Ports of Call

A "must see" in Mexico is the Mayan ruins, so off to Dzibilchaltún we went. This archaeological site was pretty cool because it included an underwater cave called Cenote Xlakah which the locals use today as a swimming hole. Sadly, we were unable to swim in the clear cool water because we were unprepared (we didn't bring our swimsuits). This has become a running joke in our small family of four, as much as we pack for our vacations we always end up unprepared on the spot.







I walked a distance to see the Temple of the Seven Dolls. On the Spring equinox, the sun rises so that it shines directly through one window of the temple and out the other.



Do you see that dark cloud forming? Do you remember me mentioning how we never seem to be prepared "on the spot"? I had carried my darn camera bag the entire day but decided to leave it in the visitor station while I trekked over the the temple. Wouldn't you know that after I snapped this photo it started to downpour and I was forced to sprint back to the visitor station while carrying my dslr camera under my clothing. It comes as a no surprise, once again, unprepared on the spot.

After my near camera disaster at the ruins I decided to leave my dslr on the ship while we enjoyed our second port, Cozumel. My sister in law, Karen, took us to an amazing beach club called Paradise Island. We spent the day snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming. There were other fun toys like the water trampoline, the climbing iceberg, and floating sun mat.


Next post: NOLA Round 2

The Golden Anniversary

All 14 family members of the Guske clan gathered at the port of New Orleans to board the Carnival Elation for a 5 night cruise to Mexico. Why? For a very special celebration of Kim and Suzanne's 50th Wedding Anniversary.

My sister, Deborah, along with her husband, Steve, and their children Lindsay and Hunter came from Texas. Being the most creative and crafty person, Deborah was put in charge of all the cruise decorations. This was no easy feat when you consider that everything had to fit inside her suitcase.



In a repeat performance from my surprise toast (comical poem) for the 40th, I was put in charge of the toast.



My brother, Derek, along with his wife, Karen, and their children Tanner and Taylor came from Tennessee. Derek and Karen continued the celebration with a "roast" to Kim and Suzanne.



All the grandchildren listened in awe as they learned interesting facts about their parents and grandparents.



And then the clinking of glasses began...



... and continued.



It was an awesome celebration of these two individuals who have been happily married for 50 years.



As soon as our family celebration had ended, the cruise ship staff was next on deck (pardon the pun). They serenaded the happy couple.



They invited the anniversary couple to the dance floor.



They even coaxed the happy couple into an extremely long kiss.



Congratulations Kim and Suzanne. We look forward to the 60th celebration!



Next post: Mexico

2013 Summer Road Trip - New Orleans

We made it to New Orleans just in time to catch a quick dinner and stroll around downtown. I cannot begin to describe Bourbon Street on a Friday night. Needless to say, it is a sight to be seen.



The next morning we had just enough time to eat at the original Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter.



We feasted on beignets (square French -style doughnuts) and coffee au lait.



After breakfast we were able to wander through the historic park in the French Quarter, Jackson Square.



Cinderella’s Castle was modeled after the St. Louis Cathedral. I can see similarities…can you?





Next post: The Guske's Golden Anniversary

2013 Summer Road Trip - Tallahassee

After Weeki Wachee we headed north to Tallahassee for two reasons: one, to tour our state capitol building and two, for Mackenzie to visit Florida State University.

The Florida capitol building dwarfs in comparison to the capitol in Austin but this one does have something unique. The historical capitol is actually no longer in use. Instead, our legislatures use a modern 22 story building directly behind the capitol.



The 22nd floor is composed of wall-to-wall windows which provide tourists with a 360 degree view of Tallahassee and 25 miles beyond. Mackenzie was able to get her first glance at the FSU campus.



After the captiol we landed on Seminole territory.



You would think that Mason would get bored touring different campuses. Luckily, he enjoys the stadiums.





Have we seen the last of Tallahassee? I'm not so sure, Mackenzie was very impressed with the university. The city, well, not so much! Next post: The Big Easy

2013 Summer Road Trip - Weeki Wachee

Weeki Wachee is a town with a name as quirky as its main attraction – the famous underwater mermaid show. At Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, the water bubbles up from the aquifer at a consistent 74 degrees. It is so remarkably clear that you can see the limestone walls more than 100 feet away. Inside the theatre, located 20 feet below the water’s surface, human mermaids have been performing for more than 63 years.





Almost every little girl growing up in Florida dreams of becoming a mermaid. Mackenzie went through that phase back in 2001 so we took her to Weeki Wachee for the first time when she was three years old.



A lot of famous people have visited Weeki Wachee over the years and numerous movies and television shows have filmed on location at the state park. Most recently the mermaids were shown in Kelly Clarkson's music video. See if you can spot them.



Okay, could you spot them? If not, here is the actual footage that they sent to Kelly Clarkson.



Speaking of mermaids, did you know that it is an actual career not just a job? There is one mermaid from the 1960's who still works at Weeki Wachee. She currently assists in the scuba instruction.

We plan to return to Weeki Wachee in the near future, not to see the mermaids again but rather to kayak in the clear spring water. Manatees frequently swim in the spring and we hope to get an up-close and personal view.



Next post: Tallahassee, our state capital

Note Worthy News

Guess who will be playing a drum rather than cymbals in the fall? Mackenzie tried out for bass and was awarded bass 4! She has been taking private lessons since November and has worked very hard to get where she is now, and we are so proud of her. Bass drums range from 1 (smallest) to 6 (largest). Needless to say, Mackenzie's #4 is rather large, she can't even see over the top.  Each of the drums at Gulf Coast are named, Mackenzie will be playing Prince Tyrone which has been handed down to her from a senior who has played him for the last three years.  She is, coincidentally, following the previous owner's footsteps.  This senior played cymbals her freshman year, and then bass 4 beginning her sophomore year. She was relieved to find out that Mackenzie would be playing Prince Tyrone because she knew Mackenzie would take good care of him.

Class of 2020

I learned something new today. Mason will be in the graduating class of 2020.  I guess I had never taken the time to calculate what year he would actually graduate.  I heard it for the first time today as he walked across his elementary school stage for the last time as a 5th grader.

The audience was entertained by a small group who sang My Country, 'Tis of Thee.



Mason was honored with the President Obama's Gold Seal Award for Educational Excellence.
 






Congratulations, Mason! You are now officially a middle school student!