To end of year of fun, happiness and success, we decided to treat ourselves to a 7 day cruise along the Mexican Riviera (Western Mexico). This is my first cruise however it will not be my last. It was a blast! "Es una fiesta cada dia!" However the night before we flew out, we had to go out in style. My work put on a company party for all 900 employees which included dinner on an ice rink, dancing, drinks and a casino night. Definitely a lot of fun with friends.
The following morning we flew out to Long Beach, California. We did a last minute deal and got a ridiculously cheap fare for a night at the Hilton. Swanky! We ended up going to a movie and grabbing some dinner. Along they way we checked out what long beach had to offer.
After the movie the night really came to life and there were some beautiful pictures to be had. I got a chance to use my new, ultra low-light lens that I got for christmas. (Thanks Mom & Dad!)
After a good nights rest we woke up early to board the ship. There were no complications getting on the ship and pretty much breezed through. Next to us was the Queen Mary, which is now a museum.
The ship was HUGE. I knew they were big but apparently this was the biggest ship in the Carnival's fleet. 13 floors of rooms plus another 4-5 on the top and the bottom for crew and other amenities. You can definitely get a good work out just walking the ship.
After dropping off our bags at the room, we decided to go exploring to see what the ship had to offer. It was nice because they left all the doors open for everyone to explore.
With a whale of a tail, the ship was unmistakeable. Even the birds knew that this was the ship to be on.
We then set sail on our way to Cabo San Lucas. We had 2 nights at sea which we spent eating food, seeing shows, eating food, watching comedy, eating food, getting Ice Cream and eating some more food. I felt like I gained 20lbs just in the first day. They really don't hold back. There was also other activities to keep us busy.
Mini Golf
Playing Cards
Larger than life chess board
(I let Chrissy win)
Upon arriving in Cabo, we boarded a small taxi boat to take us ashore. We officially landed in Mexico!
We spent the day riding dune buggies along the coast and through a dried up river bed. It was a ton of fun driving dangerously through the dunes, up and down hills and over jumps. BOMBARD! I brought the GoPro with us and we got some video. Once I get that put together I'll post it up here.
Upon arriving back at the boat, we showered, ate (of course) then went to the upper deck to watch the sunset. Majestic.
The next day was our second day in Cabo so we decided to tour around the city and see what we could get into. Immediately we found some locals selling hats through the fence. This was the first of MANY people trying to sell us anything they could get their hands on.
The marina was picturesque. Mexican decor colored buildings lined the yachts and boats awaiting their chance to catch some waves in the open ocean.
There was wildlife abound. The local seals were more than happy to do tricks for a fish or two. One even plopped himself on the back of a boat to show off for the tourists.
After an hour and a half walk around the bay, we made it to the beach. Upon arriving we of course had to do a little mexican photo shoot. "Que bonita chica!"
After playing in the sand we headed back and took pictures with some of the locals.
Our travels also lead us to fins a BMW donkey, a machine to get some Cashola and my own personal collection shop.
Of course what's a trip to Cabo without stopping at Cabo Wabo? No we didn't do crazy body shots or exotic drinks. We did however use the bathroom. (Give us a break, it was like 1:00 pm)
We didn't do a whole lot of shopping but we did stop into a silver jeweler that was "sponsored" by the ship. After looking at a lot of beautiful earrings, Chrissy found a pair that fit her. Upon asking the price, she was shocked to hear that they were $175. Not wanting to spend a dime over $50, the store manager began to bargain. Standing strong with her $50 limit, the guy reluctantly gave in after 9 offers and chasing us down after we walked out of the store. What a barterer my wife is!
OK, i'm going to end this now before it gets too long. I'll update the rest later this week but this should give you a great taste of the trip!
Also, selfless plug, if you haven't checked out the video I posted before this post, go do it! :)
Me and Chrissy went out the other weekend to Stevens Pass for our first snowboarding trip of the year. It was beautifully breathtaking as anybody that has skied/boarded in the Pacific Northwest knows. Nothing short of majestic. I got a chance to use my new GoPro camera and recorded Chrissy shredding up the mountain side. Killer moves B
Hopefully this video will tide you over while I put together our Mexico Cruise blog. Watch this video with audio and in 1080 definition to get the full effect.
Fall here is one of my favorite times of year. The grass becomes neon green, and the trees are aglow in reds, oranges, and yellows. The weather gets a little damp and chilly, just enough to make it feel right to stay inside and have a fire. This year we welcomed the season with a Halloween party, complete with a photo booth made by Ben and some yummy treats made by me!
Mummy Dogs
Spider Cookies
Witches Punch
Dead, by Dexter
Our costumes were a hit this year. Dexter is our favorite show, so we thought, why wouldn't we dress up to honor the show. Ben had his Dexter outfit complete with the apron and gloves. I was wrapped in a dress, a shower curtain, and several layers of saran wrap.
Dexter & his prey
One nice fall day I went on a walk in Lincoln Park with my friend Carly. We found a sweet park where we enjoyed the swings :)
These are some instagrams from our pleasant walk by the water and through the trees
