We sped home from our cruise because our best man B and his wife S came to Georgia. S had a test to take in ATL so they took some time off to visit us and then head to North Carolina to visit some of our other awesome friends E, C, and they're new baby E. We were originally supposed to drive that way with them, but with me starting school and some other BIG expenses we were not expecting, the timing just didn't work out this time.
It was a crazy fast trip, but we took whatever we could get! They came to visit us just after moving to Georgia, but we were still in an apt, so they had not seen the house. The house wasn't quite how I like to show it since we had been gone for 2 weeks, but S and B are family so I knew they were understanding.
They arrived tuesday night and we went to get some dinner at a local Mexican place (gluten free tacos that still felt like they had a little gluten contamination, but at least it wasn't too bad). Then we went to J's lab and they all got to sample some of his beer he brewed this summer. We also all got a 15 min. chemistry lesson about what J is working on...N and I stood there totally unaware of anything being said, B tried, and S got some of it with her med school she at least has a much stronger science background than the rest of us! The next day J had to work a few hours, but when he finally got home, we packed up and headed to the river to kayak. We had to leave the dogs because the water was a little too high, but our awesome friends E and LA let them hangout at their house for the afternoon. We seriously had a blast even though we had to do the calmer section because J still can't get water in his ear due to the infection.
Random cow crossing :)
So relaxing!
Paddle boarding anyone?
We didn't realize quite how exhausted we'd be after vacay and drive!
We are so thankful to have such amazing friends!!! Love you guys!
Our cruise left from Port right by our family, so we got to see them the day before and the day we got back. I wish it could have been so much longer, but we fit it as much as possible!
J flew in from a conference at Penn State to ATL then drove home, re-packed, ran by work and then we hit the road for our 7+ hour drive.
This was us waiting for daddy to finish at work!
He was exhausted to say the least!
We stayed at our friends DK's so we could see their NEW house!!! LOVE IT!
Really cool breakfast place near the beach!
I SO miss being surrounded by water and palm trees!
We went to see J's parents as soon as we got home, but I didn't get any pictures! I think I was stressed about getting school done before the trip, but I was so glad to see them for at least a little while! We also got to see my bro-in-law's new house, so that was really exciting! It's funny cause I just found out that they picked out the same couch as we did! Weird right?J went back to hang with his family while I went to my Aunt R's. With such a quick trip, we had to split time a little.
I look like a Hot Mess from traveling, but I had to get a best friend picture! I was so excited to finally see her after way to much time apart! Strange to call her Dr. A now, but it has a great ring to it!
Celebrating B's birthday with a gluten free/dairy free cake from Aunt R :)
Love my C!
Puppy family time while Aunt R shows me how to make Kefir! Can't wait to start it!
My Aunt R is amazing!!! Love her and don't know what I'd do without her amazing support!
Party in C's room!
Mom, Aunt R, and I... Little blurry, but what can ya do?
When we got back, we got to visit my Uncle J who was just discharged from the hospital. Please send good thoughts and prayers his way, they have a lot going on right now. Missed seeing BB, but so glad to spend time with M, Aunt B, and Uncle J!
Pups didn't go far from our sides the whole time!!!
Glad we could see everyone one last time before the trip back. J wasn't in the picture because he was with his family celebrating Father's day! I'm so happy he got to be with his dad even if I couldn't go!
Happy Father's day/Grandfather's Day Papa!
Momma W came to see me too, but I must have been worn out because I totally forgot to take a picture with her! I didn't get to see her before the cruise because she was in Costa on a mission trip, but I wouldn't have missed her for anything when we got back! She spoils us with great goodies bags which was amazing for the drive home! I can't wait for her to come up and visit because I always miss her so much! I had a picture of the two of us from christmas so I thought that would be a good substitute even though I looked like a mess because B and I were working out just before this was taken and it was before I lost all my weight... She looks amazing as always though!
We tried to see one of my best friends N, her husband R, and their brand new, beautiful, baby girl M. They were getting discharged the only day we were there and I completely understand their schedule was just a little chaotic. I can't wait to meet M next time we make it back down!
We wish we could have stayed to see everyone, but you guys just have to come up and visit us!
June 7th J and I set sail on the Carnival Liberty with our best friends D and K! We are so lucky to share an Anniversary weekend so we can travel together! Not many people can spend 8 days together, arrive home, and still wish you could hang out longer! I really, really needed the break from all the stress that has been going on at home lately and it was so nice to spend time with my hard-working, ghost of a PhD student, husband. The ship was great and the weather was perfect the entire time!!!
