Texas Thanksgiving

 For the first time in years, we were able to spend Thanksgiving with my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew-in-law.  Lynn and Leah did most of the side-dish cooking with Jane and Richard hosting and roasting the turkey

 We got to talk to our nephew Doug and his wife---we have shared many Thanksgivings with them when they lived in St. Louis.  It was great sharing the holiday and memories with them!

 Richard looks about ready to carve the bird---the side dishes are waiting!

 Yum!

 What's Thanksgiving without a little walk to make room for dessert?  Shortly after this photo, Anna slid into the pond.

 So, with a little help from her brother, we headed home to get her in dry socks.

 Uncle Richard was kind enough to share some of his socks with her.

 Like her cousin Roman, Anna wanted whipped cream for dessert!

And, the guys cheered on the Dallas Cowboys to a close victory!

Pre-Thanksgiving McKinney

 After a brief visit in Kansas City, we drove to McKinney, Texas to visit with Leah, Todd, Eli and Anna.  Above, Eli "warmed up" his cooking skills by making virtual doughnuts on my iPad.

 But, then, he and his mother got serious about baking---whipping up some Thanksgiving pumpkin desserts.

 Although Anna had her apron on ready to cook, it was mostly for show.  Her Aunt Reebs calls this her "Puss in the Boots Big Eyes" look!

 Thanksgiving Day, she was ready to PARTY! She channeled her great grandfather Lee by watching the Thanksgiving Day parade.  She could not stop those "happy feet" when the music and dancing started!

Pre-Thanksgiving Kansas City

 After arriving at the Lewis's, we joined them for a Thanksgiving Feast at their church Platte Woods Methodist.

"R" especially liked the whipped cream.  The next morning after worship service, he even piled it on his doughnut!

We played Mario with "R" (that's what he was for Halloween) who beat me royally.

 We went to Twenters where we found "D". . .

 and "B". . . .

 and "L" drawing herself, me and her mom. . . .upside down?

 The kids love when I bring my iPad with new games for them to play.

 But, "L" still enjoys shenanigans. :-)

She had brought home from school the secret tin---she needed to put something in that began with "R".  She chose a rock.  We had suggested that "L" put her mom in the tin, but a rock fit better.
  "R" and I got out for a little pre-Black Friday shopping.  Target had some sales, the store was empty and we were successful without being pepper sprayed or stampeded on Black Friday! 

Celebrity Eclipse

 I loved the ship we were on.  Someone said, "If you have to be on a ship for 8 days at sea, you want it to be this ship."  I loved how the bathroom had "night lights" on when the lights were turned off.

I wasn't the only one seen photographing the public bathrooms---the sink drains were all across the back of the sink.

 They had an iLounge with iPad help, Apple TV and even sold Apple products (reseller)

 The center elevator showed all of the beautiful lounges on each floor including a tree hanging in a ball which I did not get a photo of. Speaking of elevators, they were fast, quiet and the whole canopy lit up when one arrived---we never had to guess which elevator was for us.

 The dining room was elegant, and the Martini Bar was almost magical with ice everywhere.

 It was a very popular gathering place for many before and after dinner.

 The indoor swimming area had dancing water and solar panels.

 We had a wonderful waiter and fun dinner companions.

 Rhoda and Gary made us laugh every night when they put on their reading glasses with head lights. And, we had a beautiful table right near a window.

 There was  some very nice art in the hallways. And a Cirque d' Soleil-type show which was as amazing as the ice show we saw on the Royal Caribbean Navigator.

 The icing on the cake was the ship celebrating my birthday a day early (my birthday was disembarkation day).

Would we go on another trans-Atlantic---sure, if the ship and people were as nice as the Celebrity Eclipse!

Ship Activities

 In addition to our Cruise Critic events, the ship had a lot of activities.  Some I have seen on other ships but some were unique.

 I saw a program on fruit and vegetable carving.

 I'm thinking carrot curls are about as fancy as I get, but. . .

 I took several pilates classes and had a pedicure.

 We ate in the dining room as often as possible. . .

 Dave read on the verandah regardless of weather and I watched the navigation channel to see where we were.

 But, there were painting classes, dance classes, computer classes, trivia, card tournaments, hot glass shows, paper plane building. . . so much, but. . .

 I still found time to have coffee, watch the waves and write in my journal.

 Sometimes we missed lectures, but could always catch them "On Demand" on the TV.

 There were several afternoon and morning shows including the crew talent show.

 The entertainers got on the ship in Spain and couldn't get off until Miami---so some of them gave matinees or lessons in juggling (above).

 Did I mention, I like just sitting and watching the waves?

We even had several opportunities to honor those who fought in World War I on 11/11/11 at 11:11.  All in all, we found plenty to do in the 8 days we were at sea.  Actually, if it hadn't been so rough, we would have done even more.