Day 3 Castaway Cay

Again, time goes so quickly......I can't believe it's taken me so long to post the final pictures from the cruise......
We were all looking so forward to Day 3.......our day on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

This was the view that I awoke to at 7am on Day 3.....ahhh, paradise.Here we are pulling into Castaway Cay. The pirate ship that you see is the real Flying Dutchman ship that they used in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. When they "retired" it, they parked it at Castaway Cay.

My announcing to RJ that I saw a pirate ship definetly got him right out of bed.Rodney enjoyed the view tooRick refused to get up that early on vacation, so the kids and I headed to breakfast alone. We headed to Beach Blanket Buffet and sat outside and watched then tender the boat to shore. The Buffet was amazingAfter breakfast we headed off the boat onto the island. Of course stopping for pictures along the way.I was finally able to get a good shot of the boatHere I've pointed out where our room was.We found Captain Jack himself over by the flying dutchmanWe headed off to the family beachThe kids had so much fun digging and playing in the sand. (notice RJ has underwear on under his swimtrunks....he was so excited to head to the beach that he forgot to take them off.)Rodney relaxing under the umbrellaWe LOVED the hammocks which were all over the island.I was too lazy to move, so this is my hammock pictureThis was the view from one of the hammocksWe did quite a bit of swimming in the ocean as well. Any one who knows me knows this goes against EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING. I HATE the ocean. I hate that there are creatures under the water....creatures that I can't see......creatures that can eat me, sting me, kill me. (shudder)

(the same basic principles go for ponds and lakes too.....I prefer chlorine)

I set aside my completely justified fears and got in with the kids. I figured if something was out there, they would prefer my fat juicy legs over the kids scrawny legs. I was sacrificing myself.This picture cracks me up. The family beach is so long.....it seems at the very entrance of it, everyone sat their stuff down, grabbed a lounge chair and swam. We walked to the end and had no crowds. Sometimes people don't use their heads.This was me, swimming in the ocean.....probably the only time I will. Seconds after this photo, I realized how freaking stupid I was, and got out. As I swam to shore (I was quite aways away from Rick, he just zoomed in), I just knew something was going to grab me and pull me under. (shudder)After I convinced everyone else that they were going to be killed if they swam any longer we headed to Cookies BBQ for lunch. mmmmmmOnce we got back on the ship, we watched Disney Dreams in the Walt Disney Theatre. It was AMAZING.When the kids and I got back from the show, this is where we found Rick. Drinking scotch on the balcony. nice.At least he's wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt.Tonight was the night that formal mickey and minnie were going to be in the lobby, so we had to dress up.We stopped to see Chip and Dale for Heidi firstGoofy was there before Mickey and MinnieThis was one of my favorites from the whole cruise....the whole family. (Even Rodney who's sitting on mickey's head). We really thought it would be hilarious if Rick took one with his glass of scotch in his hand. (of course he did have one) the photographer told him to hide it. At least we know it's in the picture.Tonight we ate at Triton's. (I forgot to take a picture of the sign)

I had escargo (snails) for an appetizer. not bad....not neccessarily good either though.Rick had some sort of tartJust proving I did eat themDinner was fantastic as usualAfter dinner, we went to the Til We Meet Again party.....all of the characters come out to wave goodbye since it was our last night on the ship.


I love this one of Heidi waving at Minnie and her waving back.I just love Daisy and DonaldHeidi made Rick run back to the room to get her stuffed chip and dale dolls when she saw chip and dale. They loved them.Sadly, we headed back to our room.....the next morning it was time to leave and fly home.

We had SO much fun.....seriously SO much fun. I believe cruising is my new vacation of choice.]
I think Rick would agree.

:)

-a

Day 2 on the High Seas

Another few pictures that i forgot to post in the previous post....



They took our pictures as we boarded the shipDay 2 we woke up in the Bahamas. Bathing suits were immediately on and we were out the door.None of us really had much desire to get off the boat at Nassau so we planned for fun on the ship all day.



