Aaron was gone more than he was home during the month of May. By a long shot.
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| Who knew we'd be so matchy-matchy with the hotel patio/pool decor? |
So when the opportunity rolled around for me to join him in Miami for a conference, it was a 'no-brainer'.
It worked out beautifully that G-ma and G-pa M were ready for a break from their trailer/camper living arrangements. They moved in for a few days and remembered what it was like having a bunch of kids to look after. And Janene was happy to have a real kitchen and bathroom again. I didn't worry one bit about the kids - I was more concerned about their grandparents. Bob and Janene are troopers and the kids had a great time with them at the helm.
It worked out beautifully that G-ma and G-pa M were ready for a break from their trailer/camper living arrangements. They moved in for a few days and remembered what it was like having a bunch of kids to look after. And Janene was happy to have a real kitchen and bathroom again. I didn't worry one bit about the kids - I was more concerned about their grandparents. Bob and Janene are troopers and the kids had a great time with them at the helm.
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| Selfie on the airplane - SL to MN to FL |
Nobody likes driving to the airport at 4:40am but my Dad was willing to be our chauffeur.
After all, airports are his "home away from home".
After all, airports are his "home away from home".
A home care franchise company really wanted Aaron to speak at their annual conference/retreat. We participated in most of the meetings and activities on their agenda. I was able to attend his presentation and must say that he added significantly to the content of the conference.
He was the rockstar for sure.
He was the rockstar for sure.
Thursday evening the entire group left the hotel and rode the monorail down to the pier.
We checked out the little shops before boarding our "Pirate Ship" for a dinner/tour in Miami's harbor.
Armando, a Floridian franchisee owner, gave us the scoop on the fancy, crazy-expensive houses we sailed by.
This property is where "The Adam's Family" TV series was filmed years ago.
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| This one belongs to "Rocky" - Sylvester Stallion |
Although it's hard to see in this picture, this entirely pink home used to belong to Elizabeth Taylor. We saw the former homes of Frank Sinatra, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Shaquille O'Neal and many others. The perimeter of one property (developer of Viagra) was lined with imported palm trees at $10K per tree.
Though a bit overcast in Miami, the sunset was still radiant.
We stayed aboard until the lights of the city were in full array.
On Friday, a portion of the conference wrapped up and some participants went home. The majority of the franchisee owners, including ourselves, boarded another ship for the weekend.
According to frequent cruisers, this is a small ship with only 2400 passengers and 800 staff aboard. Aaron and I found it interesting to converse with staff members (from all over the world - Romania, Jamaica, Indonesia, Phillipines, etc.) and were educated on how their job contracts are set-up.
Her "Majesty of the Sea" is considered to be a very old and the rumor is that it will be decommissioned by next year.
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| Building with red flame on top is where Miami Heat play games. |
On Friday, a portion of the conference wrapped up and some participants went home. The majority of the franchisee owners, including ourselves, boarded another ship for the weekend.
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| Her "Majesty of the Sea" |
Her "Majesty of the Sea" is considered to be a very old and the rumor is that it will be decommissioned by next year.
Check out the new logo wear provided by the franchise - just in time for Father's Day:).
Leaving the Miami harbor.
Food, glorious food. And lots of it.
Most of our meals were eaten in the "Windjammer Marketplace" - quick & easy buffet-style.
A tasty variety of food choices - and desserts, too.
We preferred taking the stairs over the elevator every time and avoided the notorious 5-lb gain:).
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| Judy (from CA) and I hit it off |
Impressive. Considering we ate two dinners every night. Our assigned table time at the "Moonlight" (fancier eatery) with the conference attendees was 9:00pm. There was no way I could hold out until then to eat! It made for some late evenings. We mixed and mingled and made new friends along the way. I didn't get a picture of some of our favorite people - especially Lisa & Gary from New York.
Saturday morning we forced ourselves out of bed and onto the commuter boat to explore the tiny island of Cococay. We learned the island is leased from an older man who lives on it by the cruise-line Royal Carribean. It's a serious money-maker for both parties. Royal Carribean oversees all excursions, shops, food, etc. for the tourists - and charge the maximum amount possible, of course.
Our splurge included kayaking in the beautiful ocean with Lane & Tami K. We saw sting rays and huge starfish - red and orange. Our tour guide (from Brazil) was a wealth of knowledge.
We also snorkeled a few times. The breeze made the waters a bit choppy as the day progressed but the colorful fish were easy to see in the clear waters with light sand underneath. I am, however, still of the opinion that Hawaii wins the prize in the snorkeling department with it's spectacular coral. I am very happy to report - no leaky gear.
Look closely and you can see the commuter boat taking passengers to and from the main ship.
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| Aaron and I were part of the winning team. |
After an amazing BBQ lunch, we laughed ourselves silly with a bunch of team-building activities. A few of the participants decided Aaron and I were the "plants" flown in to help push our team to the top. Running in the sand was no problem for us. It was all about the win!
Our day of fun in the sun and the weather was just right.
Heading back to the cruise ship.
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| Aaron - Utah State shirt, Heather, Tami, Lane - BYU shirt |
The theatre on board hosted evening shows though we only caught one. These weekend cruises cater to a different crowd. (The nick-name of "booze cruise" was aptly given).
We were mesmerized by the skills and tricks of a famous Mexican juggler.
One evening required more formal dress for the Captain's something-or-other. Can't remember.
It was only 11:30pm when this photo was snapped.
Then we decided to have a "real" one taken too.
There were photographer's snapping away all weekend long. Various pictures were displayed on a lower deck - just waiting to be purchased at $22.99 per sheet. Yikes. Since Aaron and I haven't had a "real" picture taken in a while, we allowed ourselves just one. I almost laughed out loud at all of the revenue streams aboard the ship. Cruise lines don't make much on people like us - who don't drink, gamble, shop, etc. I never expected to walk through a live art auction aboard a ship and hear the first bid go for $15K for a lack-luster painting.
A few days "in the world" reminded me just what a "peculiar people" we are.
But on Sunday morning....we felt right at home.
Then we decided to have a "real" one taken too.
There were photographer's snapping away all weekend long. Various pictures were displayed on a lower deck - just waiting to be purchased at $22.99 per sheet. Yikes. Since Aaron and I haven't had a "real" picture taken in a while, we allowed ourselves just one. I almost laughed out loud at all of the revenue streams aboard the ship. Cruise lines don't make much on people like us - who don't drink, gamble, shop, etc. I never expected to walk through a live art auction aboard a ship and hear the first bid go for $15K for a lack-luster painting.
A few days "in the world" reminded me just what a "peculiar people" we are.
But on Sunday morning....we felt right at home.
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