The Cruise Chronicles - Day One at Sea

When we last left our story, the Smith-Day clan had spent a fun-filled day at Epcot Center in Orlando. The next day, all 19 of us would board Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas for a five-day sail to the private island Coco Cay, The Bahamas and then back to Port Canaveral, Florida.

My mom is what you might call a seasoned cruiser. I think this last one was her 12th cruise to date. Since she now has Royal Caribbean V.I.P. status, those of us who were smart enough to board with her, were able to bypass the long security lines and get on the ship much quicker.

What does one do once you board a floating buffet? You head straight to the food! Luckily, it's not very hard to find. You pretty much follow the crowd and you'll end up either in the dining room, one of the cafeterias or poolside. My 12-year-old cousin Carter couldn't believe that you could literally get food anytime you wanted it. Let's just say he was never far from the soft-serve ice cream machine or the pizza bar...which were open 24-7.

Our floating buffet...The Majesty of the Seas

Since we had a few hours to kill before dinner, most of us headed straight for the pool to work on our tans. I, of course, first purchased my soda pass, which essentially kept me caffeinated and happy for five straight days. Here's McCall playing "squishy face" with Uncle Brooks, one of her many dads on this trip.

Busy little McCall soon tired of Uncle Brooks (or maybe it was the other way around!), but luckily Mimi (her grandma) came prepared for such moments of boredom. She whipped out this cute felt fish that required some stitching around the gills. Once completed, it was time to put on a puppet show! 

Good thing my sister's boyfriend Brent was nearby and could take up the post of McCall's third Daddy. He was such a good sport, especially when her puppet started punching him in the face!

Before you knew it, it was time to clean up for dinner. It was a casual night, which meant we could basically wear whatever we wanted. My cousins Carter and Taylor sort of have a bro-mance going on, despite their 12-year age difference. I think it has something to do with being the youngest in their families. Regardless, these two were roommates and loved every minute of it! Here they are modeling their dinner attire, which includes "Ski or Die" hats.

And then came the hot dog. I literally walked past Cooper's room and was greeted by this...vision in mustard. Little did I know how popular Hot Dog Boy would be that night. Let's just say Cooper came out of his shell bun.

The proud parents of Hot Dog Boy, my Uncle Eric and Aunt Bonnie.

After dinner, we met in the lobby for a 70's Dance Party. (Too bad our own hippie night was scheduled for Wednesday night...that would have made for some great photos!) But no complaints here...The Village People kept us entertained!

I think my sister Laurie was a little confused by the combination of oiled-up YMCA dancers and her cousin's hot dog costume.

But we managed to get our 70's groove on!

And even my mom got out on the dance floor to do the fist pump, ala Jersey Shore-style!

Once The Village People left the floor, Hot Dog Boy did his thing! The best part of the night was when the DJ thanked Oscar Meyer for sponsoring the dance party.

Hot Dog Boy was admired by many cruisers of the female persuasion! 

But Hot Dog Boy wasn't the only one with the moves! Cousin Brooks and his wife Cristi enjoyed their first night without 5-month-old Baby Nixon, who stayed behind in Miami with Cristi's family. 

Two thumbs up for our first day at sea!

And thus concludes day one aboard The Majesty of the Seas. Stay tuned for day two at the private island Coco Cay, where the Dame boys compete in The 2010 Royal Caribbean Beach Olympics and actually medal! McCall also gets her very own poodle and we all dress up in our finest garb for our one and only formal night. Gigi also reacts to The Cruise Fairy, who somehow finds her way into Gigi's cabin and leaves behind little gifts with cryptic notes that all end with, "As Time Goes By..."

"Sea" ya soon!

PK

The Cruise Chronicles - Epcot Center

It's been a month since I returned from the 2010 Smith-Dame Family Reunion, otherwise known as "19-somewhat-crazy-somehow-related-people-surrender-all-cellular-devices-to-sail-the-high-seas-for-a-five-day-adventure-where-we-saw-everything-from-sting-rays-to speedos."

