Happy Birthday TJ and Tyler!

We were out of town for the birthday parties my sister threw for her sons, TJ and Tyler. We didn't want to completely miss out so we took a cake (a car of course!) over to celebrate with them.

With Tyler's gift, I think he was more intrigued by the drumsticks than the actual drum!

A Few More Photos!

We are back in O-town! We made it back to Orlando on Sunday after driving up from Ft. Lauderdale. I still can't believe we were able to take this amazing trip. We have so many memories! Here are a few more photos I wanted to share.

Here's a shot from the miniature golf course on board the ship. Isn't this an amazing backdrop???


Jay and I had fun making our own towel animals. Here's the dog and cobra we made for our cabin steward. She loved them!


Here's Jay in the theatre with one of our table mates, Neil.


These are photos from the Gala Midnight Buffet. Everything is made with food! It is really incredible what they are able to create. We loved looking at all of the food art!

Last Day at Sea

I am still unable to upload photos, but I wanted to post one last message before we end our voyage. We arrive in Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow morning and then drive up to Orlando. We have had the most amazing time and still can not believe we were able to make this trip. I have never felt so relaxed and stress-free in my life! I'll add more photos and stories from our trip later next week (after we've gotten home, unpacked and gone through two weeks of mail!). Hopefully you'll see more before the week is over.

This trip would simply not have been possible without the help of our family. Everyone pitched in to take care of our three dogs. Thank you, thank you , thank you!

Thanks so much for checking in on us while we've been away. I've really enjoyed working on the blog and have had so much fun reading everyone's comments. I may just have to keep it up when we get back to O-town.

Love to all of you!!!

Razul

Yesterday we indulged in a spa treatment. We booked the Razul Room which is a private spa room featuring a steam room, sauna, and then a rain shower. Incredible body products are provided as well – salt scrubs, mud masks, and other great treatments. This had to be one of the most relaxing (and romantic) parts of our vacation.

Our last formal night is tonight and then a couple of hours after dinner is the famous midnight Gala buffet. I love seeing all of the incredible art work the chefs create with food. I'll be sure to take photos of the butter sculptures we'll see!

We can hardly believe that this incredibly vacation will soon be over. We've had so much fun!!!

I have more photos to show but the connection is simply too slow for me to upload them. I'll try again tomorrow!

25 Hour Days

Not only are we on the most relaxing vacation we’ve ever taken, but we are also enjoying 25 hour days. Now that we are crossing the Atlantic we are moving our clocks back an hour almost every night. This morning we were up at 7:45 am (I’m sure you all know how early this is for us to simply wake up on our own!). I think I could get used to the extra hour every night. Maybe we should all permanently change to 25 hour days!

Jay has enjoyed the towel animals our cabin steward, Leah, makes for us each night. He has even spent some time each evening trying to figure out how they are created. This morning we had the chance to attend a towel folding demonstration. Jay learned how to make an elephant. His looks just as good as the one Leah did for us in our cabin!

We are having so much fun!!!

(I have photos but we are currently going through a small storm and I am unable to upload them. I'll try again later.)

A New Goal

We’ve had our second formal night (I don’t have photos of this – we had professional portraits taken, but forgot to use our own camera). Before the dinner we attended a Welcome Back reception for all returning Royal Caribbean cruisers. During the event some of the more active Royal Caribbean guests were honored. Mrs. Hearst was recognized for celebrating her 138th RC cruise. She only started cruising in 1994. One time she spent a consecutive three months on board the same ship. This gives us something new to strive for!

Here are a couple of shots taken from our balcony.

This shot was taken from our favorite spot to eat breakfast each morning. This is at the very back of the ship. The views are fantastic and so relaxing! I think I could sit out here all day!

Beautiful Madeira

(I wrote this post yesterday, but we didn't have internet access so I was unable to post it.)

Yesterday morning we woke up and watched the sunrise from our balcony as we docked at the port of Funchal in Madeira. The Madeira Islands are part of Portugal but are actually closer to the African coastline than they are to Portugal. The island is a popular tourist destination for Europeans and is known for the sweet wine it produces.

While in Madeira we went on a 4 x 4 off-road excursion. We climbed the mountains in a Land Rover and were able to see some really incredible views. We went about 4,500 ft. above sea level and stopped at the top of one of the mountains for a quick Coca Cola and bag of Cheetos (we are just too American)!

Beth Ann, we encountered many cows while on our trek through the mountains of Madeira. We didn’t get out and talk to any of them but certainly took a few photos for you! Here’s one of them.

The atmosphere on board was incredibly festive as we left our last port to start the trip across the Atlantic. The views of the island were amazing and then we literally sailed into the sunset

Goodbye, Spain!

