Actually, our vessel was called the Vision of the Seas, but ever since Finding Nemo, I've called most nautical equipment the Surly Mermaid. Just ask T-Rav and Kelly. But here it is, The Post many of you have been waiting for...Le Cruise. (French for The Cruise)
We had a few blustery days on the cruise, in particular, the day we had chosen to climb the rock wall on the back of the ship. Apparently some ran the risk of flying off the back and the event was cancelled.
Demonstrating the vastness of the vessel. I got lost on several occasions, but I'm sure that comes as no surprise to any of you.
The scenic view from our cabin. Sunsets were gorgeous...can't confess to seeing many of the sunrises. I'm on holiday!
But I digress...onto the destinations:
Where: CABO SAN LUCAS
When: Tuesday
Why: Relax on the beach (and by relax on the beach I mean watch children whose parents had to take other children para sailing)
Who: ALL 22 of us
When: Tuesday
Why: Relax on the beach (and by relax on the beach I mean watch children whose parents had to take other children para sailing)
Who: ALL 22 of us
We did get some time to relax and apply sunscreen poorly, leaving me tomato red with the exception of a few white handprints. The sun and I have a love/hate relationship (It's because I'm British).
Where: MAZATLANWhen: Wednesday
Why: A Canopy Tour (of dead trees and prickly bushes)
Who: Buddy & I, Shawn & Annie
Do we look ready, or do we look ready?
Annie, Shawn and I kind of listening to the lecture on all the different ways you can injure yourself rappeling. We are NOT scared.
I was a natural. Except for the time when I pulled a little too hard and thought I was going to leave my arm behind. Should have listened harder.
The gang with our tour guide, Caterpillar. If you're wondering, his name is Jonathan but there are two of them there, so naturally, he goes by Caterpillar. Seemed the logical choice.
Yes, that's Buddy hanging upside down. And yes, his BYU Health Insurance had lapsed at this point. Risky business!
Where: PUERTO VALLARTA
When: Wednesday
Why: To swim with dolphins, specifically Belle and Triton
Who: All 22 of us, in a few different sessions
Here's the big group getting up close and personal with what looks oddly like a shark at this point. They told us it was a dolphin swim.
Little Meg kissing the dolphin. Quite the natural!
I really got a kick out of some of the faces made in this one.
Speaking of funny faces...in my defense, I was going really fast with two dolphins pushing my feet. I'd be willing to wager that some of you would look just as silly.
I'm sure Buddy's making a funny face, it's just concealed. 
I'm going to have to work on my Kodak moments. 
You know when they describe some handshakes as fishy?
Do I look excited enough?
Oh hey! Belle's moving in on my man (which is funny because Buddy has been known to call me Belle...may have to change that).
This was required PDA. They asked for it. But you didn't, sorry!
I paid for this PDA, however. And yes, it did cross my mind that many things have touched those fishy lips. Carpe diem.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
The "Windslammajamma" Cafe, an all-you-can-eat buffet open just about as close to 24 hours a day as one can get. Needless to say, we spent a lot of time there. This was after our last visit. Very emotional. Also very full (*not a pregnancy picture, I just knew we didn't have food at home...my mama didn't raise no fool!)
Also food related, the random fruit sculptures that turned up everywhere. Could you eat something this cool?
Of course, what kind of a cruise would be complete without towel animals? And bet your bottom I attended the seminar on how to fold them. Who wants to come and stay at my place? I'll even put mints on your pillow! Aren't they hilarious? 
The elephant was a personal favourite of mine. This was taken on formal night. Pity I didn't bring my prom dress, I would have blended in better with the crowd. People go all out! 
After paying very close attention at the Towel Folding Seminar (yes, I made him go) Brandon experiments with a dead chicken serviette. Quite impressive for a first time!
(Most of) The Richardses together again! Manda is diligently serving a mission in Puerto Rico and missed out. But oh, the blessings she'll have! Can you believe the family resemblance, by the way? No need for matching shirts with this family of tall blondes. (I'm one for two).
SLIGHTLY DISCONCERTING:
Buddy's choice in souvenir. Scared a few of the nieces and nephews (and me) but went over quite well with fans of Nacho Libre.
The news reel as we were waiting to get off the boat continually flashing the following message: 
Why: A Canopy Tour (of dead trees and prickly bushes)
Who: Buddy & I, Shawn & Annie
Do we look ready, or do we look ready?
Annie, Shawn and I kind of listening to the lecture on all the different ways you can injure yourself rappeling. We are NOT scared.