Now that I've had time to organize my photos (and borrow a few from Facebook!), I'm ready to share the good (groovy hippies), the bad (stomach flu at Epcot) and the very ugly (a red, white and blue speedo).

Let's begin our story in sunny Orlando, where a trip to The Mouse (or his friendly neighbor, Epcot) is a not only a blogable event, but a mandatory stop for all Smith-Dame cruisers. Just don't tell 54-year-old Aunt Kathy that there's a person in the Mickey costume. She takes all things Disney very seriously...

...so seriously that she presents our two princesses (31-year-old Holly & 4-year-old McCall) with princess t-shirts and tiaras - even before we board the shuttle!

This is when PK starts to feel...not so hot. Despite a good night sleep and a light breakfast (granola bar and a Coke), I start to feel the onslaught of stomach trouble. (And just so you know, I begin every morning with a granola bar and a Coke, so it's not the sudden rush of sugar to my system!)

Once we enter Epcot, both princesses pause in front of what McCall later labeled the "shiny, metal ball."

Disney theme parks really are the happiest places on earth. Here's 18-year-old Collin in a sweet moment with McCall.

But how can you not smile with this cute little munchkin?

Collin, your secret is safe with me. No one will ever know there's a teddy bear lurking inside.

Right about now I literally run for the nearest bathroom and spend the next hour or so becoming very acquainted with the park's nicely-maintained facilities. The family went on a bunch of rides, and we later met up for an iced-cold Cola with my new boyfriend.

By the time lunch rolled around, we heard there was a Royal Banquet Hall where all visiting princesses could dine in their best garb. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be...they charged a whopping $35 a head, so we took our royal party to a cafeteria in America and settled for a $10 hamburger.

But it wasn't a total loss...princesses were everywhere in America! Here's princess-struck McCall and Snow White near her famous wishing well.

And then McCall and Daddy got to meet enchanting Belle and the mean old Beast.

As we roamed from country to country, we stopped in Canada so McCall could peek her face out of a totem pole. By the afternoon, I "think" I'm recovered from my earlier stomach issues.

Around 4 p.m., we were blessed with a quick rain storm. It helped cool down the humid temperatures and gave us an excuse to duck into a store. Here's 12-year-old Carter giving McCall a lift.

Sadly, the happiest place on earth could not make my stomach happy. Realizing our day of fun was wrapping up, McCall quickly faded into my lap while we waited for the shuttle. This girl can literally fall asleep anywhere!

Once back at our hotel, I quietly returned to my room and stayed there for the rest of the night. The family took advantage of the remaining daylight hours and played in this cool pool.

And once McCall woke up from her nap, she magically turned into The Little Mermaid. Since her actual middle name is Ariel, she's always been fond of water and now apparently slides, too!

And that wraps up this edition of The Cruise Chronicles. I have so many fun stories and pictures to share from the rest of our vacation. Stay tuned because I'll be devoting individual blog posts to each of our days on the ship.

"Sea" ya soon!

PK

Newton's Third Law of Motion

There's really no point in fighting it.

You go to enough weddings and sooner or later it's bound to happen.

Even if you try not to make eye contact...

Even if you position yourself in the very back of the group...

Even if you stare at the ground and mutter to yourself, "Please not me..."

There's really no point in fighting it.

If the bride tosses the bouquet right at you, (and you're wearing 3-inch heels), you pretty much have to go with, "For every action, there's an equal an opposite reaction." And all I can say to that is: Isaac Newton really knew his stuff!

But then again, yellow roses have always been my favorite.

Maybe Mr. Newton had nothing to do with it...

Maybe the bride secretly knew my weakness for said flower...

Maybe I was a goner from the moment I stepped out on the dance floor...

The only conclusion I can come to is this: I really hope my future husband's name is NOT Isaac.

