Welcome to Miami

When I think of our first day of this Cruise vacation, I can't help but sing the Will Smith song, "Welcome to Miami." I worked in Corinth Tuesday thru Thursday before we flew out of Memphis on Friday, so I ran in after completing several apron orders and packed quickly.

Each person was instructed to bring only ONE suitcase and one carry-on...but the suitcase had to be less than 50 pounds! Now, I like to be prepared for any occasion. Plus, I really wasn't sure how to pack for this warm weather in December! I packed what I wanted to take, and Russ weighed it for me by first weighing himself, then picking up the suitcase and finding the difference. Very scientific, Dr. Russ! Ha!

He handed the suitcase back to me and told me to "lose some weight". So, I rearranged some of my shoes into my big carry-on bag, and we were set to go! Dustin and Mary drove in from Nashville, where they had gone to see the Colts play the night before, and spent the night with us. We all awoke early Friday morning to be at the airport at 8 to meet the rest of the family. We made it! First ones there to be exact! A rarity!

Since we were there so early, we had time to go through security, check bags, grab breakfast, and visit before boarding our plane. Our flight to Miami was a couple of hours. I tend to be a little nervous on planes. Not sure why...except maybe my fear of heights! But, the flight was enjoyable and turbulent-free.

Kristin, Mary, Dustin, and Lee (plus a random sleepy lady sitting next to Dustin)

Plus, we were all so excited that it took the edge off. Ha! Kristin was in rare form and sat directly behind me. This meant that my seat was kicked, pulled, my hair touched, and we were talked to the entire flight. I told her that I felt like I was riding with a 2-year-old!

Me and Russ

Daddy was asleep before the plane even took off. Next stop: MIAMI!

Mama and Daddy

We landed in Miami and immediately started shedding layers due to the 75 degree weather! It was so funny seeing palm trees, blue skies, and flip flops in December! The boys grabbed a back of chips from my bag of snacks we brought for the trip and took it all in while we waited on our taxi.

Russ, Dustin, and Lee

Our hotel, the Sofitel, was quite nice. The nice men that take your luggage (can't think of what they are called!) were very quick to gather and stack our luggage for 8 - one bag per person...plus each carry-on.

As soon as we checked in, it was time for a family meeting in Mama and Daddy's room to go over our "itinerary." For those of you who have been on a cruise, you know there isn't really an itinerary for relaxation, but when you take 8 people and schedule an excursion at each stop, it's good to know the plan.

So, we had our meeting and made fun of Mama for a little while because...well, it just wouldn't be right to get itineraries without a little playing around. We walked over to a Cuban restaurant to eat. I know what you are thinking (or maybe not!). I was thinking "gross!" But, like they say..."When in Miami, do like the Miamians do." So we did. It was interesting, I suppose. Daddy sitting in a big puddle of soy sauce in his jeans that were meant to wear several times throughout the week (a strategy suggested by our mother) was entertainment enough for the day. Ha!

We came back to the hotel and spent the rest of the afternoon/evening poolside. Our hotel was right on the water and had a fabulous view of the sunset!

Mama and Daddy

The pool would've been nice, but it was a little cool once the sun went down.

Lee and Kristin

So, we just relaxed a bit before our seven day CRUISE!

Me and Russ

The cabana by the pool was the big hit of the night. By the end of the night, Mama, Daddy, Dustin, AND Mary were all snuggled in tight. Unable to move from what I hear!

Mary, Dustin, and Daddy

It was a nice start to a wonderful week! Miami was nice, but nothing compared to what came next!