Eleven times Three

Today was the Shipley triplets birthday party. The one big difference for us this year is that we got them an early birthday present about a month ago. On New Year's Eve we talked their parents into letting us get them a dog. We went the next Saturday morning and picked up Ashley and Matthew (Mikayla didn't want to come). We headed off to the animal shelter. We didn't find the right one there, so we went to the Humane Society. They soon fell in love with a small chihuahua mix. We soon found out that they would not let us adopt him for them. We had to call and have Steve come down. Mikayla and Spencer came with him. It was a long, drawn out process to get everything cleared for them to take him home. We were worried for the first week wondering how things would go with them. After the first week, everyone seemed to be getting along fine.

So, today was the first time we have been to their house since they brought him home. For a little while I was wondering if he still had the ability to walk. He was being held all the time. I saw him being kissed by a couple of the kids and Spencer was telling us how he sleeps with him. He has truly found his home. They seem to really love him. Since we had already gotten them their present, we gave each of them a dog toy. It wasn't long before he was running, jumping and chewing on these. They seemed to be a hit.

Then we took a party of 18 to the Texas Road House. It look a while for them to get a space cleared for a group that big, but we had a great time. Janice asked for a full "rack" which just got everyone laughing. Now, we have leftover ribs for lunch tomorrow. Sweet, sweet leftovers.

"I sailed, my first try"

Yesterday we got home from our first cruise. I think that I can safely say that it will not be our last. Amanda and Scott went with us. We had a BLAST. It is such a different vacation experience.

So, Monday we flew to Long Beach and caught a cab to the ship. We were on the Carnival Paradise. We spent the evening exploring the ship and eating (of course). I have to say that the staff on this ship are truly something special. Everyone was so friendly and helpful.

Tuesday morning we woke up in Avalon Bay at Catalina. I am sorry to say that I didn't know much about Catalina. It is a beautiful island with about 4,000 residents. Our first order of business was to take a Segway tour of the island. Jane and I had ridden them a little bit in Disneyland last year and were excited to get to do it again. It was a great way to start the day. They took us around the town of Avalon and told us a lot about the history of the island. We really enjoyed it. The only problem was that when we were going back down the canyon road, Amanda was literally thrown off. Jane was right behind her and almost ran into her. Luckily she only got some minor road rash on her hand and leg. The Segways were the older first generation models and I have heard that they are not as stable as the new ones. So, when we get rich and buy ours, we will be sure to get the second generation model. We then spent a few hours walking around and shopping. We found out that you can get to the island via ferry in about an hour from Long Beach. We may have to go back next time we are down there.

Wednesday morning we woke up heading into the harbor of Ensenada Mexico. We took the shuttle bus into the main shopping area of the town. It was fun to walk around the shops. The man at one of the shops where we bought a couple of things was really funny. We were happy to spend some money there because he was so entertaining. There was a taco stand that smelled so good that I had to stop. I first got a shrimp taco, then Scott, Amanda and I each had some beef tacos. Jane, wasn't up for trying it. It was really good.

Thursday was our at sea day. I was afraid that I would be bored, but that was not the case at all. One of the fun things about a cruise is the people watching. There were a lot of Red Hat ladies that entertained us every day. Between their amazing outfits and their constant drinking and dancing it was a non stop show. There were people of every shape, size and age. The thing is, so many of them seem to come on a cruise to just let loose and be silly. People singing along with the performers, dancing and just having a great time.

The hardest part of cruising is coming home. I have been off the ship for more than 24 hours and still feel like the room is swaying. Also, last night when I realized that I couldn't just head up to the Lido deck and have a bagel and smoked salmon sandwich made for me. Back to having to take care of my self. Darn..