Life is a Journey not a Destination

Seaworld and Legoland

Wednesday 25th April

Woke up at 6.45am, showered, dressed adn got everyone ready. A quick breakfast at Windjammers and put Christy into kids club - Amy decided she wanted to com with us to see Mazatlan. We disembark and hop ona bus for our Colonial Country tour. We headed out of town and were amazed to see people standing and sitting the backs of trucks and also the open air taxis. The houses are so small - some you can see straight into the bedrooms and the whole house would fit into our bedroom. We stopped to see abode bricks being made and Amy got a doll for her and Christy froma lady who was sitting making them. Next stop was a tile maker and we got to sample to yummy local bread. Then on to see some basket weaving and furniture being made. Also saw som goats (Amy got to hold a baby one) and chickens here - very much free range !!! Next to Cordina where we got a free drink and saw the local 300 year old church. The countrryside was just lovely - and yes, we spotted quite a few cactuses. Then it was back to Mazatlan. to see to Pantalaya Flyers - this was great - and Amy got her hair braided for $25 while we waited - pretty good value I think considering how much hair she has. Back on the bus for the drive along the coast and back to the boat. Mazatlan itself looked very like a very nice tourist time and it would have been nice to see more of it (but I loved getting to see a bit more of the real Mexico and it’s people). We have a late lunch at Windjammers then collect CHristy so the girls can have a swim. Amy left around 4pm and went back to kids club for an hour. I sat in the sun and had a swim with Christy. Back to the room to get dressed, then went to sit on deck 6 and watch as we left Mazatlan. Casual night in the resturant. Amy to kids club and Christy to bed to try and catch up on some sleep.

Thrusday 26th April

Up around 7am. Get dressed, breakfast at Windjammers then off the boat in Peutra Vallarta. Pretty port - have quite a few photos getting off plus one of the girls with a real sea lion. All aboard for our Pirate Adventure, complete with music from Pirates of the Carribean. We had the best day. OUr pirate, Ricky, was great about getting us lots of drinks - Amy and I enjoyed quite a few virgin pina colada. On the way there were som games and a pirate show. Once at our bay we went ashore in small boats. It wasn’t the best beach as it was quite rough. We just put Christy in her life vest (which we all had to wear in the small boat) and swam out beyond the breakers. We didn’t sit down during our 2 hours stay. We swam, the girls and Kevin went on the banana boat about 3 times (they saw dolphins and on their last ride got tipped off). We had a quick go of kyaking, Christy played with one of the pirates (they were so great with the girls - with everyone really) and the girls played tug-of-war on the beach. Back on the pirate ship we were served lunch below decks. Christy was hungry, tired and grumpy and ended up falling asleep on me. There were BBQ ribs and chicken (for the non-vegetarian), rice, salad, fries and bread. Back up on deck for more games (CHirsty woke up and had some fries) and the kids got to dance on stage and receive a special pirate medallion and a balloon sword. All to soon we were back in port. We thoroghly enjoyed this family tour - the crew could not do enough for us or the kids. Definitely a tour a would do again.

We quickly headed back to the ship, stopped to get the seal photo on the way and have a photo with a makaw. Back at the room we all have a quick shower and get changed. The girls go to kids club and Kevin & I go ashore for our next excursion - Rythms of the NIght. Another boat ride where we enjoy a buffet dinner sitting right beside the beach. Was a very nice meal, though not much vegetarian (did have yummy tortillas though). Then it was time for the show - no photography unfortunately and no where to buy photos. The show was very impressive - the dance and music fantastic. We were a little disapointed it was not dark yet as I had expected and the whole tour seemed a little rushed (but there was another show later). It was probably also had to live up to the great day we’d had. We enjoyed the sunset on the way back, but not the singing they tried to get us to participate in (we are NOT party people). Still a very good tour and I’m glad we went.

Back on board Vision we picked up Christy from the PJ Party @ kids club and Amy came back to the room not long after. Very sad there is no more Mexico. I have loved the country and the people.

