Vacation to NYC, Universal Studios, & the Bahamas

It hasn't quite been a week since returning from our fabulous vacation.  It was an exciting time for me, WD, & the kids.  There are far to many stories to fit in one blog, but here are some highlights:

• NYC was huge. It was so exciting.  WD got to experience his hotdog stand "dream".  He ordered a hot dog with all the toppings plus a knish (fried bread pocket with some type of hardened potato... very dry).  Setting the hot dog on the knish, it slipped and landed on the sidewalk.  No matter, remember the 5 second rule... yep, WD quickly snatched it up & took a bite.  Yummy!  I passed on the hot dog/knish expedition, but enjoyed pizza!
• "Wicked" on Broadway was remarkable.  The kids sat wide-eyed while we all enjoyed the music, story, costumes, & the whole experience.
• Skipping was a "theme" for us while on this trip.  You see, I just learned to skip recently (thanks to Jazzercise).  So while attempting to embarass Erin (you know how 13 year olds are so easily embarrassed by their parents), I decided to skip from time to time.  I told the kids it made me happy, so Erin joined in (when no one was looking), and Dylan adapted it to a "backwards" skip.  Fun, fun... WD caught us on camera at Universal Studios (see below).
• Boarding the Carnival "Dream" was rather simple.  Later that evening, all of our bags had been delivered to our stateroom except WD's.  All I could think was, "Uh-oh another cruise going commando!" Those hysterical thoughts were short lived as WD found his bag downstairs at the purser's office... the tag fell off.
• My nightly indulgence on the cruise ship was a slice of pizza at or near midnight and frozen yogurt on a cone while sitting on the lido deck.  Hopefully all the dancing & time in the ship's gym kept me "balanced".  I haven't looked at the scale yet.
• Universal Studios was fun, but I think I would prefer Disney next time.  We chose to take the day in port in Florida to do something we hadn't done yet.  We've been to Disney twice with the kids already, so we did get to experience something new.  It's not nearly as grand, but the rides were exciting, especially the crazy rollercoaster where we got to pick our own music to rock out to while squealing through the ups, downs, & twists & turns.
• The first day in the Bahamas was a bit windy & chilly, but it was a lovely place.  We ended up eating dinner at Senor Frogs, which was a silly little place that served Mexican cuisine.  The kids got a kick out of the table decor... it was mapped out where to place your hands, elbows, feet, head, etc.  Very cute!
• WD wore a "Speedo"! Not the kind you typically think of, although that is a thought that can make one laugh.  He found a cute pair of swim trunks (full coverage & nearly knee length) that were the "Speedo" brand.  He sported those on the beach, so I can say with complete truth that my husband looks good in Speedo!
• The second day in the Bahamas was perfect.  The sun came out so Dyl & I laid on the beach (well Dyl swam out & hopped on a water trampoline while I laid out & read), and WD & Erin went out to snorkle. One of my treats was a pina colada served in a real coconut made by locals & sold out of their ice chests on the beach.  They peeled the top of the coconut so that you could eat the little piece off the top... refreshing/delicious! No, I didn't get sick although it did cross my mind, "I would never buy a drink out of someone's ice chest on the beach in the states!"
• Back on the ship, we enjoyed elegant dining nightly.  The kids even enjoyed it.  While at supper one night, I noted how handsome Dylan looked dressed up.  I also commented how he's going to knock the girls dead with those long eyelashes.  He batted his eyes at me, and I told him that's how he can get what he wants (along with good manners & a smile), really not thinking too much about my side comment.  A couple of hours after dinner we stopped in the ship's atrium to get drinks at the bar.  Erin & Dylan used their "coke cards" to purchase Shirley Temples.  Dylan climbed up on the bar stool to place his order and when the female bar tender handed him his drink, he said, "Thank you", smiled and batted his eyes.  The bar tender was taken aback while WD & I nearly fell out laughing.  It was too cute, and his timing was impeccable!

It's impossible to recount all of the good times we had while on this 11-day marathon vacation, but I've posted a few pics below.  I'll try to scan & post the formal pictures soon.

Now on to Christmas preparations!