Miami - South Beach

On Monday morning our ship docked back in Miami. The plan was to check into a hotel and spend the day and night. We had a great little hotel in the Art Deco district across from the beach. It was a perfect location for walking around checking out things in South Beach.
After we checked in, Shane, Wes, Taft, and I headed out for lunch at Cheeseburger Baby. If you are ever in South Beach be sure to eat there. The girls all went to the beach so Taft and I walked around trying to see what was there while Shane and Wes took naps. I took a few photos of the pretty buildings that have been restored and found myself in front of the Versace Mansion. It was beautiful and only two blocks from our hotel.
I loves South Beach even more than Nassau. I hope to go back there for a few days and be able to check out all the museums and parks they have to offer. Plus there is a lot of culture there that we just don't see here.

Versace Mansion
Ocean Ave

Washington Ave

The Winter Haven - our hotel

One of the little outside cafes

Cruise Day 3 - Fun Day at Sea

Day three was Easter, my birthday, and a full day at sea. Taft woke up early and the first thing that he noticed when I put him on our bed was his basket in the window. He got ALF season 1, eggs, a connecting toy, and a stuffed bunny. He seemed to like it all and loved playing with the little boy themed eggs.
After getting showers, Taft and I went to breakfast in the dining room while Daddy slept. We strolled around the ship and looked at all the shops on board. Then we went back to the dining room for lunch and strolled some more. Finally we got Daddy to get up and around and take a few photos, enjoy being out on the deck, and visited with others in our group.
Of course after Taft's nap it was time for dinner. We all enjoyed our last night of Chocolate Melting Cake. The waiters sang Happy Birthday to me and he started to scream. It was loud and he didn't understand. His friend Romeo made him feel better. Romeo was a waiter during the day on the pool deck and in the dinning room at night. Taft loved him and always smiled when he was around.

Cruise Day 2 - Bahamas

Day two was very long and packed full of things to do. Shane, Taft, and got up early to go to the dinner room for breakfast. Buffets aren't very easy with a baby in a stroller. It's much easier to have someone bring it to you.

Then we had to get all packed for Nassau. We were able to see land approaching from the window at breakfast and I was glad to get Taft off the ship for a little while.

We did a little shopping and looking around in Nassau. Taft slept a lot of the time in his stroller. It was time for his nap and he was going to take it no matter what country he was in. We bought our family usual. A Christmas tree ornament for the family tree and one for Taft's tree. And a charm for my bracelet. It was pretty and hot but I don't think that we were really impressed. I think that it would be better away from all the cruise ships and people trying to sell you things on every corner. A few streets back from the ocean were a lot more calm.

After we got back on the ship it was time to get ready for the formal captains dinner. I was excited to see Taft in his first tie. I was surprised that he left it alone for the entire dinner. He didn't seem to notice until after dessert. The food was great and everyone looked nice.

Taft liked the towel animal in the room but wasn't too sure what to do with it. I liked that someone cleaned up the room twice a day and got rid of those diapers.

Taft checking to see if we are all packed for the island.

Taft modeling his new tropical outfit.

Emma playing with a coconut animal

Mommy and Taft resting

Cruise photo from formal night

Taft after dinner

Cruise Day 1

We left home on Friday morning to go to Miami. There we would board the Carnival Imagination to go to the Bahamas. It was about a 4 hour drive and we were all excited. We did stop for breakfast and gas stops and Taft had breakfast and lunch on the road trip. Taft enjoyed hanging out with Shelly at one of the stops.

When we boarded the ship we all thought that it was relaxation time. We thought wrong. The first thing that they want you to do is get your life jackets and report for disaster training. Makes you feel really safe right? Here Shelly models the latest in cruise wear.

Pretty much after all the orientation and a lunch/afternoon snack, it was time to get ready for dinner in the dining room. Here is Taft on his way in his new little linen pants. He seemed to be entertained in the dining room each night with the singing of the waiters and all of our group at one table.

Our first towel animal. Each night we had a new one waiting in the cabin after dinner. I think that this one was a pig.