COVID Cruise - Day 4 {Roatan, Honduras}

 We woke up to rain on Day 4. It was still warm but it was raining, lots and lots of monsoon rain. 

Luckily for us (not for our fashion), Carnival was selling blue ponchos as we were getting off the ship. While the weather wasn't ideal, we had a big day planned. We were able to do everything we wanted, except for the beach. But that was ok! This day more than made up for it!

The first stop was the Animal Park. 

It was very small but we had interaction with the kapuchin monkeys. They were climbing all over us! 

They were so fun!

The macaws flew around us and even stopped for photos! 

But the sloth. Gahhhhhhhh.....I loved him, oh so much. 

Don't think I haven't researched owning one as a pet. 

After the animal encounters, we went on a tour of the island. I really wish we could have seen it on a sunny day. It was so pretty!

We also went shopping and bought some beautiful mahogany pieces. 

We visited a chocolate factory and a rum factory, where we got to have samples of each. 

We ended the tour where our guide took us to a local restaurant. The views would have been amazing, if it hasn't been for the rain. 

We for back to the port and still had time to kill before we were due back on the ship and the rain had stopped, so we shopped a little more and enjoyed same margaritas at Fat Tuesday's. 

Our ship!

After dinner, Emily was begging us for karaoke! 

So our little "no fear" girl found a friend in the crown and together they sang Reba! 

Back for bed and a little friend waiting for us!

COVID Cruise - Day 3 {At Sea}

 Our first full day on the ship was At Sea. While we didn't visit any islands, it was warm enough that we swam, laid in the sun, and played on the water slides! 

The spiked lemonade was good and the music was better! Such a fun time! 

After naps, we explored the ship more, went to dinner, had more straws and another towel animal. 

COVID Cruise Days 1&2 {New Orleans and Boarding the Ship}

We FINALLY were able to get our rescheduled twice, changed itinerary, cruise in! This vacation will always affectionately called "The COVID Cruise". 

We had our guard up going into this vacation because we simply didn't know what to expect. But, it was wonderful! We went to all new ports and had a great time! 

The cruise was leaving out of the New Orleans port. As this is a new location for us, we wanted to spend a little extra time in the city. We arrived at the hotel in time to check in, freshen up, and head to dinner. We were tired so we just headed across the street to Gordon Biersch Brewery. 

Wow! The food and drink were amazing! 

We woke up early the next morning and this was the view from out hotel. 

So pretty!

I had booked us on a three hour city tour. I figured this was the best way to see the sights!

We went to a local cemetary. 

This restaurant is made from pieces of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. 

Jazz Music everywhere!

I loved the houses! So pretty!

We saw many houses with this writing. It's still left from Katrina. It was for first responders stating what homes have been checked and if there were any casualties. 

We finished the tour at Cafe Dumond where we enjoyed fresh beignets. 

So yum!

After a quick lunch, it was time to head to the port!

Here we boarded our new home for the next 7 Days. The Carnival Glory. 

The first night was a "get acclimated" and have some drinks kind of night. 

The girls were thrilled with edible straws and indulged all week!

We headed to dinner in the fancy dining room and Addy carried along her photo of her teachers. 

She missed them so much and their photo hung in our room all week. Ha!

The first of many towel animals!

 

SNOW MUCH FUN!!

Northwest Ohio got hit with some pretty significant snow in true February form. 

We also realized how much Addy grew and needed new snow pants. 

The girls played outside for a bit and I was excited for some quiet work time. 

Until they found my window. 

 

Ava Kate - Arsenal

Ava Kate was asked to fill in for a travel soccer team for a few games! 

Well, she did so well that they have asked her to play for them full time in the Spring. 

We are very excited for her!

 

Happy MLK Day!!

As usual, the girls didn't have school for MLK Day. Well, much to my surprise, Owens Corning also closed with the promise of our family committing to a service project. So...we enlisted our besties and decorated bags for Food for Thought! 

It was a fun day!