Norwegian Getaway Cruise

Dallas' job is extremely demanding and stressful, but every so often we get to enjoy some of the benefits that come from working with a massive firm like PWC.  At the beginning of February, Dallas called from work and asked if I thought we could find an overnight babysitter for the upcoming weekend.  As part of the firm's ongoing charity opportunities, they had purchased a few cabins aboard the Norwegian Getaway for it's Christening Weekend celebration with all proceeds going to the "Make a Wish Foundation."  I told him I would try to find someone to watch Daxton, but to not get his hopes up.  Luckily, I've been blessed with the best set of visiting teachers ever, so finding a babysitter turned out to be quite easy.  My friend, Britney, and her husband, Jared, were more than willing to watch Daxton for our impromptu getaway vacation.

Since this was the Norwegian Getaway's maiden voyage, the entire event was quite the party.  Guests were asked to explore the ship, enjoy the great food, and relax with all the endless amenities.  The ship was pretty incredible and had four large water slides and several pools on the top deck.

(Below pictures on the left were taken from the internet.) 

Along with all of the pools on the top deck, there were also several private spa areas for the first class, a couple large auditoriums for the different shows, and several different restaurants and bars spread throughout the ship.  One of my favorite things was the outside promenade on deck 3 or 4.  They did a great job at creating a "boardwalk" atmosphere with shops, bars, and restaurants available to check out.  

(Below pictures were taken from the internet.)

Unique to the Norwegian Getaway was their "ice bar."

The temperatures were obviously very cold, so guests were outfitted in large heavy parkas and then only allowed to stay in 30 minute increments.  Dallas and I don't drink, so we never entered, but a few of Dallas' coworkers got in and said it was pretty awesome.

Walking up the tunnel to get on the ship, the famous towel animals, and our room for the night...

Once we got things settled in our room, we went exploring.  The main common area extended three floors with several restaurants, casinos, shops, and bars scattered throughout.  I have to admit that I missed the wholesome-fun atmosphere from Disney cruise lines.  I'm not a fan of the casinos and smoke.  Luckily there were designated smoking areas and the smell wasn't too strong.  It was still a fun time, just focused towards adults instead of children.

I loved the spiral chandelier which matched the glass spiral staircase along the perimeter of the room.

The cruise itself was only one night, so the ship spent most of the day docked in Miami.  We were supposed to be boarded by noon, so it was funny to walk around a few hours later and still be in the Miami port.  

Can't complain about that view though!

Gotta love the beauty of Miami!

(Views looking toward South Beach)

Views looking back toward Miami

Talk about some seriously expensive homes!

Along with the water slides and pools, the Norwegian Getaway also had a huge basketball court, mini golf course, rock climbing wall, and an awesome ropes course.

While we were out exploring we decided to play a quick round of mini golf.  The golf course was pirate themed, but what was funny was trying to play golf while standing on a rocking cruise boat!  Needless to say it was very entertaining.

More views of Miami, the setting sun, and other cruise boats leaving the port...

My favorite place on the ship was the back promenade with the stunning views of Miami.  On a side note, I've become a HUGE fan of sundresses while living in South Florida.  They are much cooler and more comfortable than shorts or capris.  I've also come to really love the heat and humidity...I know, I'm a bit crazy!

Windows looking straight down to the ocean...

We loved the unlimited drinks offered.  They made some seriously yummy fruit smoothies!  Mostly it was just fun to see Dallas in a relaxed environment again.  I really miss his goofy side, which tends to be pushed away during busy season.  He holds such stress and responsibility, I can't even imagine that level of pressure.  But I'm so grateful for his love and support, and belief in the importance of having a stay-at-home mommy for our little guy.  Few people get that luxury these days. 

For dinner we met up with Dallas's friends/coworkers for an extremely yummy Brazilian BBQ dinner.  It reminded me of Tucanos in Utah, where platter after platter of amazingly cooked meat is placed before you and you can choose what meats, fruit, etc you'd like to eat.  By the time dinner was finished, we all basically had to roll ourselves out of the restaurant. 

Earlier that day, Pitbul had performed for the official Christening ceremony.  It was true Miami form for sure!  At 9pm the ship left the Miami port for the open waters of the Atlantic.  This brought on another fun outdoor party, this time with laser lights, glow sticks, loud club beats, and crazy dancing.

The ship had several laser lights which were pretty cool, but what was super funny was that when we were leaving and passed through the entrance to South Beach, there were several apartments that had their own laser lights as well.  I swear, only in South Beach!  

The whole crazy gang

The night made me feel like a teenager again!

Nothing like obnoxious dancing and glow sticks to make you feel young again!

