We started our final day at sea a little differently. For one thing, the reality that our vacation would be over in a matter of hours was slightly depressing. So, we didn't bound out of our cabin doors quite as eagerly as on previous mornings. Of course, it could have had more to do with the fact that we were all exhausted from waking up early & staying up late to pack in as much fun as possible. Yeah, I guess that could have played a role in our energy levels.
With the knowledge that we were far out at sea, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to perform a little experiment. Two Christmases ago, Aunt Kelly gave us these awesome message in a bottle kits. I loved the idea! With four of them, I thought it might be better to try distributing them from different sites. We'll release a bottle from one of our home beaches, but bottles two and three were launched off of The Oasis, a bottle for each address. Should they be discovered in the future, someone will find pictures of the kids along with a message in both English and Spanish that includes the kids' addresses and the request for a letter letting them know where the bottle ended up. Everyone was excited about the 3 second activity. Keep your fingers crossed that one day someone gets a letter!
Continuing with the unusual activities, we made our way from the deck to the Promenade for a cupcake decorating class. Who know that you could channel your inner Martha Stewart at sea?! While they offer the course for adults, we opted for the child-friendly class. Considering our group, it seemed like the way to go.
Sadly, one member of the gang (we'll leave him unnamed) did not get to participate. He was on an extended time-out which forced him to watch from the corner. Before you feel too bad for him like I kind of did at the time, he actually ended up showing little interest in the activity. So, I guess it worked out to be more of a break.
Jax, however, took the decorating process very seriously and focused on the task at hand, transforming a plain yellow cupcake into a monkey!
Even the dads did their part, taste testing the icing in the piping bags. It's a tough job. I'm glad they were willing to step up to the plate. Interestingly enough, it turned out to be the best chocolate icing we've ever tasted!
The final products were adorable, but I don't think Jax has a future as a pastry chef. Of course, there's still time. He could surprise me!
Content to enjoy the leftover icing, Jax offered his completed cupcake to his dad and looked on anxiously as dad took the first bite. I'm not sure whether Jax understood that his contribution to the creation would have little effect on how it tasted. Regardless, the cupcake received two thumbs up, and Jax has elated!
With sugar now pumping through everyone's system, a visit to the Boardwalk play area seemed in order.
And, of course, we had to take one final spin on the carousel!
The day was flying by, and we still had so much to do! A round of mini-golf was the next activity on the itinerary. I was relieved that the kids understood the concept was to putt not drive the ball. I hated to picture poor dolphins or sea turtles being stuck with wayward golf balls.
Of course, I saved the best activity for last...Ziplining! Here's a picture of the line.
And, this is the view when you look down!
I'm not sure what good the helmet would do if there was some sort of "problem," but I put it on anyway.
Woo hoo! We waited in line 20 minutes, and it was over in approximately 5 seconds. However, I'll admit the ride was worth the wait. It was a nice warm-up for a future canopy tour of a rain forest in South America.
The cruise felt like it flew by just as fast. We spent our last night packing and theorizing about when we could feasibly book our next voyage and to where!?! Time will tell, but I can tell you that we sail again!
If family time isn't enough to lure Uncle Al back to Florida on a regular basis, then I imagine his popularity with the ladies will do the trick. It seems Alex has quite a few love interests here in the Sunshine State. When you're 22, it's good to keep your options open and play the field a bit.
Most of the birthday festivities centered around the pool. What else would you expect with temperatures soaring into the upper 90's! I can imagine the groans if anything else had been suggested. It seemed everyone was content to simply float in the cool water while sipping on fruity concoctions spiked with the rum that we brought back from the Caribbean.
Baylor had to settle for soft drinks that he stole from the pool fridge. Isn't this the best trashtastic photo of him in his floaties & swim diaper? He has something against his bathing suit all of a sudden. Maybe I should buy him a little Speedo?
Exhausted and water-logged, we eventually pulled ourselves away from the pool. Birthday cupcakes were the perfect incentive! I think we may have a new favorite bakery, and that's saying a lot because we've sampled some excellent cupcakes in the past few years.
Of course, it wouldn't be a birthday post without including a picture of Baylor enjoying his cake. Slow down, boy! Save some for the rest of us!
Unfortunately, 
Coach Mike worked with the kids on perfecting their grip, and then moved on to practicing chipping and putting. 
Luckily, 
Although, I think your love of trophies and medals is a clear sign that competitiveness is in your blood. Just try to have a little fun along the way!
B.
C.
D.
E.
Seriously, we were only certain about 2 of the 5! 