Monday 23rd May

I was awake about 6.30am. Got up, had a shower and went for a walk to check out the fitness center. I got a cup of tea and came back to the room. Everyone was just waking up. Got everyone dressed and head to breakfast at Windjammers, then take the girls to kids club. We have a wander around the ship, the Kevin goes to the room for a sleep and I go to the gym, then have a swim & spa. at 12pm we pick up the girls and have lunch at Windjammers. We then take the girls to have a swim. It had started off very cold and wet but now the sun is shining and it’s much warmer.

At 2pm the girls go back to kids club and Kevin & I have a swim, then a spa. Back att he room we rest and get ready for Formal Night. Kev picks up the girls, we get them ready and go take some photos before dinner. Tongiht I have cold pear soup (which is suprisingly yummy), cesear salad, linguine in Marinara Sauce and Grand Marnier Souffle (YUM). Head back to hte room and to bed. We allow Amy to go to a night session fo kids club and sign herself out.

Tuesday 24th May

Up early again (or so I thought - we forgot to turn the clock forward one hour). Amy and I went up to Windjammer and got a bagel/tea and donuts (they have the best donuts). I read a mag and Amy writes in her journal. We went back to the room around 7.30am (really 8.30am) and Kev & Christy are awake. We all showered, dressed and went to breakfast (yes, at Windjammers). We watched as we pulled into Cabo San Lucus - very pretty, stunning rock formations. We dropped the kids at kids club then waited for our tender number to be called. About 11am we caught the tender to the dock. We walked around town a bit. Kevin left his cash on board so we tired to money out of an ATM, but we didn’t know what a peso was worth. Turns out we got 100 peso which was worth about $10 (we thought it would be $20 or $50). ANd we got chargetd $7 for the transaction!!!! We bought a sarong for Amy and some colour change nail polish for the girls and I to share. Walked past all the Mexican halkers AGAIN and caught the tender back to the boat. Had lunch at the Solarium - burgers and chips. Saw the girls have lunch with kids club. We then caught the tender back to the dock for our Power Snorkel tour. This is a good trip. We boarded a little zodiac for a bumpy ride up the coast. On the way we managed to see a mum and baby humpback whale which was pretty exciting. We continue on a lovely bay where we did our power snorkel with the dpvs (diver propolsion vehicles). This was lots of fun and we saw lots and lots of fish - including a pipe fish and a puffer fish - which our guide picked up (it was really relaxed and didn’t even try to get away). On the way back we stopped to see the local sea lion colony - very cute but VERY smelly, the natural arch, the rock window where you can see the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortez, and Lovers Beach. Then it was back to the dock and the tender back to Vision. Kevin picked up the girls whill I showered. We hung out in the room for a bit. I painted the girls nails with the new polish and we headed to dinner - Italian Night. I had Minestone Sup, Vegetarian Chili and Tiramisu. All delicious. Dropped the girls at the kids club for Pirate Night and went and had a spa, then a mocktail in the Centrum while we waited to see the pirates. We then head back to the room and off to bed. Amy signed Christy our of the kids club. So nice not having to go and pick them up.

Saturday 21st April

Woke up nice and early at about 5.30am. Had breakfast and did our final preparations. Said goodbye to Mum, Dad and the animals. We were picked up by Kylope Cars right on time at 8.30am and arrived at the airport at 10am. There were no lines at check in but unfortunately it’s a full flight so no spare seats to spread out in. We grab a bit to eat - Krispy Kreme donuts YUM and Mum & Dad arrive shortly afterwards. We spend a bit of time with them and at 11.30am set of through customs and security. We had been warned to expected VERY long lines but it was pretty painless and we were through quickly - not sure if it because 2 hours before our flight. We sit near the kids play area and they have a run around and then a light lunch. We board the plane at 1pm and settle in for our long flight. Christy and I sit together and Kevin & Amy are behind us. We take off on time at 1.30pm. The flight goes pretty well, except Christy has trouble sleeping and keeps waking up and kicking the seat in front, so I end staying away waiting for her to wake so I can grab her legs. My vegetarian meals are very nice and we get breakfast just before our arrival in LA at 10.30am. We go through immigration (long lines) and customs, then catch a bus to Dollar Car Rental (seem to wait forever for the bus to come around). NOT very imprressed here. We had already worked out the cost of the car hire but they tried to make us take a bigger car than we needed (lucky I was there to stop this - with only 4 people we could drop down the back seat for our luggage) and extra insurance. Ends up costing over $400 more than we had budgetted.

