We left for vacation on May 3rd. It took us forever to decide where we were going. About 3 weeks before we left we decided to go on a cruise out of Mobile, Alabama. We originally said we weren't going on vacation because we are still doing things for the house. BUT we LOVE vacation!! We went from camping at the lake, to going to Dallas, to going to Gulf Shores, to the cruise. The cruise was suppose to go to Mexico, but with the Swine Flu outbreak, the itinerary changed. We knew the Holiday was a "small" ship, but we were excited to get away! We drove to Mobile on Sunday. Addison didn't sleep at all, but made it fine. I think I brought too many toys! She was excited about all the knew things she had to play with and never closed those eyes!
We ended up booking a hotel on the road. I had read about this hotel that was close to the port that you could stay there and they would transport you to the ship. We don't know how people use to travel. We both had our phones, mine with Internet access, our laptop with a wireless Internet card, a GPS, and a DVD player. We were technologically prepared! Addison thought she was so big pulling a suitcase!
We woke up on Monday to tornado warnings and yucky rain. The rain settled down and we were able to tour the ship.
This was the boarding picture. Yes-I planned our matching outfits!Yeah! We are on vacation!
Day 2
This was the professional photo we had made. I thought it turned out good even though Addison wasn't smiling! This was the last time we matched on vacation! Grant was a little embarrassed but I guess until he learns to pack, he will have to wear what I pick!Day 3
We got back on the boat and yes, ate the lunch buffet. We waited to see the ship leave then headed in for a nap. Once again, Addison was sooo worn out, she went to sleep. Grant and Addison went to the pool after her nap (we promised she could, which made going in for the nap easier) and I got dressed and ironed their clothes for dinner.
Addison loved wearing this hat. She really was all dolled up and received lots of attention!
This was made by a professional photographer on the ship. Addison had a ball posing! They only had 8 x 10s that were $22 dollars so I only bought one.Our waiters! These guys were fantastic! On a cruise, you sit at an assigned table and have the same servers every night if you choose to eat in the dining room. After the first night, they always had our table ready for us...booster seat, special cup for Add, only necessary utensils for Addison, kids menu and crayons. The head waiter, had a daughter that he hadn't seen for several months. We found this with several workers on the ship. They would ask how old Addison was and then tell us they had a daughter/son at home (from all over the world). They said they worked for 8 months at a time and then had 3 months off. This was sad to Grant and me. I can't imagine being away from my family!
Day 5
The last night was the only night we weren't sure we would make it to dinner. Addison did not want to wake up from her nap and she was quite the bear when she finally did wake up! Grant finally left and went on to the dinning room and ordered for us. Addison finally got going and we made it fine. After dinner, we went to the closing show. It was really good and Addison (and the princesses) seemed to enjoy it. It was a Country Music show, but the dancers were fun to watch. We had everything packed and ready to go when we went to bed.