In true nightclub fashion, there were scantily clad girls dancing on the sides of the stage.  I loved the sparkling lights in their costumes, though, and was a fan of the smoke gun.

As we pulled out of the port, there was an incredible fireworks display that went perfectly with all the crazy music, lights, and dancing.  I've always loved a good party!

Looking back at Miami as we were leaving the port...

After the dance party, Dallas and I went to the 10pm showing of "Legally Blonde," the Broadway version.  They did a really great job, great voices, sets, and costumes.  Dallas was pretty exhausted by this point, due to his insane busy season, but was a sweetheart and sat through the entire 1.5 hour production with only a few complaints.  After it was over, we took our time walking along the upper deck, enjoying the moonlight, and of course...having a couple helpings of soft serve chocolate ice cream!

The view from our bedroom balcony...

In the morning we had to debark by 9am, so it was a quick breakfast and then on our way.  It was such a fun getaway, although much too short.  Daxton did great with our friends and we got a much needed vacay with just the two of us!
Thanks again, PWC!

Grandpa and Grandma Perkins Visit: Miami Zoo

Our last adventure with Grandpa and Grandma Perkins was at the Miami Zoo.  We had been told that the only way to do the Miami Zoo is to rent their bikes.  The zoo itself is massive and takes forever to walk through, so with the bike it makes things a lout easier.  Plus Kristie has a lot of back pain and we wanted to help lesson that as much as possible.  There was even a fun little toddler seat in the front of the bike for Daxton to sit in which he loved.  He had the best views while we explored throughout the zoo.

Our happy family ready for a day of pedaling.

Daxton LOVED sitting out front and would reach back every so often to ring the bike bell.  He got so excited whenever he saw the next animal.  Gotta love that toddler enthusiasm!

There were so many fun things to explore and climb on.  Daxton could have spent the entire day just running up and down the paths.

Trying to touch an ostrich...

There were several tortoises right next to the fence, even a baby, which Daxton got to touch.

At one of the exhibits we found a water table explaining river systems and dams.  It took Daxton less than a minute to climb up on top and plant his bottom right in the middle of the water.  He is definitely an aqua baby!

Running after daddy...wet butt and all...

Since he was already wet, we figured there was no sense in changing his clothes to his swimsuit.  Yes, I have an extra swimsuit for him in my diaper bag at all times now that I live in Florida!  There's always an opportunity to get wet somewhere and it's always warm.

Daxton was in heaven playing in the water fountain.  He ran up and down the rows putting his face directly in the water for almost 30 minutes.  His squeal was so adorable!  Like I mentioned before, he is an aqua baby...

Such a happy guy!

He also had a ton of fun playing with grandpa on all of the playground equipment.  He especially loved the tunnel slide.

The Amazon exhibit was pretty cool, with raised wooden walking paths for most of the enclosure.  Daxton loved running up and down, chasing grandpa everywhere.  There was so much to explore everywhere you looked.

More animals to climb on...a toddler's dream!

After exploring the Amazon, we hopped back on our bike and continued to Africa, where Daxton yelled at each of the animals and practiced his animal sounds.  His favorite...the lion.

We all especially loved the Giraffe feeding encounter the Miami zoo offers.  It is high up, so you are face to face with various giraffe as they come to eat.  You can pay a couple dollars for the leaves to feed the giraffe.  I am always amazed at how LONG their tongues are!

Grandpa, Grandma, and Daxton all took turns feeding the giraffe.

It's funny to watch all the different facial expressions Daxton makes throughout this process.  He is excited and wants to feed them, but pretty freaked out by their extremely long tongues.

By far the best picture that has been captured, probably this entire year...

Nothing like getting a giraffe tongue in the ear!

In honor of our loving GG!  We sure do wish she could've come out to visit!  We love you GG!

One of the last enclosures we found were the river otters and Daxton thought they were so silly.  The otters kept wrestling and hugging each other, which Daxton couldn't get enough of.

A very patient husband to put up with all our picture taking!

I sure do love this man!

He is my best friend and everything in my life.

The reason he is so wonderful is because he was raised by such incredible people.  He has a lot of people who love him and have taught him what it means to be a kind, loving, and supportive husband and father.  I count myself the luckiest because we found each other and somehow convinced him I was worth marrying.

Love you, sweetheart

It was such a great few days with Grandpa and Grandma Perkins in town.  We wish it could have been longer, but we will take what we can get.  We sure do love and miss them.  That's the hardest thing about living in South Florida...the distance from family.  
Thanks again, Grandpa and Grandma, for making the long trek out to visit!  We love you both so much and can't wait til we get to see you again.  Daxton is missing his buddy!