Cabo San Lucas

(Photo by Scott Hege)

Okay, so I had planned for this to be the final entry for the cruise, but guess what, there's going to be one more! I just didn't want to put so many photos into one entry...so this is just for Thursday, December 24th...Christmas Eve! It was definitely a different Christmas eve than we've ever had before...there was no wrapping, cleaning, shopping, cooking - no stress of the usual holiday preparations that we usual have...at least most women typically have!! And, it didn't feel like the normal Christmas, but that's not saying it wasn't a good day...it was a great day...to wake up to sunshine, warm temperatures and another beautiful port to explore! This day we tendered, which means we had to anchor the ship away from the docks and take the tenders (lifeboats) into the port. In our past cruises, it has been a bit hectic and can take a while to get on one, but this was a very smooth and quick process...and before we knew it, we were all walking along the boardwalk in Cabo. Rick, myself, Jayden, Jess and Sean all had planned a dolphin experience, but had a couple of hours before we needed to be there. Scott and his family, along with Josh and Mandy had booked a snorkeling excursion that was also a bit later. So, we all headed into town for a bit of shopping (surprise!) and eventually all ended up going separate ways.

When it was time to meet up to see the dolphins...Jayden was so excited she could hardly wait! She LOVES animals and was very excited about this! As you will see from the photos...she enjoyed the experience...although we were all a bit cold by the end...guess we should have put the wet suits on!! Note to self...next time, wear the wet suit! The only disappointing part of the dolphin experience, NO cameras allowed...so I couldn't take any photos...well, not many...I took my water camera in there, and sort of "sneakily" used it afterwards, but didn't have it while we were with the dolphins. The photos of us were taken by their staff (who charge an arm and a leg for photos...literally!).

That evening was our second formal night...so another night of the guys all decked out in their tuxes (they looked awesome!!!) and us gals in our dresses...what a great looking bunch we were...what a perfect Christmas Eve!!!!

View from our ship the morning we arrived in Cabo...

On the tender, headed into town!

The first of MANY animals that Jayden meets and holds for the day...

Jayden fell in love with Lola, instantly...if only they could have figured out how to smuggle her home!

Wow...what a beautiful hotel...I think I want to return some time...soon!!

Another animal...this is Pancho!

And Jess and Sean get their turn with Pancho as well....

This was too cute...one of the stores we shopped in...Jayden just had to be with the kids there...so they watched the SMURFS...and it was all in Spanish, but she didn't care...she just wanted to be by the little kids!

Impatiently waiting for our time to meet the dolphin!!!

Ahhh...a kiss from the dolphin!!!!!!!

Our new friend...not sure we can bring him home!

A little cold after our dolphin experience...some cuddling time with Aunt Jess...

Another animal....boy, talk about hitting the jackpot with this port for Jayden!

After lunch...on the boardwalk in Cabo...

Hmmm... where are the girls, Rick...I think you're missing something!!! :~)

It really is Christmas eve....here's proof...he's on his way!

The Hege's and Beloit Jr's on their snorkeling trip (photo compliment of Scott Hege!)

And...it's Mr. and Mrs. Hege...relaxing on their catamaran on their way back from snorkeling!

Wow, what a catch...at least he got something since the girls didn't show up for the photo shoot at Hooters!

Back on the ship...waiting to leave the port...we were a bit delayed, but no complaints...pretty scenes!

Pulling in the tenders...crew hard at work!

Was it really that funny, Jess???!!

Beautiful sunset as we headed out....

Great show this evening...lots of wonderful dancing and singing... amazing talent!

Our last formal night...all dressed up and ready for dinner!

James Bond X2.....

Ahhh...don't Mr. and Mrs. Perry look very nice!! Great dress, Jess!!!!

Jayden is in heaven with sitting by the "big girls" for dinner this evening!

Our waiter, his assistant and the maitre d' - they were all great...and really catered to my mom!
And, look at how nice the Mr. and Mrs. Beloit (jr) look on this evening...in the atrium!

A wonderful evening wrapped up by Christmas carols in the theater...by the staff...this was the Indonesian choir...they were incredible!