Cruise: A Review

When B was looking at all the different options for our honeymoon, one kept coming up over and over- a cruise.  I was a little iffy at first as I had never been on one and was a little nervous about the potential for sea sickness; but in the end, I could not deny that it sounded like a great trip and a great first vacation for us to share.  So he booked it, we scheduled the on board entertainment, picked our dining hour, looked at a plethora of other options, started perusing the excursions in each port and booked our flights.

 
We flew out bright and early Sunday morning (I do mean early- 5:30 to be exact) and made it into Ft. Lauderdale after a quick flight change in ATL.  There's is nothing like stepping into Ft. Lauderdale where it is sunny and a nice 70-ish or so temperature.  We were allowed to board the ship and meander while they finished getting the rooms ready, so we found some lounge chairs, sat, and took in the largeness of this ship.  There were so many different places to go and things to see on this boat; I sometimes feel like we still missed something even though we were on it for a week. 

 










Our first stop was Nassau, Bahamas.  We decided to make our own tour schedule and walked to Fort Charlotte.  On our way back towards the boat, we took the scenic route and stopped by several local churches.  We also made a stop at a local restaurant for lunch before we wandered through some of the stores.  B got a conk sandwich (which I tried a bite of) and found it to be...interesting.:)

Our second stop was St. Marteen, where we decided to hop on a tour bus and see the island and go to Maagen's Beach.  Cannot describe how blue the water was and how serene it was, despite how many people were there!

Our last stop was St. Thomas.  We spent most of our day there snorkeling (no pictures...sorry).  We lots of sea urchins and sea cucumbers and a few small schools of fish.  We also did a fair bit of shopping in the downtown area.
 

The other days on the ship were cruise days- ie, sleep in and be lazy days.  It seems like we walked the entire ship multiple times a day and continued to find new things.  We got a round of putt-putt in one day, frequented the pool, found our way to the hot tub (as the pool was too cold for me the first 2 days), went to the jazz club, karaoke (only to listen), some trivia, and the piano bar (B indulged me and ended up having a good time too).





 



The food was fantastic!  I know we didn't even try half of what they made every night between the two of us (and we always ordered different items).  It was quite dangerous actually.  There were several places you could just stop into for a snack whenever you wanted during the day and there was a pizza parlor open late into the night.









 

So all in all, we had a great time!  We also really want to go back!!!  It was the perfect way to spend a worry free first week of marriage!!

Finally...

Okay, finally a post about the wedding!  There are entirely way too many pictures to post from that single day but I will try to capture those moments that will seem to stay in my memory forever.  It has amazed me just how much I actually do remember from that day.  So many people warned me that I would not remember much and to savor it, so that's just what I did...savored every moment...didn't worry about a thing because I knew it was already all handled...watched as all our family and friends came together to celebrate with us.  You know, weddings are actually very unique; there are tons of people there that you don't get to see very often and would love to sit in a quiet corner and have a chat...but alas, you're kinda busy so all you get in is a quick hug, a great to see you and we'll catch up later.  (I understand why some cultures make a whole week out of a wedding celebration!)

Everything turned out perfectly, though!  It was the relaxing, exciting time we both wanted and hoped for.  We saw each other prior to the ceremony (because we wanted to and to get pictures done...but I think this also put us both at ease which was wonderful).  

Brian's first look at me:)

Taking it all, a moment alone

 Pictures moved along quickly and really smoothly (I even had time to sit and sip on some water, eat a little something- totally didn't expect that).

 As my dad walked me down the aisle, he had to remind me to slow down! 

Then, as Brian and I walked up the steps, I almost tripped on my dress (oops) but was so glad to have his reassuring arm holding onto me!:)  My uncle performed the ceremony and had a very touching message for us.  I think we both started to get a little emotional during the vows, but excitement took over and we headed off the reception.  

This picture makes me smile every time

The Avon theater turned out to be awesome (outside of the music reverberating off the brick- poor band turned it down a few times but I think it still seemed loud).  Despite the loudness, it seemed like most people got out and danced some!:)  

Note: little man in bottom corner was break dancing

C got caught red-handed (by his dad and photographer) trying to stick his finger into the wedding cake!!:)  

We all learned that I do not know the true meaning of tossing a bouquet...either I didn't want to give it up or I am directionally challenged when throwing things.  

Please note Brian's expression:)

We also discovered that lavender is indeed a good alternative to throwing bird seed or flower petals- it smells nice, shows up in the pictures well, and people can still pelt you with it!;)  

All in all, it was a wonderfully blessed day of togetherness, family and celebration of what God has provided for the two of us!  I can not imagine a better way we could have started our lives together!  We feel truly blessed by the friends and family that traveled to share our day with us!!

Just before dad tripped on my dress and almost took us both out

She lost it when she realized we were leaving

There's a boy in my house, Part 1

(Okay, so it should say our house, but you know.)

Our 2 month "anniversary" has come and gone quickly.  And some time along the way it has slowly hit me that there's a boy in the house.  You might say, yes, Ashley that is the intended result of marriage.  And you would be completely right.  But when you've been raised with a sister and lived with girls your entire life, you discover that living with a boy is an entirely new experience!  Don't get me wrong, it has not been bad at all.  More so surprising, I should say.  It's not like he is overly dirty or anything like that either, just that things that were normal occurrences for me have a different slant on them now.  It's almost as if you wake up one day and realize:
1. Almost all the covers are on his side of the bed (that's why you dreamed you were in a blizzard)
2. There is way more laundry (in fact, it seems to multiply like rabbits sometimes)
3. His clothes take up half the closet (and my shoes take up the entire shoe rack...)
4. He actually takes decently long showers for him to have short hair
5. The snooze button (a downfall for both of us) 
6. The dogs like to sniff deer heads...a lot (thankfully they have not ever tried to schew an antler...yet)
7. I have really cold hands...almost always
8. The bills still come every month, but now there are a few more and all the old ones to share in this new found world of a combined "budget" 
9. Finding the right inside temperature for everyone's comfort can be a challenge (hence, we have multiple blanket options everywhere)
10. How hard it is to stay quiet while getting ready when the other person is still sleeping (blow drying your hair is impossible without waking him)

I know this is just the beginning and that there will be many more "discoveries" along the way.  I look forward to them actually because they are the things that make him my husband and the person that I love.  We are surviving a tough call month for him and attempting to still get everything settled into place.  We're also still trying to find ways to integrate some of his things into the house decor.  We are also realizing that is can be pretty darn hard to get somethings done when you're both working a lot...thank goodness we have time on our sides:)


Outside of normal house stuff and living modifications, the last 2 months have been great!  I have finally gotten my name changed legally and have a new drivers license on the way.  Now I just have to change it on everything else.  We are both pretty committed to starting good habits early on and it has been a huge help and encouragement for me in light of our schedules.  I am incredibly blessed to have a thoughtful and concerned husband.  I am excited to see what God has in store for the two of us and He continues to mold us into His servants!


(Wedding post to come next, I promise...)