Turkey Bowl Cruise Part I

Last Friday morning dawned cold (by south Florida standards) and windy, neither condition bodes well for a 5 pm sailing. We didn't let the weather deter us. We packed all 9 of us in record time and set out for Miami.

It didn't take long to locate the other half of the family. They were already unpacked and sipping umbrella laden beverages on the pool deck by the time we checked in.

And at 5 pm sharp the ship pulled away from the dock and we bid farewell to Miami.

You should have seen the size of the goose bumps Patch was sporting. Someone needed to remind him that it was cold and windy on deck 12. All brains and no common sense!

It didn't take long for the gala organizer to proclaim that the party had officially started! Isn't that what big sisters are for?

And this one wasted no time at all sucking up to her Grandmother. Where oh where are the grandsons?

For some strange reason this spot on the pool deck became home for the next 3 days. It was the first place we landed upon arrival and if it was daylight and we were on board ship one or more of us could be found lounging here, playing games or eating, and eating and eating.

When the band started to play it didn't take Stephen long to hit the dance floor.

Allie and Gabers will most certainly know the Electric Side by the time they are 6.

I don't have any idea who this character is with my daughter-in-law!! Jen Jen may want to look around and see if she can locate her husband.

And here they are...the party animals. All 3 of them.

Put your wallet away Gram, the casino doesn't open for a few more hours! (I dare you to ask her about the $2 she put into the 2 cent slot machine.)

That's right Gabers, cover your eyes. This is no place for babies!

Uncle Chris and Allie spent some bonding time together. She better be careful or she'll end up overboard if she messes with his hair.

JR, Amy, Em & Allie enjoying some late day sunshine and watching the ship head out to sea.

Allie spent time warming up in the kids' hot tub...

and Gabers was our very own "watermelon man." This child consumed enough watermelon in 3 days to feed 2 adults.

We're missing a few family members. OK we're missing half, but the message is clear.

Bon voyage, we'll see you on the flip side.

To be continue.....