Carnival Freedom Cruise-first few days

The day after Christmas, we headed out for our annual holiday cruise, this time, on the Carnival Freedom to Roatan Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel. We have never been to Honduras or Belize so this was a new adventure for us. 

We began the trip with a last minute upgrade to the Grand Suite. Holy crud, this place was the bomb.com. It was about 3-4 times the size of our normal rooms. It was awesome to have with the kiddos with us. We each had our own closets, two toilets, and a vanity all for myself. 

 

We went up to the Lido deck to eat our first Guy's burger and have our free drink. Super yummy!!!

Then we went exploring the ship. None of us had ever been on the Freedom, but it was very similar to the Magic and we have been on that one 2 times. 

Then at dinner, we got to take photos with the pirate. Fun times. 

Day 2 we all just did our own thing. Caleb was quickly  headed to his new preteen club for some fun and pizza, Jansen headed to his kids' club, and Josh and I watched the 80's show. I loved it! Super fun! Then we went to do the art auction. This was our first time in an auction and we actually won some pieces. I cannot wait to receive them!

Day 3 we got to eat at the steakhouse as a family. It was formal night in the dining rooms so we decided, since we didn't bring formal attire, that night would be perfect to eat at the steakhouse. 

We were all so excited to wake up the next morning in beautiful Mahogan Bay, Roatan, Honduras!    

It's FINALLY Christmas day!

Christmas day came and went like a hurricane. The boys had a wonderful morning. I always wonder if they will actually like what they got, but this year, we scored a home run. 

Jansen set out snacks for Santa the night before. Incidentally, the snacks were made by Nana (super delicious) and the drink was just milk. Jansen set out a little light for Santa to help him see the goodies in the middle of the night. He is very considerate. 

After a loud "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!" call through the house, the hubs and I retired to bed, happy with how everything looked. 

Now, I don't know if kiddos got up in the middle of the night to check things out, but judging from their reaction, I doubt it. 

Jansen kept saying..."I have no speak of words right now", which is the really complicated way to say that he was speechless. 

His big gift was a pair of gold Monster headphones that he had been wanting since he saw them over the summer. 

Caleb's big deal was getting anything dealing with Five Nights at Freddy's...pillow, shirt, wristband, flashlight... He was thrilled.

Then we got them SPLATOON, which they have been dying for since it came out early in the year. By the way, they already beat the game. sigh. 

But we were able to hang out and enjoy the morning before we went to spend time with my mom's side of the family for lunch, and then to Josh's grandparents' house for dinner. 

I was so happy to be able to have Josh home with us on Christmas day for the first time in over 10 years. Usually we have to do Santa either at 3:30 in the morning before he goes to work on days, or at 5:00 in the morning as he is coming home from graveyards to sleep the day away. We are super blessed. 

 

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was spent with my dad's side of the family in Sweeny. We were all having such a great time that I totally forgot to take any pictures. We had so much fun watching the little ones open presents and then playing our own gift exchange game. 

That evening, after my husband got off of work, we went to Nana and Pops' house to celebrate with them. Again, we had such a great time. I'm glad we were able to all be together, even with my husband who has such a weird work schedule.