We then drive to South Coast Plaza - the girls fall asleep on the way. We have lunch at the Rainforest Cafe but we’re all feeling very tired. We do a bit of shopping at Gap Kids, Gymborree, Disneystore (Kevin goes back to the van for a sleep). We cut the trip short as we’re all just exhausted and not really having fun. We drive to the hotel and check in. Very nice room with view of empty pool (too cold to swim anyway). Have a very healthy dinner of ice ceam, chips and Mrs Fields Cookies and head to bed by 7pm.

Sunday 22nd April

Woke up about 8.30am. Have a shower, dress and pack. Check out of hotel and drive to Long Beach. Have a very yummy breakfast at Subway, then shopping at Walmart. We don’t seem to buy a lot but still spend US $240. We really don’t agree with the ethics of “walmart” but we only shop here every couple of years so figure us boycoting the store won’t have any effects at all.

We head over to the cruise terminal and drop the bags and off us. Kevin goes to park the van and meets. We are suprised how small the ship seems after the Diamond Princess. No lines at check in and slight lines to get aboard. The cabin in small, but nice, and the ship is great. It’s good to be back on board RCCL. We have lunch at Windjammers (as usual little vegetarians on the first day. ie. only salad and bread). We listen to a Mexican band playing in the atrium - the girls love this, then unpack and take the girls for a quick spa. It’s very cool outdoors today. Time for muster, then go up to deck 9 for sailaway. So nice to have the steel drum band again. I have my usual virgin pina colada as we set sail. Shame it’s so cold. The girls get up to dance for a bit then it’s off to the kids club info session and to get them signed up. Then it’s time for dinner. We are seated with another couple (later find out they are just friends) with 2 girls and a cuople and their friend. All seem very nice. Waiter is Serrao from India. He can’t do enough for the girls and over the week often brings them extra food to try and most night one of each desert. I didn’t like seeing the waste but I know it was done with the best intentions. We go to the night Welcome Aboard Show (ends up being the only show I see all week) but the girls are tired so we don’t stay too long. It still takes them a while to settle down once in bed (a pattern that continues),

Only one more day to go!!! Up early this morning - try 4.45am. Still dark, so while I’m waiting for the sun to come up so I can take Rosie for her run (I ride my bike) I decided up load our trip itinerary on my website. I’vew even put in link so you can see where we’ll be staying and what we’ll be doing. Not trying to make you jealous - I promise :-). You can find it under the holiday section or follow the link.

Itinerary           

 21^st April          8.30am
Kylope car service pick up  $160

                        1.35am    QF011
Depart Sydney

                        9.45am    Arrive
LAX

                       Pick
up Dollar rental car                      

                       Hotel
: Crown Plaza Hotel        

                        South Coast
Plaza  for shopping

22^nd April         Around
12pm Embark Vision of the Seas  

29^th April          Disembark

                        Collect
car from car park (or hotel)                  

Hotel :
Carlsbad-by-the-sea          

SEAWORLD (open
until 9pm)

 30^th April          Hotel
: As above

                         LEGOLAND
Open

 1^st May          
- 6^TH May        Hotel
: Disneyland Hotel  

6^th May            Check
out of hotel

                        UNIVERSAL
STUDIOS

 Return hire
car approx 7.30pm

QF012  Depart LAX 22.30

 
8^th May            Arrive
home 6.05am

                       Picked
up by car service

Only 2 days to go. The girls and I are getting very excited. Have a nice couple of days. On Monday Amy had a friend Aaron over. We went into town with Nan so I could have a look for a few extra clothes to take away. I did pretty well, getting a dressy top for the cruise Formal night, a couple of more casual tops and some nice pants. Christy was at her friends so I spent the afternoon making the girls Disney autograph albums. They turned out very cute and I’m very proud of myself for having made them. The girls think they are wonderful so it was well worth the effort.