I was a natural. Except for the time when I pulled a little too hard and thought I was going to leave my arm behind. Should have listened harder.
The gang with our tour guide, Caterpillar. If you're wondering, his name is Jonathan but there are two of them there, so naturally, he goes by Caterpillar. Seemed the logical choice.
Yes, that's Buddy hanging upside down. And yes, his BYU Health Insurance had lapsed at this point. Risky business!
Where: PUERTO VALLARTAWhen: Wednesday
Why: To swim with dolphins, specifically Belle and Triton
Who: All 22 of us, in a few different sessions
Here's the big group getting up close and personal with what looks oddly like a shark at this point. They told us it was a dolphin swim.
Little Meg kissing the dolphin. Quite the natural!
I really got a kick out of some of the faces made in this one.
Speaking of funny faces...in my defense, I was going really fast with two dolphins pushing my feet. I'd be willing to wager that some of you would look just as silly.
I'm sure Buddy's making a funny face, it's just concealed. 
I'm going to have to work on my Kodak moments. 
You know when they describe some handshakes as fishy?
Do I look excited enough?
Oh hey! Belle's moving in on my man (which is funny because Buddy has been known to call me Belle...may have to change that).
This was required PDA. They asked for it. But you didn't, sorry!
I paid for this PDA, however. And yes, it did cross my mind that many things have touched those fishy lips. Carpe diem.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:The "Windslammajamma" Cafe, an all-you-can-eat buffet open just about as close to 24 hours a day as one can get. Needless to say, we spent a lot of time there. This was after our last visit. Very emotional. Also very full (*not a pregnancy picture, I just knew we didn't have food at home...my mama didn't raise no fool!)
Also food related, the random fruit sculptures that turned up everywhere. Could you eat something this cool?
Of course, what kind of a cruise would be complete without towel animals? And bet your bottom I attended the seminar on how to fold them. Who wants to come and stay at my place? I'll even put mints on your pillow! Aren't they hilarious? 
The elephant was a personal favourite of mine. This was taken on formal night. Pity I didn't bring my prom dress, I would have blended in better with the crowd. People go all out! 
After paying very close attention at the Towel Folding Seminar (yes, I made him go) Brandon experiments with a dead chicken serviette. Quite impressive for a first time!
(Most of) The Richardses together again! Manda is diligently serving a mission in Puerto Rico and missed out. But oh, the blessings she'll have! Can you believe the family resemblance, by the way? No need for matching shirts with this family of tall blondes. (I'm one for two).
SLIGHTLY DISCONCERTING:Buddy's choice in souvenir. Scared a few of the nieces and nephews (and me) but went over quite well with fans of Nacho Libre.
The news reel as we were waiting to get off the boat continually flashing the following message: 
In conclusion: We highly recommend a cruise! Go as soon as you can!
The End. (get it? the END?)
The End. (get it? the END?)
9 pennies for your thoughts:
Next time I come to vegas, I'll stay with you instead of Kim if you promise me an elephant towel on my pilow. Unless, of course, you learned to do a cow or sheep, which would be preferred...
Jealousy. I want to travel. Heck, I want to be married *AND* travel. :) :)
I am so jealous. It looks like you had an amazing trip and some good quality family time. I must say that my favorite pic is the one with Michelle being pushed by the dolphins. For some reason it makes me think of Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic.
Oh man, that windjammer cafe is bad news! We definitely spent more time in there than neccessary on our cruise so we do know the pain....of leaving it behind. So glad to finally see the pictures. Cruises really are so fun. Hope you're enjoying vegas!
Looks like a blast! We have talking about taking a cruise for a while now-this just got me more excited! I LOVE the dolphin pictures!
i love blogging! can i add you to my blog? lemme know! i found it on facebook, of course! how do you know emily noxon? isn't that exciting for her!!? anyway- enjoy your day!
All I have to say is why didn't I get invited on this fun traveling event? Okay, and I have to say that I like the pic of you with the dolphins under your feet. Classic.
Michelle, I just love reading your blog! It is so you! Everything you write I can just hear you saying and it makes me smile! I miss seeing you, but it sounds like your doing so great with your new job and the cruise...it all looks like so much fun! :) I'm glad you posted so much. Tell Brandon I say hello and good luck with school!
What a great summary of our trip! You are awesome. You make me want to pack up and go again, and I was already there once. Thanks for being so awesome. I love you . . . both!!!
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