This post might explain why I haven’t posted any recipes lately. My son Matthew began his Semester at Sea voyage in January and just returned to Florida last Wednesday! He had the time of his life! This was his itinerary:
My husband (Dave), son (Andrew), and I flew to Ft. Lauderdale to see Matthew when he arrived. When we got to the port at 7:30 a.m., his ship had already docked. All of the students were on the deck shouting and waving to their families. You could hear cow bells, bag pipes, and whistles! It was so exciting! I held up a Welcome Back sign (colored by my second grade students) so Matthew could find us in the crowd. When he spotted us, he called my cell phone and I just cried at the sound of his voice. I am so happy to have him back safe and sound!
This is Matthew in the middle, with the dark shirt on. His friends around him were so nice and friendly. I really enjoyed spending time with them and hearing stories of their voyage around the world!
On Wednesday, the day that Matthew came into Ft. Lauderdale, the 4 of us took surfing lessons! Matthew had a surfing lesson in Hawaii and loved it so much that he insisted that we all try it in Florida. I have to say…it was hard to get up on the board, but it was a lot of fun!
This is Marcello (the surf instructor) with Andrew. Marcello was so patient! He gave us a 2 1/2 hour lesson.
On Friday, we went to Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Dave, Matthew, and Andrew went on this Hulk roller coaster. I gladly kept my feet on the ground to take pictures instead!
On Saturday, we went to Universal Studios. Maybe it’s me…but I think this ride is insane! Yes, you guessed it. I was too chicken not crazy enough to go on this ride! Good grief!
Thanks for sharing these fun photos!
So glad your family is all together again! I have enjoyed reading about your son's adventures this semester. Happy Mother's Day, too!
How exciting!! What awesome photos, too!
That sounds like an awesome trip your son went on and what a wonderful vacation too!
This looks like so much fun! The only "vacations" we take are when I accompany my husband on a business trip. lol. We should get out more. :)
Looks like you had an awesome time! I would love to take my boys to the Harry Potter Castle!
~Liz
What a fun homecoming celebration for you and your family! And surfing?!! You're brave!
My son was in the Navy, and I can really relate to the pure joy of seeing him come home safely after a tour of duty at sea. There's nothing better than having the whole family together again after an extended separation like that, is there?
Thanks for all of your comments everyone!
Sharonjo,
You're absolutely right! I was overwhelmed with joy when I saw my son! The sad thing is…he's going into his senior year in September and has decided to move near his university for the summer to do research with one of his professors. Which means I won't see him very often. I feel like he's already moving on with his life and I'm not really ready for that. Where did the time go?
Thank goodness for this blog. It keeps me busy and takes my mind off of things.
Hi Jane,
I loved reading this post and seeing your pictures. It looks like you all had a wonderful time! Welcome home Matthew!