We left Spain on Friday evening. Leaving the port of La Coruna was beautiful. Here are photos seen from the ship. About 30 minutes after leaving the port we passed the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest

working lighthouse. It was built by the Romans over 1900 years ago.

"Our" Pilgrimage to Santiago

Yesterday we docked in La Coruna, Spain and drove 45 minutes to Santiago where we toured the main square and the cathedral. This is considered to be one of the most holy sites in the world with thousands making the pilgrimage each year to visit. In order to be considered a “pilgrim,” visitors must walk at least the last 100 kilometers. Many walk much farther. Of course Jay and I took a bus! The cathedral was like nothing we’d ever seen. Construction began in 1075. The detail was beyond amazing. We learned quite a lot about the traditions of the church. We also saw the world’s largest incense burner. It was said to have been used for strictly religious purposes, but according to our guide many believed the burning of incense was necessary to mask the scent of the pilgrims who walked hundreds of kilometers in the sun and then slept in the cathedral after their arrival.

In Spain, and particularly the area of Santiago, everyone is very fond of the magical healers found throughout their history. Many seen today resemble our version of the witch and are merchandised everywhere. We saw these “witches” in every store we went into and also on the street (where we just had to get a picture!).

Health Update

Jay received an e-mail from his doctor yesterday with results from his most recent biopsy. There is NO cancer!!!! Praise God!!! His doctor feels Jay must have had some sort of infection. The last six weeks or so have been such an emotional roller coaster for us. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support as we went through this ordeal.

All Dressed Up

Last night was the first of three formal dinner nights. We are having a great time with our table mates. We are at a smaller table so there is only six of us – a British couple and then two single guys, one from England and one from Miami. The couple from the UK retired several years ago. She is now an American citizen and they spend six months each year at her home in Sarasota, Florida and then six months at his home in England (they are not married). They cruise transatlantic each time they swap houses. They are very interesting and have quite a few stories.

Jay and I were able to entertain some of our fellow passengers after dinner last night. Our rendition of “Lean on Me” was not perfect, but pretty good.

OK, so if you know us AT ALL, you know that we would NEVER do this! Obviously this photo was staged, with the encouragement of our table mates. Travis, this was just for you!

A "Little" House

Yesterday we boarded a motor coach for a 2 ½ hour drive to Versailles. I must have said to Jay a half dozen times that I couldn’t believe I was in France! Some of the scenery was lovely, but for much of the trip it was very fogging. As we crossed over the Seine, we weren’t even able to see the water! Our tour guide spent much of the drive giving us a history lesson on France. She did an excellent job and had all of us laughing many times. After arriving in Versailles we toured one of the palace gardens before going to a local restaurant for a leisurely French lunch. We were seated with two retired English couples and enjoyed lovely table conversation. After finishing chocolate mousse and coffee, we headed back to the palace for a tour of some of the inside apartments (the king and queen had separate quarters) and the main gardens. The palace was truly incredible. Our tour guide was able to share many interesting anecdotes as we toured the palace. Did you know that Louis XVI is said to have only taken nine baths in his life? Or that when Marie Antoinette had her first child, the king invited a room full of people to be on hand and witness the birth? I’m certainly happy to live in the 21st century!

Jay in the famous Hall of Mirrors.

A couple of shots from the "backyard."

Safety First, But Kissing is Second

Boarding the ship could not have been easier. I wish flying were this hassle-free! We had some time to walk around the ship and check things out before attending the mandatory safety drill. Kissing in the life vests was actually a challenge, but with the encouragement of fellow passengers we gave it a try. After the safety drill and the official “send-off” we were able to unpack. Jay was very patient with me as I found places for absolutely everything. I just can’t stand living out of luggage! The room is perfect. Everything is well designed and efficient. We love the balcony!

The ship is not full. We are told it is only at about 70% capacity. We are among the youngest of the guests on board and have already been asked several times if we are one of the four honeymooning couples on this voyage. Many of the activities and most of the music are geared towards a different age group. Mom, you would love the music! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought this, especially last night when we were walking around and heard a live band playing “Return to Sender.” Of course I was singing right along, but Jay didn’t even know the song. I’ve gained quite a lot from all the years around Granny’s player piano!

So far, everything about the trip has been fantastic!

We Made It Across the Pond!

Our flight to the UK went off without a hitch. We left on time, arrived early, and thoroughly enjoyed our Business Elite seats (thanks Delta Skymiles, American Express rewards points, and Ford & Harrison for all the business trips to earn the miles for the upgrade!). We were definitely pampered and spoiled during the journey. It was great!!! The royal treatment continued after arriving in London when we were able to grab a shower, breakfast and Internet access in the Business Elite lounge at a nearby hotel while waiting on our car service out to Southampton.


