Karen's Birthday!

From May 19th - 21st I spent most of the time working.  It really was only fair since I'd been on several vacations lately... and was going on a couple more!

May 22 I picked Karen up from the airport for her birthday celebration!  We'd booked into a cheap hotel near Old Town, so we checked in and went for lunch at the Macaroni Grill before I had to go to work (PM).  I'd originally planned to main-gate Karen into the park so that she could enjoy Epcot and some fireworks while I worked, but it was pouring, so Karen opted to stay in, nap, and relax instead.

I was feeling really guilty about abandoning my cousin, so I thought I'd bring her home a special "Birthday Moose" (with my managers permission, of course).  Unfortunately, my gesture was kind of overshadowed by the fact that I hit a pothole on the way home, and got a flat tire.

 

I really wasn't sure what to do with it, but Karen knew to put on the midget so that we could drive it to the dealership in the morning.  We started to get the midget out (fortunately it had stopped raining), but were fumbling with tools when a man and his son came out from another room to help!  I'm certain that Karen would have figured it out (not so sure about myself), but the men got the tire on quite efficiently!  I just wish there was something we could have done for them other than express our thanks!

May 23 was Karen's official 21st birthday!  We had planned to head to Epcot early, but since we needed my car to drive to Cape Canaveral the next day our plans had to be delayed while we fixed my flat.  So early in the morning we drove to the dealership, Becks screaming all the way (she really didn't like the midget).  It took 3 hours to get the tire fixed. Ridiculous. They weren't sure if they had the proper tire, and then had to order it, but then didn't, ugh, I don't know... it was much longer than anticipated, but c'est la vie!

Once the car was fixed we drove to the hotel and caught a taxi to Epcot.  Since it was her Birthday, Karen got in for free, and we got her a pretty birthday button!  We'd made reservations at Teppan Edo for lunch, so fortunately we didn't miss those!  We were seated with such a nice family, who ordered us some edamame!  I ordered Karen her first drink, and since it was her birthday Karen got a free dessert!  She also got to enjoy her own birthday song, while wearing a chef's hat.  Definitely a good lunch!

After lunch we went and "visited" all the countries, starting in Canada, occasionally buying beverages of an alcoholic nature.  I got Karen a "Passport" to track our travel.

By the time we got to Norway the Florida weather had caught up with us and it started pouring, so we hid in the Church (yes, did you know that building in Norway is a Church?).  We still managed to finish our tour of the world in Mexico, saw Illuminations, and then got a ride to the Commons, where we'd planned to get changed, showered, and then head out to a bar to continue the celebrations.  This was the start of our realization that we're not party people.  At Commons we were doing everything not to fall asleep, so we decided it would be best to just get some rest instead of partying.

May 24 was Cruise Day 1!  Cruises are best described in pictures... so here they are!

We started the day early and drove to our ship

Here we checked in, explored the ship, and ate some lunch before checking into our room

As we shipped off there was a huge "Adventures Away" party on the top deck!

Then we watched the "Golden Mickeys" (a show) and went to Animator's Palate for dinner

In the evening we continued to explore the ship and take advantage of the many programs before catching a relatively early night so that we could be ready for the Bahamas in the morning!

May 25 was Cruise Day 2, a day in Nassau!

We woke up early for breakfast.  You know, a healthy breakfast of biscuits, bacon, fruit, and waffles.

Then we made our way into Nassau with all of our shopping coupons, out to get some free stuff!

After collecting a whole bunch of free stuff (including a diamond necklace) we decided to head to the Hard Rock Cafe for more free stuff!  Free drinks and a free sundae with the purchase of two burgers!

Look at all the free stuff!

Shortly after we made our way back to the boat (after a quick downpour), enjoyed an art auction, and got ready for our fancy dinner at Paolo's (the 18+ restaurant).

Look at all the deliciousness!

 After dinner we went to see "Toy Story: The Musical" and enjoyed more Disney programming!

May 26 was Cruise Day 3, a day at Disney's Private Island, Castaway Cay!

We ate another healthy breakfast and got ready for our fun day on the island... just look at it, it's gorgeous!

 

We spent the morning on a hiking and kayaking excursion, and spent the afternoon relaxing on the adults-only beach in perfect serenity. Seriously... white sand, teal ocean, and nothing but blue skies!

 

In the evening it was dinner at Parrot Cay, and then the Pirates of the Caribbean Deck Party, complete with fireworks!  Disney is the only cruise line able to launch fireworks off the ship!

 

 

We ended the night with some Karaoke... a perfect ending to a perfect day!

May 27 was Cruise Day 4, a day at sea!

This was a day of laziness!  We slept in, ate a lot, and just enjoyed all of the ammenities on board.

 

 

After a relaxing day we got to watch another Broadway style show, this one even showcased Cinderella!

Then it was time for dinner, and after dinner, our server brought Karen a Birthday cake!  It wasn't even a tiny one, a HUGE, family-sized cake.  This was after we'd eaten all day, then finished a 3-course meal!  We tried to recruit fellow Guests to help us eat it, but I think most of it went uneaten.  It was pretty, though!

We spent our final evening at the young adult "dance party".  I can't remember why or how, but Karen was recruited and ended up playing a role on stage to get the party started.  Awesome.

May 28 was Cruise Day 5, debarkation day :(

There was no option of sleeping in, we had to eat breakfast, then make our way off of the ship.

It was sad to go, but we both agreed we need to do another Disney Cruise, it was incredible!

I dropped Karen off at the airport in the early afternoon, and then headed into work for a PM.  Then I spent the rest of the month doing a similar thing... working lots of MIDs!  Well, I've got to work sometime to pay for all of these vacations!