02 Oct

Day 9 –  Jet Skis in Castaway Cay

 

Yay! My favorite day! We missed Castaway on our very first Disney cruise and my sister has worried about missing it every time since! And we did miss it on her last cruise in February.

I started to worry that we had forgone a beach day in St. Thomas knowing that we would have one at Castaway. We had also saved snorkeling for Castaway.

We had put all of our eggs in the Castaway Cay basket. I should know better than that!

So when I woke up, I was a little worried. I’m pretty sure this may have been Bonnie’s last cruise ever if she’s missed it again. It does not make her happy. Ha!

I looked out the window and – YAY! We were here!!

Thank the heavens.

It’s gorgeous out!

We ate breakfast and then waited on deck 4 for the all clear announcement, and took off when Natalie (cruise director) started speaking.

We didn’t get far. We soon realized half the adults didn’t have their picture ID. Including my husband who has done this at least three times at Castaway Cay.

Rookie.

So we met up again on deck 2 outside our room!

We’re off!

We were headed to our normal spot and I stopped to take pictures, there were a lot of people walking, etc. etc. so we all got fairly spread out.

Chase, Ally and Olivia all had Jet Ski reservations at 9! They were very excited!

But when I got to the jet ski location, they were not there.

Wuh oh.

They had apparently kept going with Stephen! Luckily my chat message made it to one of them and they started heading back. I waited and took pictures.

They made it!

After they were given the instructions, we were told we had to give a couple of latecomers 15 minutes.

They didn’t show. But then we heard the walkies going off and the Jet Skis didn’t have gas!

So we waited some more. It was 9:45 at this point, and the next group was supposed to start at 10. I was worried they were going to get cancelled.

Crab!

But then they finally stated climbing on. Yay!

Olivia is on!

Ally’s turn.

And finally Chase got on.

Bye, guys!

I finally started the walk to our spot where everyone else was.

Hi Goofy!

Made it!

The Jet Skiiers showed up about 45 minutes later. They loved it!

AND – they got a refund of half their cost because they started so late.

Woot woot!

It was pretty much lunch time after that.

We went back to relax for a little longer after lunch.

Then it was time for bike riding!

Riding, and taking pictures with the GoPro. Mad skills.

We climbed the tower –

Here comes Dad and Mom!

Selfie with Ally!

Back on the bikes again.

Pit stop!

A few people stopped at Serenity Bay to take a look. I rode back with Ellie.

And we’re back at the beach!

Several of us took turns snorkeling. I was so mad I didn’t give anyone my gopro!

We got in the water for a few minutes. Ally and Ellie!

And stopped for ice cream!

Starting around 2:30, we left in stages. The kids and I were last at 4.

We’re back!

We know them!

Crab!

Before the cruise, Brian had asked me for a headshot he could put on Linked IN as he transitions out of the Air Force this summer. Well we failed on formal night because –engagement was happening! Lives changing and all that.

We failed on semi-formal night because the crazy picture line was so long! And I knew if I went outside to take his picture, my hair would go crazy, and pictures would be a failure for me. Vain, I know!

So this was our chance! Brian put on his jacket and tie, and I ran up to their room!

Nailed it!

I showered next and then it was time for our last dinner! But it was a good one! Show night in Animator’s!

Here it comes! I forget what some of ours looked like, but I will tell you if I know!

There’s Carter’s on the right! He has mad drawing skills. Bonnie’s is on the left!

Ally’s dog is on the right:

Colby’s scary dude with the red face. Olivia’s on the far left, and Chase on the right!

There’s me in the polka dots! Stephen’s alien looking dude is on the left! Ellie is on the right! The other one may be mom’s!

Ally’s dog! I think Dad did the skeleton?

Bonnie, then I’m guessing Brian, and Carter on the end!

Ellie and Mickey!

Olivia, Donald and Bonnie:

It’s just ridiculous how much fun that always is.

Stephen’s creature:

Ally’s dog!

Colby’s scary face dude.

Ellie’s:

Carter’s excellent drawing:

Olivia and Chase, I mean Landon Donovan’s:

Bonnie!

We took a group shot with our great servers and said goodbye!

We went back to the room and packed, and I bought a couple of pictures. Some of us went to the show. Bed time!

The next day was an uneventful trip home!

It was such a great trip. Probably one of my favorites ever. My parents were so generous to take us all and celebrate with us. I’m so proud to call them my parents and to celebrate 50 years of an amazing marriage with them! And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, we are adding a new family member and we got to be there and witness it! I’m so happy they shared that moment with us.

 

7-Night Eastern Caribbean Anniversary Cruise – A Celebration of all Couples – But Mostly the Pneumonias December 17-24, 2017
Day 1 – Travel Day and Candlelight Processional at Epcot
Day 2 – Kennedy Space Center
Day 3 – Boarding Day in Matching T-shirts!
Day 4 – It’s a Big Day! HUGE!
Day 5 – Sea Day with an Anniversary Celebration!
Day 6 – Beaching in Tortola 
Day 7 – SkyRide in St. Thomas
Day 8 – Sea Day – Ginger Bread Houses and Palo Brunch
Day 9 – Jet Skis in Castaway Cay