PK

My Clever Girl

I just returned from the 2010 Smith-Dame Family Reunion, a.k.a. "The Cruise". I have so many stories and photos to share, but my to-do list is a mile long this week. Stories and incriminating photos will just have to wait! But this particular story just had to be shared right away...

While I was mindlessly floating on our party ship, Lexus spent a week with a friend 0f mine from church. Mary Ann has a chihuahua named Lexi (what are the odds!), so the two pups became best friends and shared everything from food to toys to the coveted spot on Mary Ann's couch.

While I thought I had brought back all of Lexus' belongings, I forgot one crucial thing: the puppy gate! And I didn't realize this until I was leaving for work on Monday morning. Hmm...what's a girl to do? No time to swing by Mary Ann's...Wait a minute! What about your IKEA bookcase? All you have to do is push it in front of the kitchen walkway. Surely Lexus isn't smart enough to figure out there's actual openings in it...you've got books and stuff in them. Right?

WRONG!

This is what greeted me when I came home Monday night. This and a scampering dog who realized she'd been caught! (There was also the lovely bouquet of one of her presents!)

Yep, my clever girl figure out that all you have to do is push your nose a little and boom...total freedom! They say the Italian Greyhound breed is known for their clever ingenuity and now I believe it! Needless to say, a phone call to Mary Anne was placed that very night and Lexus is now safely (and securely!) back behind her puppy gate...that is until she and her pet monkey Rafiki devise their next breakout!

PK

A Little Silliness

I just love summertime...especially since its long, carefree days seem to practically beg for a little silliness. Which is why Paper Crafts is having so much fun with our July Gallery Challenge entitled: "Matt, Brad & Chip: The Boys of Summer". In this two-week challenge, we're looking for projects that incorporate mats, brads and chipboard.

And since every challenge needs a little inspiration, my fellow Texan, Matthew McConaughey offered to pose with his favorite magazine...just to show his support for our cause!

Thanks, Matthew!

Let me know if you're interested in a subscription...I know people!

PK

#1 Dad

Last Saturday, we hosted our monthly card group at Doodlebug's headquarters! (It helps to have friends in high places...thanks, Brady! And to Andrew for all the yummies!)

While Brandy will be showing our swapped cards next Thursday on the Paper Crafts Connection blog, I just had to show off the card I made for my dad for Father's Day. (Disclaimer: I assembled this card, but all the pieces can be found in the Go-to Sketches Card Companion Kit.)

This card follows Kim Kesti's sketch on p. 98 of Go-to Sketches. The banner comes pre-printed with the sentiment "Bon voyage". While this is a lovely sentiment, I decided to change it to "#1 Dad" for Father's Day. And because my dad is an airline pilot, it's even more sentimental.

Hopefully dear ol' dad likes it and doesn't ruin the surprise by reading my blog before the card arrives in the mail!

PK

P.S. My rub-ons didn't come with a "#", so I fashioned one together by trimming four "l's"!

Circle of Strength

Years ago, my mom gave this poem to my grandma and grandpa and each one of their four children as a Christmas gift. Not only did it hang in my parents' home, but I loved going to my aunt's and uncles' homes and seeing it there.

"Our family is a circle of strength and love…
With every birth and every union the circle grows…
Every joy shared adds more love…
Every crisis faced together
Makes the circle grow stronger."

~Author unknown

And even though cancer once again touched our lives, our matriarch said, "I'll show you." Then she got up and went to the beauty shop for a cut 'n color. But not before we continued the Memorial Day tradition of putting flowers on her husband's grave...and his parents'...and her parents'...

"Our family is a circle of strength and love..."

PK

Xanax, Please!

I love my dog, but I will not be getting a "Mommy & Me" tattoo on my ankle anytime soon. Of course, judging by the "eyes" on this dog, perhaps its owner didn't have a choice!

Can anyone say doggie Xanax?

PK

Oh, So Fine at 89!

Today is my Grandma Norma's 89th birthday. It was a little over 66 years ago that she stood on this stage in Italy and sang to thousands of serviceman as a USO performer. (If you look closely, you can see a few men sitting in the trees hoping to get a better view of this 22-year-old songbird.)

