The Day in Which Liam does NOT get on a Cruise Ship.

My sister-in-law, Heather purchased a cruise for herself for her birthday. She and her mom were heading down to Galveston to hop aboard the Carnival Triumph to see Progresso and Cozumel. After the wearing morning of getting up at five, leaving by six, frantically making sure everything is packed, is it any wonder that Aunite Heather fell asleep over her cell phone?

Unfortuantely when we dropped Auntie Heather and Maga off at the port, Liam was at first excited, followed by bewilderment, and lastly pure despair. His wracking sobs shook the van as he frantically demanded that he be let on the boat. He even offered to take Maga's spot.

We thought we better grab some lunch and happened to see the Rainforest Cafe. Naturally the boys were frantic to go and honestly why not? It's definitely not something we'll ever see in Killeen. Even Liam became a little more reconciled to life if he got to eat at a place this cool.

Even when we found it was a forty-five minute wait, we stuck it out in their fun gift shop area. The boys ran from toy to toy excitedly pointing out the monkey or snake they just saw in the ceiling or on the wall. Miles was contentedly playing in a bin of plastic reptiles next to an inert tree when suddenly and inexplicably it's eyes opened and it started talking. Miles screamed for a solid minute in a shrill terrified manner. He refused to go back to the reptile bin again. 

We were super excited when we found our booth had an aquarium on it. The boys loved it. The food was good, but definitely overpriced, but the ambiance was awesome so we figured it was a fair trade. We even ordered a volcano cake that came out with a lit sparkler in it. 

 After lunch we found that they had an adventure river ride and we thought...why not? So we went on the Rainforest Cafe River Ride. It consisted of a circular raft with seats that went gently down a river with all kinds jungle animals moving around. Both Liam and Miles were convinced that they were alive. Ian thought it was hilarious and awesome.

 We let the boys pick out souvenirs from the gift shop as well. Liam picked out a dark red Hawaiian print shirt. he put it on and then explained that he was now dressed and could get on the boat with Aunt Heather....sorry sweetie doesn't work that way, good plan though. Ian and Miles both picked out a small gorilla and lizard which they explained were King Kong and Godzilla. After lunch, a ride, and shopping we walked across the street to the ocean. It was in the sixties so not quite warm enough to go swimming for Matt and I, but for some reason that never stops Liam or Ian.

 Liam loves everything about the beach. He can't stay out of it and he can't stay dry or clean.

Ian found a dead jelly fish that he threw mud at to bury it. He also gathered a lot of great shells to bring home.

 Miles spent an inordinate amount of time burying his Lightning McQueen.

 Liam spent his time running and diving in the water.

 I followed them around taking pictures.

For some reason Miles also spent a lot of time throwing dirt on his own head. It was three very dirty and damp little boys that climbed into our car for the four hour drive home. By the time we got home it was three very dirty and exhausted little boys who fell asleep in under ten seconds. What a great day!