We be Cruisin'

We finally did it. We, as in my WHOLE family! We've talked about going on a cruise for a long time but it hasn't ever happened. But it finally did! And it was such a blast to go! We dropped Poppy off with Joe's parents and away we went. We drove at night which was awesome. My kids did so well. In fact, we got to California wayyyy earlier than planned because we only stopped when we had to get gas. We didn't even get out of the car. We got to California at 5 in the morning (4 in the morning, California time) wondering what we should do before anything opened. Haha.  What better way to start the trip in California than to go to Krispy Kremes! 

 ___

On our way to drop Poppy off with Joe's parents

We ate at Red Robin for dinner before we hit the long road ahead

Krispy Kremes at 5 in the morning!

We planned to go a day early so we could go to the beach. It was a lot of fun. Keni loved jumping in the huge waves. Brock was a little more cautious and liked playing in the sand more. We also hit up the LA temple and the visitor center.

We went on the Mexican cruise. It's the same cruise Joe and I went on a few years ago. You go to Catalina Island, Ensenada, and have an At Sea Day. 

Catalina is definitely my favorite. The town is so cool and has so much history. It's fun to hear about the rules of the town. For example, most people drive a golf cart but you have to live on the island for a year before you are allowed to get one. And if you live on the island for 7+ years you are able to get a car/truck. That is, if they haven't reached the maximum capacity for vehicles. They only allow a certain amount of vehicles on the island. So fun to learn of the quirky rules/laws.

Joe and I went ziplining in Catalina. We talked my parents in to coming along too. It wasn't the rush I thought it would be, but it was a blast! The kids stayed on the ship at Camp Ocean.

Camp Ocean-- so much to say about that place. My kids ABSOLUTELY loved it. In fact, they preferred to be there instead of hanging out with us adults when we were on the ship. :) Camp Ocean had a schedule of age-related activities and the people in charge are great with the kids. It was nice that Joe and I were able to leave the ship and not have to take the kids. And to know that they were having fun. 

Ensenada was just okay. We didn't do any excursions but we did get off the ship. (The kids stayed in Camp Ocean.) We walked around and shopped. The town is so ghetto and dirty. We stopped at a local taco eatery. It was average.

The At Sea Day was fun. The weather wasn't really warm but we did hang out by the pools and slides for a good portion of the day. The kids also went to a Dr. Suess read-along. We also went to a presentation on how to make towel animals. Next time anyone visits we're totally making one. Haha. 

It really was the best vacation. I was hesitant about taking my kids but now I know... Best vacation with kids! So much for them to do and it's all free!

Waiting in the really big line to board the ship. Luckily, we didn't have to wait as long as my family. We got there 30 minutes earlier and we must have beat the rush. We still stood in line for an hour though!

Our first night... Pictures with towel animals is a must. :)

Ensenada Tacos

Formal Night!

Keni lost her tooth on the last night! Thanks to my brother, he told her that the tooth fairy brings a lot more money since it's on a ship. Everyone pitched in a few quarters. Haha.

Debarking was actually enjoyable this time around. We decided to hang out on the ship until the rush of people got off. As soon as we were ready, we basically walked right off the ship.

And these are the pictures we got while we were sailing. Poppy was in heaven at Grandma and Grandpa's house. She was spoiled with all the attention in the world.