Christmas 2012

We are off on the high seas to celebrate the holidays. Kathryn and her family arrived right on time Saturday. We had prepared snack plates of finger foods in hopes- not that St. Nicholas soon would appear- BUT that Ella and Christopher would eat and go right to bed. It almost worked that way. 

Sunday morning we were all up bright and early, got bodies and hair clean, and were off to the Port pf Tampa. Putting this trip together was a last minute effort and it wouldn't have happened if our wonderful travel agent and friend, Leigh Berghane, had not been so persistent with the Holland America folks. So grateful to her. She gave us a tiny tree for our suite.

We boarded the MS Ryndam quickly at about noon. Jim and I are in a Deluxe Veranda Suite- 045. Next door to us in a Veranda Suite, 047, Kathryn and Will are to sleep. Hopefully Ella and Christopher will sleep long and safely in the inside cabin, 039, just up the hall. We decorated and hung wreaths on our doors so everyone would be reminded who was where. 

Ella's sleep friend, Raffy all settled in.

Up to the Lido Deck we raced to put food in our tummies and settle down for a warm, winter's cruise. Thank goodness we had gotten on early and got through the buffet before the crowd began to arrive. Tasty morsels were enjoyed by all. The Cheeks went off to explore the ship and we unpacked and settled in. 

The time for the DBD (dreaded boat drill) arrived. The cruise line had been saying they were doing this someway new and different. We hoped it meant not having to stand forever listening to announcements. What it meant was you weren't to wear or take your life jacket to the drill. Guess too many people tripped over straps or complained about wearing them. Always seemed silly to say put on your life jacket, go to the lifeboat station and then have someone show you how to put on the left jacket. We survived and got ready to sail away. 

Caroling on our veranda

We sailed away from Tampa into the most beautiful sunset. What a fun way to spend Christmas- with people we love, no cooking, no cleaning, no planning- just FUN!!!!

Will brought some songbooks so we sat on the Veranda and had great fun singing. We went to dinner. The kids were asleep by 9:00 in the inside cabin with clear instructions as to when they could get up. All of us- but not in kerchief or cap- were in bed for a long winter nap. We were tired from the activities of the day. Key West tomorrow-Christmas Eve!