Caribbean Cruisin'

We recently returned from a week-long cruise to the eastern Caribbean with Chris' family.  It was hands-down one of the most fun weeks of my life.  We missed Ella (terribly, in fact), but other than that, it was non-stop partying--as only good Mormons can do.  In fact, I think the Wards could make a Public Service Announcement for having fun without drinking--and Chris could be the poster child (for supporting evidence, see the end of this post).  Simply put, we had an amazing time.  I love this family.

Our cruise included stops in the Bahamas, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and Turks and Caicos.  We snorkeled, swam, ate (way too much), played with sting rays, karaoke'd (I think I just created a new past tense), played cards, lounged on the beach and by the pool, watched movies and just generally enjoyed each other's company.  Happy times!

life is good

St. Thomas

Beach volleyball in St Thomas--Chris was in heaven

Castillo de San Cristobal--an old Spanish fortress in San Juan, Puerto Rico

(I could write a post solely on how much I loved Puerto Rico)

Condado (Puerto Rico)

The Bahamas stingray expedition with some of the Ward crew

We touched these stingrays.  Scary!

Snorkeling in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Horseback riding in the Bahamas 

Even back on the boat, we had a great time.  

We had a table for 12 each night (we missed you Stef and Ronnie!). 

The Wards are all about togetherness and even though we had 6 separate staterooms, 

we often squeezed into one room to be together.

Classic.

the whole group

We even celebrated my birthday on the cruise. 

This was my 4th time turning 29--it just gets better each time :)

a perfect birthday--don't be fooled by the tan (I am still the sunscreen queen and I'm pretty sure that's just bronzer or weird lighting).

with 2 of my beautiful sisters-in-law

Karaoke also turned out to be a huge part of our trip.  So big, in fact, that it deserves a whole separate post.  But I'll provide this little picture as a teaser.  And yes, that is Chris dressed as Elton John--he performed in that lovely costume for about 400 people.  Like I said, PSA for good, clean fun.