Details of the Caribbean Cruise

CAYMAN ISLAND

Our first stop was Cayman Island. I think this was probably my favorite stop. Cayman Island is so beautiful and the people there are exceptionally nice. The place is a more well to do than many of the other islands so maybe this is why, but when we asked many of the people that lived there why people were so exceptionally kind they told us that it was because the island is so religious. There are all kinds of religions and we were even told that there were quite a few LDS people there. I like to think it was due to belief in God rather than the wealth.

We rented a scooter to ride around the island. We did this on the last cruise and loved it. It really is so much fun having the freedom to go wherever you want and stop whenever you see something cool. Like this beautiful beach.

However, it was a little bit more tricky driving in Cayman Island compared to Mexico. They drive on the opposite side of the road. (Yielding to oncoming traffic while making a right hand turn seemed totally crazy.) But we made it safe with my husbands expert driving and a great back seat driver.

Rob just got a kick out of the wild chickens that ran around on almost every place we visited. He would of course always ask one of the natives if they ever killed one and ate it for dinner. They would always answer no and laugh.

We drove up to a turtle farm. It was very exciting since I love wild life. You can't tell really in this picture but these are huge adult sea turtles about 2-3 feet big.

The turtle farm was just like the trout farm back home in North Ogden. They had many different pools and each pool they had different sizes. This was the pool with the baby turtles. We were able to hold the turtles in this pool if you could catch 'em.

The tour guide said that if you rub under their chin in calmes them down. So here I am of course, the next "Turtle whisperer."

Well there's nothing like holding the beautiful creatures and then eating them.(Kidding) After the guided tour we headed over to the restaurant in the park to have Turtle Soup. We also got some smoothies since we were thirsty.

Here's a close up of the turtle meat. Rob is pointing to the green fat. This being the biggest reason why I couldn't gobble down the Turtle soup. The meat itself is actually really good and had the taste and consistancy of beef. But the peices of green fat were really hard for me to eat. (I'm not sure if your computer is doing this picture justice, I'm talkin' it was green.)

After the turtle farm we went swimming with the dolphins.

I was so excited about this because I have always wanted to touch a dolphin to see what it feels like. It reminded me of a rain jacket or like those pictures that if you move it, it changes. It was smooth but had a little rough texture to it. Nothing like a fish, not slimy at all, but also not as smooth as a snake either. Anyways it was awesome.

Each person got to hold its fins like you were dancing, swim with it by holding on to its pectoral fins, and then pushed you through the water on a boogie board (it did this by pushing on your feet). It was totally worth it for me.

With only a small amount of time to spare we hurried and grabbed some food at a local restaurant that had been recommended by some locals. Rob had been craving fresh fried fish so it was a must on the list. He ate it with pure delight. I got chicken and it was great as well. Love the food in the caribean.

ISLE OF ROATAN, HONDURAS

We rented another scooter (the 2nd scooter is not mine it was someone elses taking the photo). I am not brave enough to do it. I just hold on and boss Rob around.

Rob found out about this great place where you can interact with monkeys. It only cost $2 and was totally worth it. He loves finding a great deal and I love that he finds them.

These monkeys were crazy. They were such scavengers. They would take everything. They undid my pockets and took my keys, undid my swimming suit ties, took Rob's hat and glasses. but fortunately if it is not food they just throw it back. They couldn't decide about the camera back since it was like leather. They chewed on it a while and finally threw it back. It was awesome and another activity at the top of my list.

At this area they had Cashew nut trees. Who knew that cashews grow at the end of a little yellow fruit? I didn't. This little guy is holding one of them. We asked the owner if we could try one and we did. The fruit was very juicy but afterwards would make your mouth feel really dry.(An astringent our friend informed us.) It reminded me of some plums I have had.

They had some other animals at the park. Including this baby monkey. It was pretty funny since Rob and I had a debate about the gender of this MOTHER. Yes I was right. No male carries around their child for days. There was also some deer, lizards, and cows.

After the monkeys we raced to our only cruise booked activity.(Which I would never do for those who hope to cruise in the future. At every stop there are all the same tours and you can get them cheaper.) We went Snuba diving. In case you don't know Snuba is snorkeling combined with scuba diving. You have a scuba mask that is connected to a small raft like boat. It was stormy that day and our tour guide didn't want to take us out on the big boat, so we just walked out from the beach. There really wasn't too much to see. A few fish but the water was pretty murky. Rob did feel some fire coral. It's red and looks like a bunch of bee stings. OUCH!

We also got pretty tangled with other snuba divers. Poor Rob, we did this because I was adimit about doing it.

With again just minutes to spare, we speed towards the dock and found this great restaurant. Rob just had to get some fresh fish again. We pulled in and there was no one there so Rob started honking. I was embarrassed, but sure enough some women came hurredly from their house next door. Rob asked, "Do you have fried fresh fish with rice, beans and plaintains?" and the woman responded, "You know I got it mon." In her thick Caribean accent. It was delicious. I had chicken again and loved it just as much. Loved the fried plantains too.

Here's me and our great cook!

What a great place! I think it was Rob's favorite place.


