Much Needed Vacation!

It is no secret that the last few months have been probably been some of the most humbling and hardest months of my life. My grandpa passed away the first of December and his funeral was on my birthday. It was a great way to spend my birthday, celebrating a great man. He was 93 and reunited with his wife and son, what more could I ask for? Still, a hard day non the less. Not even a week later, one of my best friends ( lives right across the street and is a second mom to my children) husband passed away very unexpectedly. He was also one of Jeff and I's great friend. We loved Jim and my children loved Jim. I was with her children when I recieved the news. My heart was broken for this family that I loved as my own. As the weeks passed, I was humbled by my sweet friend Leslie's strength. As I struggled to understand all that had happened, I had my own rock! My sweet husband. He was so patient and loving as I spent time with Leslie and he loved me when I just needed to cry and never questioned me. There are no words how grateful I am for him. Needless to say, Christmas was very bittersweet. It was very humbling and sweet. Jeff and I had decided that we wouldn't really do much as far as santa for each other. If any of you know my husband that is not how my husband works. Christmas morning by my stocking was a week long cruise to the Western Carribean. REALLY!!!

We left toward the end of february as there was still snow on the ground here in Utah. As we landed in Miami, the temperature was 80. Oh my gosh. The vacation started with a night in Miami right on the beach. We walked and on the beach with no kids, no yelling, just my hand in his with the ocean on our feet. We loaded our boat the next afternoon. I was a little worried about seasickness, but my doctor gave me a patch and it worked great. We were at sea for 2 days and I swear all we did was eat! So much food. The temperature was never below eighty and the sunshine was great for my skin and my soul. We laughed and slept and ate. Our first stop was the Cayman Islands. The water was so amazing. Everyone we talked to told us to go to the Stingray Park. Now I love the water. I always have. But, as we took a 45 minute boat ride out into the middle of the ocean and there was a little sandbar with 100's of stingray, I Panicked. My poor husnband almost had to push me in. They were so slimy and all they wanted to do was rub up against you. So what does my sweet husband do, tell me to stay in the water while he got the camera!!! I am so glad I could be his entertainment. He Loved it. He held them and even got a back massage by one. OOH!!! The rest of the day we walked around the town and did some shopping.

The next stop was Cozumel. This was my favorite. I was so in Love with the town and the water. We did a dune buggy ride that day and had a great time. I even put an alligator on my head. I did have a helmet on! The town was so fun to shop and walk around. Of course Jeff spoiled me as always. Love him. The rest of our time was on the ship as we headed back to Miami. This vacation was so great. My husband knew just what I needed. I am pretty sure I never stopped smiling. Did I mention I got all the Diet Pepsi I wanted and I didn't have to get up and get it. It was brought to me. HEaven. I love that this trip reminded me how lucky I am and how much I am still in love with my husband. I am so blessed and so grateful for him. As we touched down in Utah, it was snowing. Back to reality. So grateful for him.

Our view from our Miami hotel.

Our Cruise ship

I did ok for about 2 minutes and then they started touching me.

No explanation needed

Do you see how big the dang thing is?

We was getting a massage! Gross

I could have done this all day!

These were on our bed every night we came to our room

Could I ask for anything more. I so love this man. Thanks for a great trip.