We started our day off by saying hi to Goofyand Chip and DaleThe Mickey Pool was nearly emptyStopping for a quick fruit snackSoon we headed over to the Goofy pool to watch the Little MermaidMy Favorite! DAISYAfter we saw Daisy, I noticed there was no line for the hair braiding service on the ship. Heidi wanted to get braids all over head. We compromised and got 2. :) They finished them in about 20 seconds.And Heidi LOVED them.The Oceaneers Club was having a cooking school that the kids wanted to attend. We headed up to deck 5 for some bakingI snuck in before it was over to see them making cookiesAnd they got to eat their creationsThen MORE swimmingWe were on the ship when the new Pixar movie UP premEARed so we were able to watch it in 3d on the ship. we got dressed and headed down to the walt disney theatreWe stopped for a quick picture with Russell (from UP) before we headed in.Rick sporting his 3d glasses and his goofy shirt. :)Heidi refused to be photographed in herswaitresses walked around in case we needed anything. A Sunken Treasure. mmmmmmmAfter the movie, we played Bingo while Rick relaxedAnd by relax I mean this. (notice the beer mug on his chest)The Pirates IN the caribbean party was taking place this night so the entire ship was deckd out in pirates. We had to break out our pirate earswith Captain Jack SparrowThe kids were wanting to attend something in the Oceaners Club during our dining room time, so we ordered room serviceand then hit the arcadeBefore Rick and I headed to dinner we had some pictures taken in the lobby. I just love all of these.....(look really close to what Rick is wearing....he had had a bit to drink. I told him to wear something nice. He does. A polo shirt. TUCKED INTO SWIM TRUNKS. nice)After dropping the kids off at the Club for a pirate activity, Rick and I headed to dinner at Parrot CayJust a few minutes into dinner, our pager went off. Heidi wanted to be picked up from the Club. Rick went to pick her up and asked her why, she said that they were wanting her to stand to do stuff and she really was tired of standing.....fair enough. So our waitress brought her dinner too.While we were waiting on the Pirates IN the Caribbean party to start, I just walked around admiring the lobbyThen up to Deck 9 to watch the Party and the fireworks.After the party, it was almost midnight. A little elephant was there to wish us sweet dreams. I think we were all asleep before our heads hit the pillows.

We were all looking forward to our next day of the cruise where we would be visitng Disney's private island.

:)

-a

Our 1st Day on the High Seas......

I forgot to post this video on our post about the terminal. If you listen closely....this is them announcing our family as we entered the lobby. "welcome aboard the lindemann family...."

As soon as we got on board, our room wasn't ready yet, so we headed up to deck 9 for a buffet lunch at the Beach Blanket Buffet.

We opted to sit outside. (It was a little sunny for RJ)Get ready for LOTS of food pictures over the next few posts......

Just a story about the fantastic service aboard the ship. 30 seconds after we sat down, Heidi spilled her pink lemonde all over her tray and in her mac and cheese. 10 seconds after that, the lemonade was cleaned up and a worker had gone back through the buffet to get her more macaroni. FABULOUS service!

Heidi may have spilled her drink 30 seconds after we sat down, but 20 seconds before that, I snagged one of these beauties! A BAHAMA MAMA.mmmmmmmThe desert buffetAfter lunch RJ and Heidi got in the mickey pool (kids only pool)They loved the water slideWe enjoyed a litte ping pongAnd Rick ate againdrying off before heading to our room (which was now ready)We had to get our life vests and head to the mandatory safety drillAs soon as the drill was over, I happened past the lady with a tray of these.....Strawberry Pina ColadasmmmmmmThen it was time for the Sail Away Party on Decks 9 and 10. Heidi and I were front and center and even made the jumbotron a few times. Rick and RJ hung back out of the crowd and took it easy.My favorite....DonaldHeidi's Favorites....chip and dale

After the Sail Away Party, the "When you wish upon a star" horn blew and we were offwe had to have had 40 pounds of fruit while onboardAfter our fruit snack we went swimming in the goofy pool. (the family pool)Lady and the Tramp was playing on the "ariel" view television, so we got to enjoy that while swimmingAfter swimming, Rick took it easy/drank scotch on the verandah while the kids and I played BINGO.He met us for dinner. Our first night's dinner was at Animator's Palate.This dinner was special because the walls start black and white and before dinner is over, all of the walls are in color.A b/w before picture.I have no idea what these are about........More food pictures...........everything tasted fabulousThe walls were gorgeous when they lit up!RJ and Heidi made a quick stop in the Oceaneer's Club before bedtime. Rick and I just went for a walk up on Deck 10Then it was bedtime.....After the kids fell asleep, Rick and I watched "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" on the TV and ordered room service. (because we hadn't just got done eating supper you know......)

Basically, when Rick found out that room service was free, he was taking advantage!

Our first day was fabulous. Day 2 we were docking in Nassau. I couldn't wait for sunrise!

:)

-a

Our Stateroom

On the Disney cruise ships there are 12 different categories of staterooms.



Category 12 being the least expensive and being located on the lowest deck with no window.

Category 1 being the most expensive and only having 2 of the category 1 suites on the entire ship.

Category 9's have a view, but it's a porthole only.



I wanted to have a verendah so I went with a Category 6. We'd have a verendah and it was the middle of the road as far as cost went. I was content with that.



I got a phone call the day before we left. Disney had upgraded us to a Category 4 at no cost! How exciting. Now we were on the Deck 8 in room 8504. We felt no movement and our room was SO much bigger than I expected.When we walked in, I was so excited.....The living area (the couch turns into a bed, and a bed pulls out of the wall.)



