Labadee, Haiti

Oh my I am so behind. Will I ever catch up?

Back to the cruise. Our first stop was in Labadee, Haiti.

 

 

Everyone was really exicted to see Haiti, mainly because we knew nothing about it. However the stop was very reserved. All there was to see was a beach made for the cruise ship and a small outdoor water park. So basically we lied around on the beach all day. Not a bad day in my book but some of the others were hot and bored. The water park was actually really fun. It consisted of blow up rock climbing floaties and some large floating teeter totters. From the shore it looked boring and easy but once we were in the water I discovered it was really difficult and a lot of fun. Climbing up the floaties was incredibly hard and my body got a workout. I was very sore the next day especially in my arms and shoulders. The only problem I had was all the salt water getting into my eyes and under my contacts. Even with my eyes closed.

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of it but here is one that I googled.

We also shopped a little on the shore. The people of Haiti are so poor and so annoying about trying to get you to buy things. I felt completely mobbed by all the merchants I wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. I did buy a sword for Jack and they carved his name in it, and a dress for Lizzy which she loves. I probably could have bargained better but honestly they are so poor I felt bad for the shops.

Haiti really is a beautiful island. The water was amazing. We learned that snorkels do not float. Justin tried to throw one to Brandon, the throw was short, the snorkel sunk to the bottom, there was no retrieving it as it landed in the drop off area with about 20 feet below. Oh well, it's funny to think about now. It is a little scary though, a lot of men with big guns guarding the area. All the stops were similar and it just made me glad to be an American and to live in such a safe place.

Cruisng the Caribbean

Our cruise began in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Being my first time on a cruise ever I was beyond amazed by the ship and all the facilities. We cruised on the Oasis of the Seas on Royal Caribbean. It is the largest Royal Caribbean ship on the sea. AMAZING! Not only is the boat HUGE but all of the levels incrediable. Each level has it's own theme including:

-The Boardwalk: a carnival time area with a carousal, ice cream shop, hot dog stands, and large pool area where the Aqua show takes place. We also watched Oz the Great and Powerful in that area on the big screens that surround the pool. And there were two climbing walls scaling the back of the ship.
-Central Park: lots of vegetation and little restaurants where we ate lunch many afternoons. Our room overlooked that area. I loved sitting on the balcony watching the people from the ship.
-Upper decks: 4 large pools and over 6 hot tubs. We spent many mornings lounging by the pool. There were flow riders for surfing or boogie boarding. We also entered a dodge ball tournament on the sport court and WON! Go team Stoker.
-Other areas included many specialty restaurants, the dining room, ice skating rink, movie theater, zip line, and the shops of the Royal Promenade where we took a Beyonce dance class. 

We went to a different show every night and I was really impressed with the caliber of the shows. Very entertaining and all of the performers were so talented. Most of the days at sea where filled with activities throughout the day from napkin folding, to dodge ball, dance classes, movie showings, watch shows, a fully functioning gym, or exploring the boat. I found new places every day. There were a total of 18 stories on the ship and the rule of cruising is you always take the stairs, to work off all the yummy, never-ending food we ate. Needless to say we cruised the Caribbean in style.

 

 

 

 

Stoker Family Reunion Day 3&4- Miami

After our first 2 amazing days in Florida we took a 4 hour drive down to Miami. We spent the day driving around the area and visiting some of the places that Justin (Brianna's husband) served his mission. I expected Miami to be very high class and similar to Arizona, however most of the area is run down and more like Washington that Arizona. Very green with many of the houses in a jungle like paradise. I guess I should have expected that from the humidity.

 Getting in touch with my inner Forest outside Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

 Crazy trees throughout Miami.

We ate at a Nicaraguan restaurant for lunch and an Argentine cafe for breakfast. The pastries were amazing. Savory and sweet and very authentic.

 

We also spent Saturday night on the beach front watching all the people. It is a very vibrant place at night with restaurants all along the beach, loud music, and lots of lights. We left just before it became really dark which I think was the perfect timing because I don't think it is a place I would like to be at night (possibly dangerous).

 

 

 

 There is tremendous diversity in Miami and the ward we visited did not disappoint. Not only was English and Spanish spoken but there was also a Creole translator. Most of the wards in Miami have this option for the members. The spirit was so strong in the ward. There were 5 confirmations that day alone from 5 different individuals (not a family). It was a fantastic experience especially for our soon to be missionaries in the family.

Then we all piled into our 15 passenger van and headed for the BOAT!

Stoker Family Reunion Day 2- Epcot

Day 2 of our adults only vacation we visited Disney's Epcot. I've never been there and was really excited to enjoy a sunny day in the Disney resort. There is just something about Disney resorts, they are so clean and friendly, everyone will have a good time no matter how young or old you are. Epcot is different from other Disney resorts in that it is more learning centered. I really missed the kids that day because I think they would have enjoyed all the attractions and themes in the park. It is a great place to take kids, especially if you are looking for an informative adventure.

 Brandon and I in front of Phineas and Ferb

We traveled to all the countries learning about each. I especially enjoyed the 360 camera videos. We also tried Moroccan food for lunch. (YUM)

My favorite part was the space attractions. One specifically has you load a space shuttle simulator and withstand G-force training. I can only imagine it had a similar feeling to a real space shuttle but much less intense.

No rain that day which was awesome but by the end of the day we were all really hot and ready to go back to the hotel. Unfortunately we had to drive 4 hours to Miami. However along the way we did see a road kill alligator. A BIG ONE!