{here is Ellie at the Houson Airport}
Saturday afternoon we (me, Justin, Ellie and my mom) flew out of ABQ to New Orleans, LA - this was a place we had always wanted to visit. Ellie did excellent on the flight and really travelled like a champ! It was dark when we arrived after it was dark so we didn't really see much of the town. We stayed at the Westin in the French Quarter because it was so close to the cruise terminal and all headed to our respective rooms for the night. Justin and I were hungry so we went to order room service but it was a bunch of fancy schmancy food that was too expensive so he went out to find a vending machine. He was gone for a while when I received a phone call asking what I wanted because he was at a convenience store. Little did I know he had walked several city blocks to get to this store -- which explained why he was exasperated that all I wanted were some Doritos! When he returned he was sweaty and angry because the clerk had told him the store was right around the corner....and....the neighborhood was a little scary. We ate our snacks and all went to sleep for our big day!
{ellie wearing my shoes at the hotel}
Sunday arrived and it was time to head to the cruise terminal - things went SUPER smooth and we were on the ship in a matter of time. We boarded the ship and each went to scout out our rooms....Justin and I walked in our and nearly fainted! We were prepared for it to be small, but the reality of it doesn't really hit ya until you see it with your own eyes!! Fortunately, we had gotten a room with a balcony so we had a little extra space however 3 people in this little room was WAY too cramped!
{ellie and dada cruising from the balcony}
We "unpacked" and then headed out to scout out more of the ship. It was an older ship so things were "lovingly worn" on this ship but we were just so excited to be on this trip we were trying to soak it all in. The first two days were at sea days and so we got to just stay on board -- which got a little boring but they did have some pretty decent entertainment. Ellie enjoyed the performances (see pic below) each night because they were jam packed with music!!
We also spent some time out on the deck just taking in the wonders of nature....ok, ok just so we didn't have to stay in our cramped room TOO long!
First stop....Costa Maya!
