And Then It Was Over

Today we had to have one last breakfast in Cabanas, then leave our stateroom and head to the bus that would take us to the airport. Because Elizabeth had an early flight and Pam and Laura had checked their bags on the ship, we all had to leave as soon as we could. We got on our bus, got to the airport, checked Elizabeth in for her flight, and sent her on her way. Pam and Laura are on the same flight to Charlotte, NC, where they will catch other flights to their homes. Molly is picking me up at the airport to spend the weekend at my favorite WDW spot - Animal Kingdom Lodge.

It's been a fantastic cruise - possibly the best one ever. There are many reasons for that, which hopefully I can articulate in the days to come. Until then, I'll just relive the memories of a week spent with some very special friends!

Sadness at leaving. But at least Laura is in her daytime clothes!!

The view from my new balcony - it'll do!!

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Today is a gift because: one last Cabanas breakfast; no problems in getting Elizabeth on her plane; fun texts from Pam and Laura; Molly picking me up; great room at AKL

Castaway Cay - Need I Say More?

Today was a beautiful day at Castaway Cay. The water was wonderful (not too cold) and the beach was beautiful. There were cabana massages, there was food, and there was fun. Yesterday we were invited to a special meet and greet with all the characters and got some really great photos. All in all, a perfect day!!

Apparently somebody ate her Wheaties and decided to wake the others up ...

Elizabeth and a friend ...

Our buddy Brodie. Who clearly knows his way around a selfie stick.

The selfie stick in action.

Castaway Cay!!!

Serenity Bay

Elizabeth. Very serene.

Laura. Even more serene.

Pam. Serenest of all?

We're here!! 

Mickey saluting the bride. Minnie was obviously elsewhere.

The bride and her bridesmaids. Have you caught on to the color scheme yet?

The princesses and the bridemaids and a couple of other dudes.

Best. Cruise. Photo. Ever!!

Cinderella waving to us. Because we're besties. And the cruise is almost over!!

Reality hits. Elizabeth needs to pack. And it's midnight!

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Today is a gift because: beautiful time at Castaway Cay; special meet and greet; getting photo books complete; final dinner with our servers; final shows

Day Six - Our Last Sea Day!!

Today was our last leisurely sea day. That meant a lot of rainforest room - at least until the dude in an adjacent chair told us to be quiet. We also saw "Inside Out," got a surprise gift bag, and looked at all our beautiful photos in Shutters.

It's pretzel day!!

And it's drink of the day time!

And it's Rainforest Room time!

Three restful ladies - and one crotchety dude ...

The sauna - if it weren't so hot, it would be my favorite spot.

Just some loveliness!!

The bride and her maid of honor. And the cruise director. Because they're all besties, too!

And so they brought me a cake for my birthday. Which also isn't today.
But it's coming up!!

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Today was a gift because: pretzels and drinks of the day and movies and rainforest rooms and invites and gift bags and a birthday cake!

Day Five - St. Thomas/St. John

Today was Elizabeth's birthday celebration. Elizabeth has been a big fan of watching the sun rise. Which we happily allow her to view, while we continue to snooze away in our beds. However, since today was her birthday, we thought it would be so sweet of us to join her in her sun rising viewing. And so we did. Although I have to say that she was the much more perkier of any of us.

Once that was done, we watch the ship dock. And then went to Cabanas for breakfast. In our pjs. To which Laura mentioned that her children would be horrified at. I then pointed out that nobody around us cared, which seemed to relieve her feelings. Especially since it was time to dig into breakfast.

We celebrated Elizabeth's birthday, and then the three of them went on a snorkeling adventure on a pirate ship (like Captain Jack, not Captain Phillips). I stayed back instead of snorkeling. They had a great time and returned to ship. Tonight was the show dinner at Animator's Palate!

The birthday girl leading the trek to find the sun ...

The minions following her lead ...

The sun is going to rise. Really, it is. In just a few minutes ...

I see the sun!!

The official Sunrise Club. Some of us might consider this a one and done ...

This is not a sunrise bar ...

Again, Ms. Fancy Pants Photographer arranges a fancy schmancy shadow shot.

Here she is in action. In her pjs. Before she goes to breakfast.

The aftermath of getting some people up to see the sunrise.

And it's time for breakfast!! In our pjs! In public!
Needless to say, nobody wears negligees anymore.
At least not in this group.
At least not on this trip.

We're in St. Thomas!

Elizabeth's birthday celebration!

I told you we were in St. Thomas. Yay for cell service!!

Sending them off on a pirate ship.

The view from the Fantasy. They're the ones in red and blue at the front of the ship.

The view from the pirate ship.
I'm the one on the railing.
Oh - the only one on the ship apparently.

Sailing!!

Snorkeling!!

Returning from snorkeling. They're the ones at the front in their princess pose!

Dinner at Animator's. Yes, we're wearing matching shirts. Because we're our own fan club!

Some of our artwork.

More of our art work.

Tinkerbell. And our sassy pose. Because we are sassy.

Belle waving to us. Because we're her besties!!

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Today is a gift because: seeing the sun rise; Elizabeth's birthday celebration; snorkeling adventure on a pirate ship; Animator's Palate animation show; waving to Belle