 17, 2009

A Mexican Riviera Cruise

Last week I got to go on a cruise to Mexico with Linda and her parents, Donna and Jim. We set sail Sunday 12/6/09 out of San Pedro on Royal Caribbeans Mariner of the Seas.
We set sail just before sunset. Our balcony was facing the San Pedro shoreline. The wind blew a gentle breeze and we just took it all in as we shouted "Bon Voyage!"

This is me, Tessha out on the balcony as we anchored in Cabo San Lucas Tuesday morning.
Donna and me made friends with Maria on the water taxi into Cabo.

Mostly we walked the boardwalk, shopped the craft boutiques and then stopped for fish tacos and virgin daiquiris while overlooking the harbor.

On our way back to the ship I snapped a picture of the boat from a distance. It holds over 3200 people, plus crew.



One of the highlights of any cruise is the formal dinner where we found we were treated like royalty. This is Linda a dear friend of mine from Portland and her parents Donna and Jim. They were celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. What a way to do it!




Tessha, Donna and Linda all dressed up for a night of dancing on the ship.


Wednesday we pulled right up to Mazatlan. I grabbed this picture of our ship later in the day as we were zipping through the hillside on a guided tour.

The bay of Mazatlan mid day.
In the city center there is a iron trimmed gazebo that I thought was beautiful. It's just across from an late 1800's Cathedral.

On a just right 80 degree day in Mazatlan a local enjoys the benches in the pavilion.




I'm taken by the wood on this side door to the Cathedral.



This picture could almost be a postcard wishing you were here in Mazatlan with us.


During my beach stroll I came across some cowboys on the beach with their guitars.


One of the sights we saw on our city tour was the cliff divers. Ey-yie!
I think they're crazy!

Our last stop was Puerta Vallarta in which I was having trouble with the camera batteries. Basically we snuck into a beach resort in which we blended in with the hotel guests as long as I didn't pull out my cruise ship towel. I swam in their pool, walked the beach and laid out for a while.


The last three days at sea I spent in the fitness center/spa. Donna got her hair done. Linda and I both treated ourselves to Russell's most amazing scalp massage, which include the shoulders too. All I can say is Linda went back for a second one, it was that good.

I soaked in the whirlpool, the hot tubs, the mineral pools and visited the sauna and steam rooms. It was the best therapy I've had in a while. One night we attended an ice skating show (yes, the ship had an ice skating rink.) Linda and I sat in on the napkin folding class, toured the ship and took lots of naps.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Aunt Grace and Marley cuddle up on the coach and play tickle tickle.

Aunt Gracie gives Marley a huge hug.




Mom reads the turkey riddles to Marley.



Our very own second grade teacher Kristi brings a turkey craft for the kids to do. It was a hit.



Uncle Seth pauses between story prose for a picture in his John Deer hat.



Aunt Grace lounges like a true Athenian goddess.



Elijah preps the ball for a quarterback style toss while Marley explores the Turkey Trot goodie bag.




Our precious little Preston has just spotted the object of his desire, a ball. Aren't his truck pajama's adorable?



We are all so happy we're together....

(Grace, Kristi, Will, Jenni and Seth)


this group hug adds a mom
and then an Alisha...

Ta-da-da!


The First Annual Thomas Turkey Trot




Mom and Kristi blaze through the finish line.



High five to the finishers of the Turkey Trot



Kristi, Mom, Alisha and Grace pause to revel in the sweet taste of victory in the crisp morning air.

Check out the two bald eagles Sitani and I spotted on our lap around the park.

There's Mr. Turkey himself stopping for a picture with Alisha, Ember, Mom, Grace, Meeka, Dalynn and Sitani. Ember snuggles up to Grandma hoping to get a little warmer while Sitani can't wait to pick up another handful of snow. Meeka and Dalynn cuddle up close with hats and mittens. What a fun day!

Grace and her scarf match perfectly. Such style for a picture with Mr. Turkey.