When Ron and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary, we took a cruise out of Seattle to Alaska. We really expected it to be a once in a lifetime experience. However, when we reached our 45th anniversary, we decided to let our kids know that we intended to go again for our 50th. We told them we would love for them to go as well; but, there was no way we could foot the bill. I said, “ You have 5 years to start saving. If you don’t want to go, that’s fine; no hard feelings.” We were pretty darned excited when we made our reservations in early December. Ryan and Jamie, Scott and Molly, and Leslie and Gerson soon made theirs and the planning began! Unfortunately, Rebecca and Seth weren’t able to join us. They have had quite a few obstacles to overcome financially and it just was an impossibility for them.
There have been many anxious moments during the past few months. We have all been hoping and praying nothing would keep any of us from sailing. COVID exposures being our greatest concern. Not having cold weather clothes set off a shopping frenzy. Picking a date meant shuffling around so many work schedules for the kids. Dog care for 8 dogs needed to be arranged. Ron and I have been packing to move from one city to another. Just so many little obstacles! Plus, technology has become a real pain in the patootie when traveling. We have to have several apps and so much pre-cruise documentation has to be done through the apps. It really makes my brain feel old. Thank goodness, the girls have walked us through much of it.
We are now all gathered in Seattle, doing some sight seeing, enjoying the cool weather and beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery. We miss those who couldn’t come and wish so very badly we could share this experience with them. But, Ron and I are not letting it dampen our spirits. After a few years of major health scare, we are just so very thankful that we can have this amazing experience. We might not even get a 60th anniversary; so, we will enjoy every moment of this one.
I will most likely update the blog several times over the new few weeks. We are going to be so busy!