Standing in the living room, taking a picture of our sleeping quartersThey had a Bon Voyage banner hanging for usand some super cute decorationsThere was a card from Captain MickeyAnd a tasty cake.....How did captain Mickey know that Heidi LOVES cake? :)The wonderful magnet was on our bathroom doorAnd a Bon Voyage memory box that I latched right on toWe had a split bathroom which was actually 2 bathrooms. One had a tub/shower and a toilet and the other had a sink and toilet. That came in more handy than I would have thought.Our awesome bathroom products. I had to ask for more before we left.We had a closet right across from the bathrooms. It even had a safe to store our passports in.We headed out to enjoy our verandah right away......

(how cute are these matching swimsuits?)

:)

-a

Airplanes, Waffles, and Beaches

We had anxiously been awaiting our Disney Cruise for almost 6 months.

None of us had ever cruised and while I was so excited, I was hesitant too, that it wouldn't be our kind of vacation. Boy was I wrong!

We woke up bright and early on May 27th to head to the airport.

The kids were so excited when I showed them their new passports.We arrived to the Indy airporthad a snack and killed time coloring pictures.Here we are on the shuttle at the Orlando AirportOur cruise didn't leave until the 28th, so we had a whole afternoon to spend doing nothing. (that is rare for our family when everything is planned out to the hour most days).

We decided to head to Cocoa Beach. We have been to the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, but not the Atlantic Ocean, so we wanted to be able to cross that off.The kids were super excited to run and play on the beach. In hindsight, I should have had them put their suits on. They were soaked.RJ made sure to check himself for scratches before getting too deep in the water. He didn't want to get attacked by a shark!RJ was kind enough to take a picture of me and Rick.After our fun on the beach, we headed for supper. At the Waffle House of course! I love that those are everywhere in the South!We headed back to the hotel and got a good night's sleep! Everyone woke up bright and early. I had the kids special outfits made for the occasion.And of course Rodney was excited to wear his new Mickey shirt too.Driving over the bridge, we caught a glimpse of the Disney Wonder.A few pictures from inside the terminalWaiting at the terminal and enjoying some cartoons.I had this awesome bag made for the occasion too! It was the bag that I carried everything in while onboard.I insisited that we had to be AT the terminal at 9:30........yeah, we were the 1st ones there. I thought it was awesome, Rick thought I was crazy. The picture is pretty funny though.I did get my #2 boarding pass. That's the best pass you can get! We were one of the first families on board!We did happen to see two pretty special people while we were waiting.Captain Mickey and his first lady Minnie

coming up: Our stateroom and our first day!

:)

-a

A Sad, Sad Day.......

June 2, 2009 will join only one or two dates in the history of our family that I consider devastating in one way or another.....

Almost 10 years ago, right after Rick and I got married, I went to Terre Haute Humane Society to get a dog. I ended up bringing home a mutt with a little bit of basset hound in her. We named her Lightning and she was so thankful to have been saved.

It took her a LONG time to not be scared of men, but she eventually had no lasting effects of her pre-Lindemann life. She adored me from the moment I brought her home.

Lightning was the most loyal, loving dog I could have ever asked for.

She took her last breath yesterday. 10 years after she was saved from being euthanized.

Rest in Peace little Lightning bug. I will miss you more than I ever thought I would. To add a little bit of humor to the situation, since that's what I do.......

Heidi has been begging for a new "pup" since her friend Lily got one......

We told the kids, I was crying, RJ was crying, even Rick cried. Heidi was crying, then wipes her eyes...and says "Well, at least we can get that pup now."

nice.....I think Heidi got her compassion from me.

:(
-a

Let the Games Begin

RJ has officially had (and won) his first ball game.

Most everyone probably remembers how much I despised the t-ball rules from last year. Well RJ's league is much better know with the rules and you can actually get called out. Much much better.

Heidi is in t-ball so she still has the ridiculous rules.

She plays Saturday, so uniform pictures will follow.

:)

-a

Our office will be closed Wednesday May 27, 2009 - Friday May 29, 2009. We will reopen again Monday June 1st.

We will be sailing the high seas with Mickey and the gang and enjoying Disney's private island.

:)

-a

Memorial Day Fun

I think both kids had a fun weekend, even though we were either on the run, or they were at work with me, or at work with Rick.Sunday I took them with me on a shoot I did for friends. They had so much fun playing at all of the different locations that we stopped at along the way.....RJ hit paydirt and found both worms and toads!We installed a fence over the weekend at the studio. I am thrilled. Now I don't have to worry about the kids getting too close to the highway!It also made a perfect play to play with the sprinkler toys

:)

-a

Rodney's ready for vacation!

Just an update on my post about Rodney's mouse ears hat.....

I was so excited, I came home and made him a shirt too! Now he's all set!