And here she is last November on Veteran's Day. Her assisted living home hosted a special program to honor all veterans. She sang I'll Be Seeing You with my mom and sister and then showed off her storyboard of photos, newspaper clippings and memorabilia.

And to prove she can still sing after all these years, here's a short video of her serenading the tulips at the Dallas Arboretum.



Happy birthday, Grandma!
PK

The Lex Mop

What does a girl do when she spills half her spaghetti dinner ALL over the kitchen? After uttering a profanity or two, she quickly reaches for her new revolutionary cleaning agent.

"Oh, Lexus..."

I LOVE spaghetti-all-over-the-kitchen day!

Forget the Swifter...Lexus can reach all crevices.

This totally beats my boring Kibbles and Bits!

Have a messy spill? Forget paper towels and expensive cleaners. Call 1-800-LEX-MOP for your free, 30-day trial. If not completely satisfied with the results, just return the Lex Mop - no questions asked. Disclaimer: In addition to cleaning up messes, Lex Mop is known to make a few, too!

PK

Short and Sweet

I couldn't let April pass by with just one blog post, so as we near the end of the month, here's my second! Short and sweet...but then again so are these little ones. Meet the newest members of the Smith/Dame family:

Nixon Bradley Dame (born Feb. 17, 2010):

Nixon arrived a few weeks ahead of schedule, so he only weighed 4lbs. 15oz. My cousin Brooks (seen here) is 6ft. 5in. tall, so Nixon has a lot of catching up to do before he can wrestle with dad. Good thing his momma is an amazing photographer and can capture every sweet moment.

Elise Evelyn Dame (born April 19, 2010):

Elise was born to Brooks' younger brother Todd and wife Melony just last week! Named after her Mimi Evelyn, she definitely takes after the Smith side of the family with those cute, chubby cheeks. Looks like big "brother" Bentley (seen here) greeted her homecoming with a wet, sloppy kiss!

Welcome little ones!
PK

My Little Easter Bunny

I hope everyone had a great Easter. I spent some quality time with the family this weekend and ate way too much Easter candy. Although, on a holiday like Easter or Valentine's Day, I'm convinced the calories don't count. Just like I know the Easter Bunny is real.

Speaking of the Easter Bunny...I've been known to dress Lexus up in various costumes. Here's a picture from when she was a puppy. That was back when she'd let anyone put just about anything on her and you didn't have to worry about losing a finger in the process.

While Lexus enjoyed a costume-free holiday, her cousin Charles Woodrow didn't fare as well. (Yes, in my family, we even give the dogs middle names. Lexus' middle name is Victoria. She's named after the evil (but beautiful) vampire in Twilight who likes to BITE people!) My sister went all out with Charlie's wardrobe this year. I guess he had to look his best since he was attending some black-tie canine affair. Judging from his expression, it was a complete bore!


Sorry about your luck, Charlie! Maybe your momma will make it up to you by burning this picture.

PK

Handsome Men's Club

It's not easy dating a guy who belongs to the Handsome Men's Club, but I've found that love has no boundaries.

Right after the Oscars on Sunday, Jimmy Kimmel hosted a special show that featured several of this year's nominated actors. Amidst this all-star line-up, he aired a 9 minute 26 second skit that had me hitting rewind on my TiVo over and over again. As you might surmise from the title, it's a club of handsome men. Jimmy plays the president and there's a lot of hot Hollywood men. A lot. If you haven't seen it, I don't want to spoil the juicy plot, so that's all I say...for now.

But rest assured, it's now a permanent link on my blog. Any time you want to drool at 20 gorgeous men, you know where to go! (And if you're guy reading this, there's lots of laughs, too! I promise you'll like it, Dad!)

Enjoy!
PK

All the Single Ladies!