On Tuesday Emerson came for her school holiday sleepover. Christy was at her friends most of the day so it was another quiet one. I spent the afternoon making the girls
Disney autograph albums. They turned out very cute and I’m very proud
of myself for having made them. The girls think they are wonderful so
it was well worth the effort.. Then yesterday we went to the see the stage show Pearlie in the Park. It was lots of fun, and I think I enjoyed it as much as the girls. We went with my 3 school mum friends, then had lunch at the park. Was very nice. Afterwards I wanted to look at another clothes shop (picked up another pair of brown pants the same I already have - but mine are a bit well worn - the new pair $6, the original $60 - so unlike me to get a bargin). Then though I might a quick look in the kids clothes shop and ended up getting both the girls lovely dresses for formal night (Mum was kind enough to pay).

The plan today is the totally clean the house (which will be a challenge with my heel spur - I usually only do one floor each day) and then run a few errands later. Tomorrow is pack, then relax at the beauticians.

Today Amy had her friend, Aaron, over for a play so I decided it would be a good opportunity to get into the veggie garden which has been rather neglected. I pulled out all the stuff that had gone to seed or was almost out of season. I’m left with capsicum, mini-eggplants, parsley, and the last of the lebanese cucumbers. I fetched 4 of our chooks and put them to work. They had so much fun digging through the garden and eating all the bugs they could find. I loved sitting watching them. Was probably a nice change after their backyard - which is just a big muddy quogmire.

Unfortunately my heel spur is not much better and I’m still in considerable pain. Had a nice weekend with the family. On Saturday Kevin didn’t work and we took the girls for lunch at the food court, then to see “Meet the Robinsons”. We all enjoyed it. Then at night we watched “Jump In” on Disney. This was a lot of fun and it was quite amazing to see all the double dutch jump ropes tricks. Then yesterday we had the Burkes over for lunch. It was a lovely afternoon with all the kids playing so well together.

Until we head off on our trip. I put our itinerary together today - Kevin wanted it to leave at work so he can be contacted if necessary.

Took the girls for a haircut yesterday and then to South Beach. They had a great time and I sat and relaxed. It was sooo nice watching the ocean and the girls playing. Afterward we drove up the hill to the ice cream truck and enjoyed a choc soft serve cone. Today I went to the doctors to get my foot injection - for my heel spur - then did the groceries. Later the girls and I rode over the park and they played while I read. I also took Rosie for her run, scrapbooked a few pages (haven’t done any since the weekend away), then gave Mum a pedicure and sat and chatted for a while. Guess, I’d better go make dinner now. The girls are at Nan’s so Kevin and I are having Mushroom Quesidilas and probably watching more Charmed - we’re up to season 4 now.

Had a nice, but loud, Easter. NOel, Leanne & their 3 girls stayed at our place. We went for bike rides (Christy has come off her training wheels), lazed about, had lunch at Nan Tien Temple and went to the science center. The rest of the time we hung out at home talking and playing Name That Tune (all 80s music) while the kids played and swam.

Yesterday I spent cleaning downstairs, then had puppy training with Rosie in the evening. This was the last week and she received a certificate for completing Grade 1. Christy came along with me and proclaimed that Rosie got her first merit award. At one stage Kay asked Christy if she could pretend to be a dog - meaning for her to stand in place of the missing dog. But immediately Christy dropped to all four and raced around the car park on her knees while barking loudly. It was pretty funny.

Today I went to the gym (first time in over a week) and then we celebrated Granny’s 85th Birthday with a suprise party at Nanny’s. Amy helped do a lot of the preparation. It was also nice to catch with Tom & Wendy who I haven’t seen for a long time.

Spent the afternoon working on the Ridemax program which helps sorting out ride order for Disneyland. Such a great program and will really help minimize waiting time in lines. Tonight I went out with the old playgroup Mum’s. Was nice to catch up with them all and Sue was looking especially gorgeous (if that a good enough mention Sue? :-)). I really don’t want to lose contact with these women that I saw almost weekly for 6 years. It still amazes the wonderful friendships that I formed at playgroup.