Friday, August 19, 2016

Cruise Day 3 (Tuesday): At Sea

This was our first full day at sea. We finally got a chance to sleep in! After a long night’s sleep, we ate breakfast and explored some more of the ship. We realized that we hadn’t seen the basketball courts, the table tennis or mini-golf area. It was very hot and windy up on the deck so we decided to enjoy some mock tails. The boys have really taken to Pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris. They love drinking them out of the fancy cocktail glass cups. It makes them feel special and grown up, so why not. We got some shopping done, rode the carousel and tried some slices of pizza at the pizzeria for lunch. 
The boys joined the kids’ activities for a few hours today. They made volcanoes erupt in the science lab, they colored flags and played games out on the basketball courts. They have made some friends on the ship that they look forward to playing with during the kids activity sessions. I think the time away from Ricky and I is good for them and it’s been a nice break for us. They seem to really enjoy it and ask to go back. 
Our ship also has an ice rink onboard. They do a couple of shows on ice but they also open it up for free skate at certain times during the day. Logan really wanted to ice skate so we made a point to go today. Boy, was that a chore. I couldn’t believe what a sweaty, backbreaking, workout it is to try and help a six- year-old around the ice rink so he doesn’t fall. We skated for about 20-25 minutes and then our session was over. I was actually very glad we had run out of time. Thankfully, Logan and I never fell. We had a lot of very close calls though. Lincoln and Ricky went down pretty hard and Lincoln fell a couple times on his own. It was a miracle that we made out of there with no broken bones. It was something new for the boys to try. I also think it helped them understand that it wasn’t as easy as they thought. Lesson learned – practice, practice, practice and always wear your helmet. 
The boys are continuing to do well in the dining hall. Logan attracts girls like crazy but he’s turned into a shy kid who just blushes or gets silly when they talk to him. Lincoln on the other hand has tried really hard to be grown up at the dinner table and be polite and respectful with the serving staff.  They both continue to try new foods.  Tonight Logan tried fig/date compote and asparagus, both of which he really liked. Lincoln has ordered steak for the last three nights but tonight he tried some new cheeses, nut bread and minestrone soup. 
Ricky and I got some quiet time away from the boys so we got to relax up on the deck for a while and during the evening session we listened to a piano player in the Central Park open deck area. It was warm and windy but the setting and music were beautiful so I actually felt like we could relax.

Overall I would say our first full day at sea was a success. This ship is like a floating city. There is always something to do for all of us. We are trying to have fun but also relax, and I think that is turning out nicely. 
 This was the little guy that was left in our room. Logan absolutely loved the towel animals. 
 This was the most steps in one day that my fitbit had ever seen...AND I actually ended the night with more than that. 
 The view from deck 15 of the ship. 
 These boys are so small yet so big all at the same. It was so neat to see them navigate their way around the ship and to and from the different activities. 
 Stopping in the pizza joint for a little snack. 
 Logan outside in the boardwalk area. 
 Lincoln took a few rides on the carousel. The employee let them continuously ride it until they wanted to get off. After a few turns, both boys were a bit queasy and ready to get off. 
Cutest boys on the boat!
 Family picture off the very back of the ship. 

 I don't hardly take selfies at all but I couldn't resist with all of that beautiful blue water behind me. 
 Logan spotted this blow up boat in one of the shops on the first day and was obsessed with it. He picked that as his souvenir for the trip. 
 Lincoln and Ricky ice skating together. Logan is on the right side and he and I skated together. It was the hardest 30 minute workout I've ever had, trying to keep him from falling and pushing us along. 

At the end of the night the boys were in the kids area and Ricky and I got a few minutes to relax, read and write as we watched the ocean waves. 

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