Beyonce's hit song was not played at my cousin's wedding last week, but it would have been fitting. As this picture clearly shows, all the singles ladies had their "hands up". Well, most of them...my uncle snapped this photo during the bouquet toss and then e-mailed it to me with this reply:

"PK, I'm disappointed to see how little effort you were putting out. You have to stick your hand out if your going to catch the fly ball at the park."

While I agree with his assessment, this old lady wasn't about to go head-to-head with the "drill team" in front of me. And don't even get me started on my cousin's four-year-old daughter McCall. She was out for blood! And that determination paid off! She actually caught the bouquet!

I guess I should take comfort that while I'm almost twice the age as most of these girls, I can still fool people. A few days before the wedding I was in Forever 21 trying on some sparkly outfits. I had a girlfriend with me, so I was frequently coming out of the dressing room to get her opinion. One such ensemble elicited this response from the sales girl: "Oh, my gosh! That is such a pretty dress! Are you going to your high school's Sweethearts Dance, too?"

The only response I could give her was: "Why, yes I am!"

Got to love today's youth! If they're not running you over to catch a bouquet, they're kissing your you-know-what to make a sale!

PK

Something a Little More...

While I was out in Anaheim last week for CHA, my sister Laurie was down in Oceanside taking some photos of the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Moffat. Just imagine an adorable family of three frolicking on a California beach at sunset. I saw some of the unedited images and they're simply stunning. While I don't have those beauties to show you, I do have the Moffats when they were in Texas a few weeks ago, just 48 hours after they officially said "I do."

I'll be the first to tout Laurie's photography skills, but there was definitely something magical in the air. Especially since Texas was experiencing below normal temperatures and "the air" was literally 17 degrees when Debbie and Jonathan took to a quaint little farm for their shoot. I'll let you be the judge if it's really good photography or something a little more...

Debbie posted these pictures and more on Facebook. It was so fun to read all the comments, either complimenting them as a gorgeous couple or my sister's photography skills. I've known Deb's mom for many years, but I never grow tired of her frankness. Her comment on this barn picture was: "Nice place for a rendezvous." And I'm sure it would have been if my sister hadn't been standing 10 feet away!

Congrats, Moffats!

PK

Happy New Year!

So I'm a couple weeks late with this declaration, but the party is still going on in my head, so that counts, right?

I'm almost 100% recovered from my month-long bout with bronchitis. Not fun. Since my Christmas tree and decor never went up, I didn't have the dread of taking them down after the New Year. (Maybe that's why I'm still celebrating!)

I spent the holidays in Texas and enjoyed eight blissful days with my friends and family. I also frequented all of my favorite restaurants (sometimes even more than once!) and almost polished off a whole carton of my favorite ice cream - Blue Bell's White Chocolate Almond! (Oh, so sinful!)

In early December my middle sister moved into a swanky townhouse in downtown Dallas. Since she has a lot of space to fill, we had so much fun shopping for furniture, rugs and accessories. And the icing on the cake was she got to put up her Christmas tree with all of her beautiful decorations.

Here's all of the Smith girls in front of Holly's tree.

Here's a better view of the tree behind us.

And while I was home, the two puppies finally got to meet each other. My dad was nice enough to fly Lexus home for me (one of the perks of being a pilot - free puppy travel!), so she got to spend some quality time with her cousin Charlie, an Iggy that my sister adopted last year.

Even though they never quite got on (no worries about a love connection here!), it was fun to observe their similar mannerisms. We took them to a puppy park one afternoon and my mom snapped this adorable shot:

Some say that the dogs aren't the only thing that look alike in this picture!

The two pups are actually being featured on the Paper Crafts Connection blog today. Yesterday was National Dress Up Your Pet Day, so I thought I would tie that holiday into our new special issue Card Creations: Start to Finish, Vol. 2. I'm not sure if I pulled it off, but we'll see. Since I'm giving away a few issues of the aforementioned magazine, hopefully people will participate in my crazy little challenge. If you're interested in seeing what it's all about, click on the link above.

Happy New Year!
PK