Alaskan Cruise – New Holland Zaandam
Once we were back on the New Holland Zaandam cruise ship after exploring the town of Seward, Alaska we were able to check out more of the ship. The girls were thrilled to see all the cool activities and places on the ship. They couldn’t wait to try out the pool deck, play a little bit, and try out the different foods as well as fun activities that were coming up that week. Thankful for the opportunity to spend this time with the family. We had a blast spending time together. It was a wonderful family vacation!
Testing out the courts…..they had fun even in the rain! 🙂
Brina enjoying her first dinner on the cruise. She found out that although the window views were nice at dinner it was a little chilly and she needed her jacket!
Our first night on-board the ship and heading to dinner!
Brina and I trying to stay warm at the evening meal. We were trying to get used to the cooler weather after coming from the 100 plus degrees we were having that week in South Carolina!
Jake and Karlie having fun at our first dinner on the cruise!
Hop, Skip, Jump, Play, Swing, and Braid
All the kids had various ways to go up and down the road before they could open their treasure box – including running, skipping, hopping on one foot, hopping on two feet, etc….
After breakfast every morning while the cousins were here the five kids got to open up an envelope with clues leading to that days treasure chest. Before opening the treasure chest for the day they were required to complete the tasks or solve the puzzles before locating the treasure chest. It was something fun that they looked forward to doing every morning. All the kids participating and had a blast completing the tasks assigned each morning. Every morning it was something different (sometimes it was a puzzle, scavenger hunt, physical activity, or something else).
They are almost to the finish line! Keep going! They all made it and received their goodies for the day.
Sweet girls drying off and doing some chalk drawings after a swim in the pool
Noah and Skipper! Skipper loved having all the kids running around and playing outside all week!
Aunt Mirm showing the girls a neat game!
Brina loves little kids! She was so sweet pushing her two little cousins in the swings. Too cute!
Aunt Mirm wanted to try a new type of hairdo and Karlie was her test subject…..needless to say Karlie was patient, but not overly impressed with the styling. She was a good sport about it though!
Brina undid her braids that Aunt Mirm had done. She loved having her snazzy crinkled hair that day!
Brina wanted me to take a picture of the back of her hair too!
Family Fun at Welcome Ranch!
Brina and Aunt Mirm swinging at Welcome Ranch
We had the opportunity to spend an entire day with Jake’s sister Miriam and her family. It was a fun day full of games, fun, good food, and we ended with a trip out to Welcome Ranch. At Welcome Ranch we got to see a variety of farm animals, ride horses, go on a huge Radio Flyer Red Wagon, and have a pizza picnic at the ranch. After all the fun at the ranch we wrapped it up with delicious ice cream at Bruster’s. Thankful for some fun with extended family over the summer vacation.
They had a baby goat names Eloise who was quite entertaining to watch.
All the girls are ready to ride!
Noah taking a turn on the horse.
Karlie loving it!
Uncle Paul was hilarious!
Sweet Nadia had a blast and wasn’t even scared riding the big horse!
Jake having fun!
Noelle’s turn for a ride!
Aunt Mirm all smiles!
The kids in front of the giant red Radio Flyer wagon! Awesome!
Our families at Welcome Ranch! Grateful for some fun time together this summer!
First Day of Summer Vacation Strawberry – Banana Breakfast
Brina and Karlie’s First Day of Summer Breakfast
In celebration of the girls first day of Summer Vacation I made them a special breakfast with two of their favorite fruits – Stawberries and Bananas! They loved it! It was nice to have a slower paced breakfast because we didn’t have to rush off to school.
- Strawberry-Banana French Toast (smile)
- Strawberry (nose)
- Banana (eyes)
- Strawberry Yogurt
- Strawberry – Banana Smoothie
I don’t get to do this every morning for the kids but every once in awhile it’s nice to have a more relaxing day as well as an extra “smile” to start the day off on a good note!