BELIZE

We rode 4 wheelers through the jungle and then went cave tubing. This was our only disagreement on the cruise. Rob wanted to wander and our guide wanted Rob to stay in line with the group on the tubes. It was a little odd though that everyone else was kind of relaxing down the river. Went with a couple from our table, Angel and Bill. Super nice couple from Florida. Then we went and did some bargain shopping.

KEY WEST


We took a moped (of course) and went to the Southernmost point of the USA. Then we hurried back to our Booze Cruise. Just kidding, kind of.
We thought we were going snorkeling but for the first 20 minutes all they talked about was the free beer. Too bad we don't drink. I was getting a little nervous that the snorkeling was going to suck. Just before they stopped they gave us the run down of how to snorkel. It was seriously the greatest snorkeling. It was on a live reef. There were so many fish. Big blue fish that were the size of dinner plates. Small bright yellow ones. Big schools of fish. The scariest moment was when I saw this group of 4 or so fish, but they were BIG. About half the size of my body. I don't know what they were, but I was scared and swam away fast. The snorkeling was SOOOOO awesome! I couldn't believe how many there were. I really wish we had saved the water camera for this instead of Snuba.

CARNIVAL VALOR (THE BOAT)

There were a few days spent on the boat during the cruise. Most of the time it just meant "relax day". We would sleep in and then I would lay out and read while Rob went and played basketball. We'd then watch a movie or something and then get ready for dinner. It might sound boring to some but I really thought it was enjoyable to just have nothing to do.

Here we are posing after one of the formal nights . Isn't the sunset beautiful.

Our dining room friends was one of the things I looked forward to every night, along with the delicious 6-10 course meal. We really had the best table. It was just made up of a bunch of easy-going fun people. We laughed a lot and everyone had great stories to tell. We loved chatting and always stayed later than any of the other tables. I man that sat next to us even came over and said, "Wow, you really have a good bunch of people here. You can tell you're always having a great time." It was really fun to get to know everyone at this table and I feel a bit of a special connection to them. I hope to bump into them again sometime in life.

We also met some other friends on the boat. Leiren,Chandler and two other couples who I can't remember their names now. We enjoyed many nights in the sports bar watching the NBA playoff games, and late nights playing cards. I also wanted to add the memory of singing Karioke, Rob totally out-did me. He was a much better singer. But I did out-do him on "Who wants to be a millionaire" game show. Yes me. It was rather amazing since common sense doesn't always seem to be my strength. But perhaps it is a hidden talent. There were also many opportunities to share about the gospel. It made for many interesting conversations. It also helped me realize how many good God believing people are really out there. One guy we talked to was so faithful to God, prayed and read the bible every day. When Rob started talking to him about the gospel it made so much sense to him. It made me realize that there are many people prepared to hear the gospel and I need to open my mouth more. I am greatful for Rob's example.And who's not to love the cute towel animals they always leave for you. It always made me think of Eliza.

It was a great trip and I hope Rob and I stick to our commitment of doing a trip as a couple once a year. I think it really helps nurture our relationship. I realized I really still am a fun layed back person, it just is a little bit harder when your a mom and have little kids always depending on you. Thanks for keeping me motivated about this trip Rob and reminding me our kids would be Ok, I Love you! And thank you to those who helped babysit. They had a great time!

Rob JDMBA officially

(I apologize this is out of order, we obviously took the cruise after graduation, but we did move before graduation. It was crazy.)

Congrats Rob! You have worked so hard and I feel so lucky to have a husband who would keep education as a top priority.

So Rob's parents came with us to the general graduation. We sat up in the nose bleeds but had back rests since it was the very top seat. Rob sat with the MBA students which was a little funny because when they asked for the Doctorate students to stand the rest were all on the front on the floor and Rob stood up in the back all alone. It was a really great graduation. It was nice attending BYU graduation because it was gospel centered.President Uchtdorf was the speaker. It seemed like I was just sitting through general conference. I really felt the spirit and it was very motivating.

The second day was the individual schools graduation. First was the Law School Graduation at the Tabernacle. Elder Oaks was there but did not speak. A Judge spoke and talked about how some of the greatest judges in history came from those who graduated just prior or during the depression. It was in comparison to graduating during these difficult times. It was interesting.
Then we went to the Marriot school of Business Graduation. One of the retiring professors spoke and talked about keeping a balance in life. It was also good and motivating. Rob got a special hug from one of his favorite professors from USU undergrad who is now a Professor at BYU, Cassy Budd.Thanks to all those who came and supported us! And a special congratulations to Sawyer for making it through 2 graduations!

After graduation we had a late dinner at Tucano's Brazilian grill.
Couldn't resist this photo!

Thanks to Stephanie and Taiton for watching the girls during graduation in the Cat House!

I hope everyone knows how greatful we are to have such a supportive family. Graduate school can really make you live frugal and we appreciate all those who helped with this effort and those who gave their love and support! We feel so lucky to have such a great family. We love you all.

Cruisen without the kids

I am on Carnival Valor the boat, right now! We planned a little trip for just the two of us for graduation/late 5 yr. anniversary celebration. It has been really great so far. Very relaxing and full of food, food, and more food. We've enjoyed the trips to the Islands and will post pictures later. We sure to miss our two little girls though. Love you Eliza and Liberty and thanks to all that are helping!