No Kids Cruise Tradition

Hey friends!

So, I'm embarrassed to say its been more than a month since I posted. *sigh*

I didn't draft 3 posts, but they were never finished and are somewhat irrelevant as they discussed events in March. Oh well! Moving right along, here's a picture summary of our last month before I dive into my and David's "No Kids Cruise" tradition that I think you all will enjoy!

In March & part of April we.....

Celebrated Ben's 2nd birthday @ home

Spent the afternoon @ Busch Wildlife for Ben's bday

 I ran a 5k with MOPS for CareNet

 We setup a MOPS table at Taste of TC3. Our "walking tacos" were a hit!

We watched David play soccer

Had an Easter egg hunt with friends

Visited with cousins & played in "rocket ships"

Dyed Easter eggs

Started soccer

LOVE it!

Visited the Environmental Studies Center for Earth Day

Visited with some amazing friends from out of town at the first food truck rally of the year!

There was definitely a lot more, but this is a good summary! On to our cruise!!

So last year when Ben was 1 we decided we needed an adults - only trip to reconnect, rejuvenate, and just get away. Parenting toddlers and infants is hard work. I felt overwhelmed with the 24 hour task of parenting. As any mom knows, the weekend is not a break for us! We still have to cook, clean, and wake up at all hours. This trip was really my first REAL vacation since before Elise was born. We voth found afterwards that we were refreshed, our marriage stronger and renewed, and we actually missed our kids! We decided then that cruising would be our new yearly tradition.

This year we booked a 4 night, 5 day cruise to the Bahamas on Royal Caribbean. We previously traveled on Carnival to Cozumel & Key West, and I have personally been to the Bahamas on Carnival 2x other times with friends and family.

This trip, our intention was to relax, explore the destinations as much as possible (sans excursions), and to focus on each other. We are so lucky that both grandparents found time to come watch our kids so that we could cruise worry-free. Thanks mimi & nana and pop!!

As for the cruise, it was so fun! I know that I get bogged down with the day to day grind that having almost a week without technology to really spend time with my significant other was much needed! We met some great cruising friends, took in the cruise entertainment, laid by the pool, ate lots of food, and soaked up lots of sun.

 To make this happen we really had to look at our budget. It's tight, but we found room in it to take time away. It's so important that we not lose sight of who we are as a couple and even individuals! My kids are my heart and soul, but I want to know when they grow up and leave that my relationship with my husband is strong, that I have hobbies, and that our life doesn't just "end".

Anyways, here's a few fun pictures from our trip!! I'll be back with a few more posts - ideally more frequently!!