~♦Cruisin Caiden Style♦~

We were able to take Caiden on his second cruise this past week. We went to the Western Caribbean which included: Grand Cayman, Belize and Key West. Due to the Swine Flu, Cozumel had to be cancelled. We left out of Miami and set sail for our vacation on May 3rd-10th.

Caiden had so much fun. He did everything from attempting to snorkel with sting rays and barracudas to building sand castles and zipping down a huge water slide. He loved the kids program that we got to be involved in. He loved playing with all the new toys, and doing science experiments and crafts. He even had fun at the dance parties that they had put on for the kids.

I love this picture! I just don't understand how water and a bunch of dirt can make little people so happy.

Scott and Caiden had a blast being together. Caiden is very blessed to have such a wonderful father and friend.

These sting rays were huge... Caiden was quite intimidated by them... I found out later that Scott was uneasy about them too. I find that interesting because I was able to dive in and pick them up, feed them squid from out of my hand and take pictures of them. I guess if the big tough dad is uneasy about them, how could I blame Caiden for being nervous? They were huge!

Caiden like watching the fish from the bow of a catamaran. He fed them meat and bagels.

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Caiden had fun playing in a downpour in the Belize rain forest. He was awesome to have a long.

It was pouring buckets of water.

Caiden was surprised that the snake didn't feel slippery. He got a bit nervous when it started to squeeze his little arm and hand... Really, how much more adventure could this little boy take?

Caiden and his new friend Mia had so much fun together. She was a very nice girl and Caiden enjoyed finding a new friend. We were glad that we made new friends too.

We loved feeling the warm rain. It felt like being back in Massachusetts again.

We were soaked for hours... it was a good thing that we had our swimming clothes on. Look at the pure delight in his little smile. This is a day that I will remember for a very, very long time!

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One of his favorite days on the ship was the Fun Ship Freddy Party. He loved the mascot and had to have all of the Fun Ship Freddy Toys, books and CD'S.

Freddy signed his book and CD.

He was so funny. You would have thought that Caiden was in the presence of a rock star.

He definitely was Fun Ship Freddy's biggest fan.
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As far as the food on the ship goes, he really liked the bacon. Every morning that is all that he wanted to eat. We had to monitor it of course and encourage more fruits and veggies (I said encourage, that doesn't mean we were successful in our attempt. At dinner one night he was so tired of all the fancy food that he finally just said... "Can't I just have a hot dog or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?" Our waiters accommodated him with a 2 hot dogs (no bun, just the wieners), fries and chocolate milk.... He thought he had hit the jackpot with this meal. I think the food was the hardest thing for him as a child. Presentation of fancy food means nothing if it isn't kid friendly.

Our Table mates: Rob, Karey and Mia; Us; Steve, Kim and Emma.

A magician came around to our children and did some magic tricks for our kiddos.

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Caiden loved our room steward. Her name was Signe, she was from Croatia. She knew how to make some pretty fun towel animals. Caiden adored them all. Every night when we would pick him up from his play time, he would be excited to see what new 'friend' awaited his arrival back in the room.

Caiden's bed was so comfy. He slept really well every night.

This is a snail..... I made the mistake of saying to our steward "Wow, that was a great swan."

She quickly corrected me, "It's a snail"... Well Duh, I can totally see it now!

Caiden kept asking for a monkey. I thought this gorilla was awesome.

Scott wasn't sure if these little guys were walruses or football players.

Piggy

Hibiscus Flower

Stingray- He was wearing Caiden's shades when we found him.

Isn't he cute? I learned how to make this elephant later after we returned home.

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I loved seeing the excitement on his face as we watched the ocean, the other ships and the sunsets. It was like taking two cruises when he was around. I enjoyed viewing it through the eyes of our precious four year old.

SO CUTE!!!

Miami Bay

Getting ready to set sail

I love how happy we look together.

I was so happy that we were able to spend such a wonderful vacation together as a little family. I love being able to share experiences with Caiden that most adults have never even been able to do. I hope by encouraging travel and adventures that he will find the thrill of traveling, a passion for the ocean and a love for learning about new places and cultures.

~♥~Caiden,

Thank you for being such a good boy on our trip. You amazed us when you wanted to try new things, when you were so content playing at Camp Carnival and that you were so much fun to have around. You only cried when you thought sharks would bite off your toes. Thank you for helping mommy realize that you are still little and that it is ok to be afraid sometimes. Thank you for trusting us enough to try it again. At four years old you have done some pretty amazing things and had some awesome adventures. I hope you always enjoy your time with mommy and daddy.

We love you baby boy and are so happy that you are our son. ♥ Mom and Dad