Kidless Cruise!

Yes, you read that correctly- it says Oasis of the Seas behind us which means we are on a cruise boat! And not just any cruise boat, the biggest cruise boat in the world, carrying over 6,000 passengers. This picture was taken on the back of the boat in the Boardwalk section that mimics a Coney Island feel. If you look closely, you'll notice two things: 1) Just the Barber siblings and spouses: no kids, that's right. 2) Our shirts say "40 Years of Awesome," which was the reason for this cruise: celebrating Mom and Dad's 40th anniversary...kid free...did I mention that?
(oh and #3, Nicole broke her toe the night before the cruise, sigh.)

 We all flew into Ft. Lauderdale. Well except for the Utah crowd, who's flight got cancelled so they had to fly into Orlando and drive down in the wee hours of the morning. But it wouldn't be a Barber vacation with out signs at the airport.

 This is Central Park inside the ship. This boat was like non other. It had rooms on the outsides but a hallowed out inside so that rooms could also overlook the interior, which was also outside. This boat was so huge and so steady, I forgot I was even on a boat.

 Our interior balcony room.

Looking down on Central Park from pool level. There were four pool areas to the right and left. It was amazing how spacious and not crowded the boat felt.

 Since this cruise was in honor of Mom and Dad's anniversary, we wanted to make sure it felt like a celebration and not just a vacation. So, all the kids got together and we organized an activity/momento for every night of the cruise to emphasize their accomplishment and relationship. One of the first nights, we held a Ruby Red Reception (40 years is the Ruby, hence all the red).

 We toasted with red sparkling grape juice, snacked on red candies while watching the Grandkids say the Darndest Things video, played the Not So Newly Wed game, and gave Mom and Dad a photo album of the best of the last 40 years. It was a great night.

The other nights we gave Mom and Dad a "Top 40" jar at dinner filled with 40 of our best memories, famous family quotes, lessons learned, favorite vacations, and accomplishments. It was a wonderful walk down memory lane and a great way to reflect on the past 40 years.

 But it wasn't all sentimental, the boys got down to business and team "Awesome" made a name for itself around the boat. They guys entered every team competition and won every tournament (except land volleyball). Their best showing was 2 time dodge ball champs, where they completely dominated the competition.

 We also enjoyed the Flow Rider.

 And Zach lived on the Flow Rider. It's really hard. But Zach got in with the Flow Rider crowd and got really good at it. He was invited to join the Best of the Best competition on the last day, which was basically a exhibition for the rest of the boat to enjoy.

We also did some rock climbing. There were endless activities to participate in and to watch. It really was an entertaining boat.

 Every time Patrick and I are in Jamaica, we walk to this place that sells delicious patties. So, this time, the entire fam came with. So yummy.

 We had lovely dinner every night filled with delicious food and great, uninterrupted conversation.

 3 lobster tails? Yes, please!

 In Haiti, we all went zip lining over the ocean. Hard to tell, but that's some of us coming down the line from the top of the mountain.

It was a wonderful week and we all had such a great time hanging out with out the chaos of all the little ones. Everyone slept in, ate while their food was hot, never had to chase after anyone, and no one threw a tantrum the entire week!

But none of this could have been possible with out the help of all our in-laws. We are forever grateful that Nana and PopPop came down and spent the week with our kiddos. The kids had such a fun time and I never worried once about them the entire trip.

A few things happened while we were away: 

Ayden lost her first tooth! 

It's been loose for a long time, so long that the permanent tooth actually grew in behind it. But we did get back just in time for the tooth fairy to visit.

Raegan had taken a few steps before we left (around her 13 month bday), but it actually resembled walking when we got back (13.5 months).

And this was just too cute not to include. Raegan has found a love for books and gets so excited. It's so rewarding reading to her.