Kelley Girls Cruise!

Six years ago my Mom rented a house in Laguna Beach and all 5 of my sisters, my 1 sister in law and my Mom spent a fun week together. Back then there were 2 grandkids. Now fast forward to present day. There are 10! It's been a busy few years and we all needed a little get away!

8 months ago my Mom came up with the crazy idea of going on a girls cruise. Somehow we pulled it off! A HUGE thanks to my husband and all my brother-in-laws for staying home with the kids. We had an amazing time! It was just a quick 3 day cruise, but anytime away from kids does wonders for the soul. =)  It was a miracle that I made the flight. The Bay Area had a storm of all storms. I was lucky to make it to SFO and that the flight was able to take off.

I made it to BART!

On my flight

We all flew into Miami Thursday night and spent the night and Friday morning enjoying the city before boarding the ship at 2:00. We stayed right on Ocean Boulevard in the Beacon Hotel. It was a darling, old art deco hotel, the epitome of Miami Beach. It was fun to see Miami nightlife. The beach there was beautiful and the water was warm. We had a yummy breakfast and went for a bike ride along the beach. I could have spent a few more days in Miami. Steve and I will just have to go back.

That afternoon we boarded our ship The Norwegian Sky. Saying good bye to Miami!

Saturday we ported in Nassau, Bahamas. We did an excursion to the Atlantis Resort. Atlantis was incredible. I definitely need to go back with Steve and the kids.  In the morning we did the dolphin encounter. Very cool to be in the water and pet a dolphin. 

 We spent the rest of the day at the water park. It was awesome. The "lazy river" was our favorite. It's a mile long and has a rapids section as well as a wave machine. The clear watersides that go through the shark tank was amazing as well. A day was not enough time to spend at Atlantis. I could have spent 2 or 3 at the waterpark alone. I know there are neat things to see and do all over the resort, maybe in 5 years we'll go with the kids.

Sailing away from Atlantis

Photo on Mom's balcony leaving Nassau with a small lighthouse in the backround

We woke up Sunday morning with a view of the tiny island of Great Stirup Cay. Stirup Cay is a private island owned by the cruise line. We spent the day doing not much. We laid out, read and swam. I haven't actually relaxed at the beach in years! 

 
I'd never been on a cruise and we had a blast doing various cruise things like bingo and karaoke. It was so nice to spend time together without kids. We had time to talk, laugh hysterically, and just enjoy each other. There is nothing better then sister/Mom time. I'm so lucky to have 5 sisters and one wonderful sister-in-law.

Laura, Becky, Regan at dinner

Bingo was a huge disappointment...

Holiday Festivities

Annual Ornament Exchange Party

Family photo with Santa this year. As good as it's going to get for a while I'm afraid...

A few attendees of the 2014 Ugly Sweater Party

Best outfit for the third year, thank you very much

Oakland Temple Lights

We went to check out the Oakland Temple Christmas lights last night. The kids had a blast. They loved the visitors center much more than I thought they would. There was a special exhibit for the Temple's 50th anniversary. It was so fun seeing the pictures of the building site and dedication from the 60's because my Dad was there. I love visiting the Temple at Christmas not only because of the lights, but because of the focus on Christ and the true meaning of Christmas.

This might be our best family picture to date!

There was a video monitor behind me and the kids could see themselves and couldn't help but dance.

Again with the dancing...

Up on the garden roof

Luke's 4th Birthday

Because of Luke's Christmas Eve birthday we planned a party a few weeks early. Luke wanted a party just like last year. McDonald's, Mickey Mouse, happy meals and a "balloon Costco cake". It was a difficult party to plan, but I managed to pull it off again! =)

He was so proud with his hat, balloon and blue ribbon pin. He was such a good sport during Carson's party and now it was his turn! He just beamed when we all sang to him. I love my little Lukey-boy and can't believe he's almost 4!

The birthday boy!!

Brooklyn and Jillian

This big boys minus Carson. Hunter, Jackson and Dane

I love his face in this picture

Kendall enjoyed Luke's cake better then her own birthday cake

This looks like a homecoming pose!

Weak attempt at a group picture