Here's a photo from our 1 1/2 hour drive from the airport in London to our Southampton hotel. It was picturesque and I enjoyed every minute of the trip. Surprisingly, Jay was the one who got car sick! We spent the day trying to stay awake and adjust to the new time zone. It was challenging! We went to bed last night at 8 pm! We just couldn't make it any longer! We did get the chance yesterday afternoon to explore a local Tesco (the UK version of Wal-mart). It was interesting to see which brands are in both countries. We determined that we are all pretty similar with our grocery needs. As in the US, there were quite a lot of pre-assembled meals and individually wrapped snacks! We also keep seeing Pizza Huts and KFCs, I guess some things are international! We board our ship later this afternoon and then spend the day tomorrow in France. I can't wait to share photos of our time at the Palace of Versailles!

A New Mrs. Tilley!

Welcome, Ashley! You are now the newest Mrs. Tilley! There are five Mrs. Tilleys in this family photo and we are so glad you are one of them! The gangs all here (Jay's hidden behind me - I'm sure the professional photographer got a better shot!).

The wedding was wonderful. (Ashley, you looked stunning and I loved that you wore your mother's veil). I love going to weddings and enjoy seeing those special touches that make each wedding unique. There are two specific aspects of Chad and Ashley's wedding I thought I share. The first occurred just following the ceremony (the minister was so personal in his remarks, I loved it!). After Chad and Ashley left through the back of the church, they came back in through the front and personally greeted each guest as they got up from their row to exit. I thought it was such a great idea! The second special touch dealt with favors. A sign was posted stating that instead of favors, a donation was being made to a local animal charity. I loved this! Chad and Ashley, thank you for a great evening and for all the little things you did to make the event stand out. We are so glad we were able to be a part of your special day!

Chad and Jay

Jay and Uncle Richard

We certainly enjoyed meeting Erin Tilley's date, Chris Tilley. We are assured by Erin that there is no family connection . . . Here Chris "gets down" with Jay's mother.

See, here's Aunt Margaret with Uncle Charlie avoiding the camera!

Brad and Sherry

Stephanie and Travis

Aunt Sandy and Uncle Ted

Here's two of our Mrs. Tilley's, Jays mother, Brenda and his Aunt Sandy.

Jay and Brenda

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!

The first stop in our vacation was to spend the weekend in Charlotte attending the wedding of Jay's cousin, Chad. Jay's Aunt and Uncle hosted a fabulous rehearsal dinner on Friday night for Chad and Ashley. We enjoyed a true "game day" feel as we feasted on barbecue, peanuts and signature label beer (complete with Chad & Ashley's photo and "It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!"). Each table cheered on a different sports team, of course Jay and I were seated at the Florida State table! From our rooftop view, we looked out on the Charlotte skyline and the Panther's stadium. It was a lovely event and so nice to be able to spend time with family we don't get to often enough. The celebration couldn't have been more perfectly planned! Jane (at right), you did an exceptional job (Richard, I hear you helped some too!)!

Travis (Jay's brother-in-law) wears part of the centerpiece from our Seminole table.


Melodie and Madison (the daughter of Jay's cousin, Sherry).


We all loved meeting Michelle, Mike's girlfriend. Mike is one of Jay's cousins.

I was actually able to get a photo of Jay's Aunt Margaret while she was looking at the camera (far right). She dodged the camera all night but I kept trying! She is joined here by Jay's sister, Stephanie; his mother, Brenda; and Margaret's daughter, Sherry (Madison's mom).

Tilley family, I have more photos from the weekend but I don't have time to upload them now. I'll send them out when we get back from vacation.

Vacation - Here we come!!!

As Jay and I get ready to leave on our 10th wedding anniversary vacation, I thought it would be a good time to start a blog. Hopefully I'll be able to add photos during the trip so that everyone can keep tabs on us! For those of you who have asked, here is a link to the itinerary for our cruise. Royal Caribbean International - Itinerary Listing

Before heading to England we will spend the weekend in Charlotte attending Jay's cousin's wedding. We'll then fly to London on Sunday and spend the night in Southampton on Monday. Hopefully we will be adjusted to the time zone when we board the ship on Tuesday.

While in France, we will spend the day exploring the Palace of Versailles. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Versailles

In Spain, we will tour the city of Santiago including the Cathedral. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiago_de_Compostela

In Portugal we will tour Funchal, the capital of the Madeira Islands, by jeep. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funchal


We are so excited and blessed to be able to make this trip together. We can't wait to share all of our stories with you!