The only hard part about leaving was saying goodbye to my babies for that long!!! I knew they were in great hands with gramma and my brother B, but I still cried (which for those who know me, that NEVER happens!). We were so thankful to be able to leave them knowing they would be loved there just as much as with us! They also got to spend an evening at the in-laws/they're puppy cousins' house and a day with my aunt and cousins so I know they had a blast! My mom and B brought them to wave goodbye and it was B's birthday so I felt really loved!!!
My food allergies made it a little difficult, but I found that I could eat a hamburger patty for lunch and dinner in the dining room ( I would pick things from the menu the night before and the kitchen would do their best to make those things without contamination). I brought my soy shakes and ALT bars for breakfast and some lunches. It was hard to watch J and D eat 27.5 and 25.5 ice cream cones respectively, but at the same time, I didn't gain any weight on the trip and I still got to have my favorite dessert in the dinning room (Carnival's chocolate melting cake (gluten and dairy free version tastes just like the regular one!!!)).
Port Canaveral
J enjoyed playing some very intense games of life-size chess throughout the cruise
First Drink of the week (only day of the week I got to drink because even using clear Bacardi (supposed to be gluten free) and checking the ingredients of the daiquiri mix I still got sick. I really liked this drink though and then I had just Bacardi shots the rest of the night. Alcohol is probably the easiest thing to cut out of my everyday life though, so I guess it's all good.
Hello Gluten and Dairy free goodness!!!
First Formal Night!!!
I love this guy!
First Stop...
Margaritaville!!!
Its 11:00 am...but it's 5 o'clock somewhere!!!
Crazy awesome pool, with a whole lot of drunk people and tons of sunscreen residue
SLIDE TIME
Our favorite Ship singer Tom
ST. THOMAS!!! No Flag picture needed :)
Such a beautiful beach!!!
Can you spot the hanging Iguana???
Night view of our only U.S. port, making my last phone call to check on my puppies!
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
It was an early morning
Our ship for the day!
So cool in the caves!
We totally didn't know this sequence was being captured on film, but I love it!
Making snorkels look hott! :)
I honestly have no idea what we were looking at, but it's beautiful!
I love this of all 4 of us!!! Perfect un-planned shot!
Look who they let drive!
This captain doesn't even know what to do with all this hotness! ;)
Seriously the best day in the sun!
Probably shouldn't have let me drive...Although probably only adult sober one on the ship!
Captain getting a little too friendly ;)
Results of sun and 5 rum punches in like an hour... He made it to the room, but couldn't wait for me to open door! Ha!
My favorite meal of the entire trip!!!
St. Maarten, Netherlands Virgin Islands
Pulled up next to a huge new ship, Royal Caribbean's Allure.
J was so excited to find $2 beer on the water taxi! Definitely beats $6-8 on the ship, but after getting off the taxi he learned they are only $1.25 so he was totally ripped off for the first!
We decided my bro B should stop working in cocoa beach and move here so we can visit!!!
We will come back to this place when it opens! $4 margaritas!!!
Hmm... I probably should have stopped and gotten a foundation refil!
No explanation needed...except maybe why they have a star was exhibit on the island...
Signing our names in the Florida and Georgia sections...
Like my water bottle? Yeah that kinda sucked (I think everyone thought I was prego when I said I couldn't have any alcohol! Ha!)
FREE SHOTS!!!!
J got mine too lol
Long story, but Daryl was totally missing out ;)
Last flag picture :(
Awesome sunset!!!
We had lots of fun people watching at the deck party!
So... J was a great sport this trip because half way through the cruise, he got water in his ear and we don't know if he messed with it too much or if snorkeling the next day took it over the edge, but he got an ear infection and also had a perforated eardrum. It bled quite a bit. The ship didn't have ear drops and it cost a fortune to talk to the doctor so he just tried to enjoy himself and saw the doc at UGA as soon as we returned! Poor guy couldn't hear much the last few days :(
Naps might have been one of J's favorite parts of the afternoon! I usually took a 15 min. one and then I'd go hit the gym while others slept! :) D did insanity with me a couple times so that was really fun!
Our waiter dancing on a table!
2nd formal night!
J creepin'
J doing who knows what...
Our budget was $0.00 for the casino; J spent $4 but I figure I can let that slide :)
J saying hello from the other side of the elevator
Sad morning...but I was so happy to see my mom and babies pull up!
Thanks to mom and the Rs for the rides to and from the port!!! We are so blessed to have such special friends! Sorry this post is more like a book, but hope you enjoyed looking at pictures from our very special getaway!!!! We have lots more videos from the GoPro, but they need some editing, so I will post those in a separate post :)
Happy 2nd Anniversary DK and happy 4 years J!!! Can't wait until our next trip together!!!
