The Amazing Getaway :)

The Ellis family has some great traditions. One is our bi-annual no-grandkids trip that includes all of my siblings, their spouses and my parents. This year was a 5-day cruise out of Galveston to Progresso and Cozumel. Unfortunately, Mark and Aup were unable to come because of his rigorous residency schedule and they were greatly missed. But everyone else made it and it was a much-needed break for me at this point in my crazy life and right before we add one more child to the mix to shake things up even more :).  I even got an extra day and a half in Austin with Joy and Darrell's cute family before the cruise started and a fun road trip home with my parents, Emily and Spencer when it was over!

Our first port was Progresso.  Since we'd already been to the ruins on the last trip, Joy, Darrell, Kevin and I decided to take a bus into Merida, the capital of the Yucatan.  The quaint town square was our favorite part.  I think Joy might be pulling for a second home here someday ;)  It was a hot afternoon with lots of exploring on foot, but it was fun just being together. 

  On the ship, for our days at sea and in the evenings, we enjoyed watching and participating in the few family-friendly shows  (the little boy wearing khaki pants on the right in Rachel's shot was hilarious.  SO into this dance)...
playing games... (Kevin pulled out a Settlers victory with his signature "double 11's" real estate plan) eating lots and lots of food...(the first shot is one of Darrell's mile high breakfast buffet trips) ...even if the dining room was an ICEBOX. (The kind waitress brought me an extra tablecloth to use as a blanket one night. Joy and I made sure this sweet man was on his toes, keeping us supplied with Diet Cokes, Joy with her extra lemons and me with limes. Our second stop was Cozumel... And for the record, I am not posting any pictures of myself because I like seeing reminders that I'm hugely pregnant--only to remember that I was there, having a great time :). This first shot is of a fisherman cleaning his catch and a hungry pelican, patiently waiting for a chance to snatch it.

Back on board, we enjoyed a great, windy shuffleboard tournament. In spite of the amazing form you see displayed in these photos, the high scores were really anything in the positive. The wind was so crazy that one final score was -20 to -10.

I also have to include a few Darrell moments :). The "hug it out" T-shirt... and the formal night attire. Here's a look at everyone at our last dinner, all sporting the latest Mama KK designs.

 

We NEVER would be able to even think about attempting a trip like this if it weren't for Kevin's wonderful family.  His sister, her cute kids and his parents all pitched in and camped out at our house for the week to take care of our kids.  Now that is love. 

 

When we got home, we were able to enjoy a Linkous family tradition of the Parade of Homes.  It's always so fun to get new ideas and enjoy the beautiful things people have worked hard to create.  The dancing scene below was in a BALLROOM?! of the biggest house on the list.  I don't see that being an idea we'll be implimenting, but the girls had fun enjoying the moment.