:)

-a

Trisha Mason is Super Talented

Trisha Mason is a friend of mine. If you follow our business website, you may recognize the name Karic....he is her "super cutie" son.

She has recently started her own crafting business.....

http://trishastrends.blogspot.com/

She is so super talented. I had her make my kids memory boxes. (she had made some for my friend Sarah and I just had to had to have some too!

The thing I love about Trisha is you can just call her and she will do her best to make it happen.

After thinking about things, I called Trisha earlier this week.

Rodney needs a memory box. After all he has his clothes, his Elton John shirt, his Chicago Bears jersey, his sombrero from Mexico..... I will post a picture of the finished project when I get it. (she has something super special planned for it)

I also had another request for her. After explaining the story of Rodney and who he was/how he came to become such an important part of our family, Trisha set off to make my request a reality.

She finished and dropped off my item moments ago......

Rodney's very own Mickey Mouse Ears!

Thanks Trisha! You are the best!

:)
-a

RJ's favorite time of year.....

This is RJ's favorite time of year! When you can just go outside and catch a baby toad. :)

Heidi wanted to keep it so bad, but we managed to convince her to let it go.

Heidi's Pre-K Program

Heidi had her Pre-K program today at St Thomas......

She had worked so hard on all of her songs and she looks "oh so cute!"Heidi isn't into hand movements like her brother, but she sure did know all the words!Rocking Out with her guitarGiving us a wink at the end of the showGetting her diploma...(even though she'll go to pre-k again next year since her birthday misses the cutoff)Posing for a picture with their diplomasHeidi and her best friend Lily Biermanand with her teacher Mrs BergbowerEnjoy a small video clip. The end is the best........



:)
-a

Billy Joel / Elton John

I LOVE Billy Joel......seriously can't get enough of him. Elton John too. Man oh man, can they play the piano!

Rick surprised me with tickets (that I asked for and sent him the link to) So last Thursday we headed to St Louis to watch the legends in concert together

It was AMAZING!

We arrived and got to walk past all of the gay protestors that were baracaded off to the side.....honestly, who didn't know that when they bought tickets? come on....

Cameras weren't allowed so I don't have pictures. I have a couple videos of the jumbo tron, but only tiny dancer would load. I'll work on piano man.....

When the show started, the pianos raised from under the stage. The show lasted 4 hours with them playing together, then Elton John, then Billy Joel, then ending together.

So many highlights

Only the Good Die Young
Always a Woman to Me
Anthony's Song
Allentown
River of Dreams
We didn't start the fire
Tiny Dancer
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
I guess that's why they call it the blues
Candle in the Wind
Daniel
Piano Man
+ SO MANY MORE

It was hands down the best concert I've ever been too......thank you Rick for sitting through it, altough I know deep down you loved it too!


Outside the venue

We stopped at the Waffle House (woo hoo) on the way home...Rodney took our pictureWe bought Rodney a shirt while we were there....He's slept in it every night since.

:)

-a

RJ's Kindergarten Program

RJ's Kindergarten class put on their end of the year patriotic program on Friday.

He was so excited. He got up early and I even cooked him eggs (he usually eats breakfast at school).

Rick and I both took off work and headed to his school in the afternoon.

He has outgrown the "wave when you see your parents stage", but he definetly saw us and sent a smile our way.

The program started with a parade around the playground and then the festivities headed to the gym....I don't remember the names of all the songs, but RJ started out pretty calm. He was singing like everyone else....Then he started to sing louder.....and more energetically....And then the hand movements. :)

I love these pictures. RJ told me in the car that he added them for "effect".

This was "and I'll gladly stand UP next to you" during "Proud to be an American"And another..... :)And the point to the flag....This was "This land is your land" .....Pointing directly at us in the audience.And making sure he has his torch as high as he possibly can.
I'm pretty sure that RJ will be in chorus when he gets the chance.

You did a great job RJ! We were super proud of you!

:)

-a

Uppercase Living

I have been to so many Uppercase Living parties lately.....

I think it all looks so pretty in the catalog and so pretty in all the samples, and YET...I have piles of unapplied Uppercase Living. It seems too daunting.

I finally decided to just bite the bullet.

It was so easy and I LOVE it!

The kids were both horrified that I "wrote" on the wall, but once they got past the shock, I think they really like it too.

:)

-a

Sam Parr Playdate

With the weather turning nicer I am SO looking forward to our weekly park playdates.

A few weeks ago, we met at Sam Parr to let the kids run and burn off steam.

A great time was had by all.....

The cast of characters included

RJ

Heidi

Payton

Jack

Emily

Cooper

and 3 stranger kids who came up and demanded a juicebox and gum. We caved on the juiceboxes, but the gum is where we drew the line and made them leave.

looking forward to many more playdates this summer

:)

-a