A Whole Lot of Memories~ Key West/ Nassau Bahamas Family Cruise

For Christmas 2012, we decided to get the family a trip instead of all the presents. We chose to take a cruise to the Bahamas and Key West Florida.  It gets a little tricky working out the schedules of school, work, USU, activities, etc. This cruise was available during the dates that would be most convenient. We would only miss three days of school because of the President's day holiday and my USU assignment  and workshop schedule fell more workable during this date.  It was a five day cruise with two stops. We stopped in Key West Florida and Nassau Bahamas.  We have been to Nassau twice before, so we were familiar with the area and knew that the kids would love the beach and water there. 

We took a Red Eye flight out of SLC. We left around 1:00 a.m. and arrived in Atlanta around 6:00.  We saw Steadman (Oprah's boyfriend) there. I was too shy to ask for a picture.  We then hopped a short flight to Jacksonville, Florida to get to the Cruise ship.

We went with our friends, the Larsens. They have four children.  Ada and Sarah were inseperable and Avery had fun hanging out with Bryce and Nathan.  Addison(16) and Alli (3) were on the opposite sides of the age wheel, but had fun regardless. We all just stayed together and had so much fun.

Looking at the waves crashing below our window.

Endless food.

Miniature Golf

The third largest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere in Jacksonville. The Carnival Fascination is the only Cruise Ship that can fit under it.  It is a small port for that reason.

Dining

Swimming

Hanging Out in the sun away from the wind

Slides

Inside the ship

More Dining

Watching the shows

Key West

Amazing Old Architecture/Conch Train 

One of the Florida Keys

Avery was so excited about the shrimp

Our ship

Straw Market shopping in Nassau

Port in Nassau

Playing on the beach next to the infamous Atlantis in Nassau

I love this picture of my sweet Avery

Playing in the sand

The Daugs family in the Bahamas

Playing in the waves

Caught Avery in mid air

Ice carving

                                   Watching a show

Ada and Sarah staying up late, eating at the late night dance party

Playing around in the elevator

Avery and Ada got in on a  Scavenger hunt/ musical chairs game pool side.

Dancing Gangam Style at dinner

Comedy Club

We had so much fun.  The kids got along for the most part. We always are glad that we do these things because life is about making the most of your time here.  We want to make some memories that will last forever and that will remind us of how important family is and spending quality time with each other.  I enjoy what cruises have to offer.  It is a good way to see some of the beautiful places in the world while having less stress.  We get our meals, entertainment, room, travel and just a getaway from the everyday busyness of life.  I am glad that the kids have been able to join us on a couple of these now. We hope to do another for our 20th anniversary in July and then hopefully something again with the kids before Addison leaves on his mission next year.