Welcome to the class of 2021!

First day of high school. Jacob is glad to not be in a uniform this year. He made it to school and back on his bike so it was a successful day. 

Ice Cream Museum

Back in May Michael took us to the Ice Cream Museum in the LA arts district. This is a traveling museum that has made its way out West. 

In almost each room ice cream snacks were provided. This was the second room.

The sprinkle room was something to behold. We were all taking sprinkles out of various places for the rest of the day including taking some home. If the museum comes to your town it is worth a visit.

Middle School Graduation

Good thing Jacob was wearing his bright green sunglasses so we could see him.

Mr. Adrian, his 8th Science teacher. He grew up in Lake Arrowhead and went to Rim of the World High School.

Mr. Little, now Vice Principal. He was also Jacob's 6th Grade History teacher.

Ms. Bembry Drama teacher. 

On his way to getting his diploma.

Mr. Perez 6th Grade Math teacher. 

Diploma in hand.

Mr. Little giving him his award for 4.0 for the past 3 years.

Hand shake from the Principal and all done.

Final Thoughts

Another selfie by Jacob. This was at a pizza joint in NY.

Jacob does not usually take pictures of food but these donuts were worth one. This was also from NY.

Each cruise ship has quite a bit of art. We particularly liked this scrabble themed one.

These pictures are a compilation of screws.

This was the first cruise in which we spent Easter Sunday on the ship. The lunch buffet had quite the spread. We were particularly impressed by the desserts.

Dinner in the dining room was very festive. We had special Easter menus. We got chocolate covered strawberries as a treat. Jacob received some chocolate eggs. We enjoyed our final meal on board.

Activities Around the Ship

North Star. This ride above the ship is by reservation only and you get one trip per cruise. I did not attend since I was sick, a reason to go back.

A view of the ship on North Star.

Selfie extraordinaire.

Control panel. I bet you can guess who took this picture.

Next adventure, Ripcord by IFly. I call it the wind tunnel. I also decided this was not for me but someone needed to take pictures.

Pre-flight.

Jacob entering the chamber.

Jacob's flight.

Michael entering the chamber.

Michael's flight.

Bumper cars! I was most looking forward to this and it was the hardest ticket in town. The line was usually around the whole building and they only ran for 2 hours per day. We finally got on the last day of the cruise at 9:30 in the morning and we got in line 30 minutes early. Jacob declined this event.

The Bahamas

Our first stop in the Bahamas was CocoCay. This is one of Royal Caribbean's Islands. We had to tender over which was a long process. By the time we got to the island it was very busy and we had trouble finding three beach chairs together. It was hot with no shade so it was going to be a short trip.

I thought this sign was so funny.

Our next Island was Nassau which Jacob decided not to got to. Michael and I went to Fort Fincastle which was the highest point on the Island, Bennett's Hill.

Next we went to the Queen's Staircase.

I don't remember what this building was but it reminded me of a southern porch.

Colorful buildings abound even the police station. It was a beautiful day on Nassau; windy and breezy and not too hot. It reminded us not to go to the Caribbean in the summer.

Boarding Day and Kennedy Space Center

                          Boarding day on Anthem of the Seas. New York is in the background.

                              Passing under the Lisbon Bridge was the highlight of sailing.

As you can tell I thought this was really fun.

Other side of the bridge and Jacob consenting to a rare pose.

Coffee lady watched over our room. We thought it a good omen and a nice marker of where our room was located. We cruised for two days before reaching Cape Canaveral, Florida. We did a lot of napping and eating.

The Rocket Garden.

Original Apollo Mission Control Consoles

Saturn V Rocket

Lunar Service Module

SpaceX Building at Cape Canaveral (part of the bus tour).

                                     Boeing Building at Cape Canaveral (part of the bus tour)

Astronaut Hall of Fame Sponsored by Boeing

Fountain at the Entrance of Kennedy Space Center

Can you find the hidden Floridian lizard?

We spent about 4 hours at the Space Center and then went to Sams House at Pine Island. These lizards were the only animals we saw there. I became eaten alive by the mosquito so we did not stay long. Our final stop before heading back to the ship was Ron Jon Surf Shop. We spent quite a bit of time there looking around. Jacob bought some new sun glasses to add to his growing collection. Next stop Bahamas.