So this may come as a surprise to most of you, but I just returned from a 5 day cruise this past week! I don't like to announce when I am leaving for a trip or out of town for obvious reasons, but I had an awesome time and thought I would share some photos and highlights from my trip now that i'm back home!

This cruise was actually a Christmas present from my amazing in-laws to my husband and I, (well, actually to the whole family...My husband and I, his 2 brothers, and my mother in law. My father in law couldn't come unfortunately due to work, so my husbands aunt came along instead!) I feel so blessed to have married into such a loving family! They are truly a blessing in my life!

My husband is the middle of three boys, just as I am the middle of three girls! :) They are all really close just as I am with my sisters, which makes it a ton of fun to hang out with them!

We ported the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas Ship out of Florida...Just when Michigan was having a huge snow storm!

The ship was simply beautiful inside!

We spent the first day exploring the ship and all the different shops, researching the entertainment and dining options, and of course checking out the pool deck! My first stop was the cupcake decorating shop!!! How fun is that!?

The ship had a beautiful fitness area! I didn't spend much time there, as our excursions were very early (and pretty active), and it was pretty rocky when we were out to sea, making it hard to run on a treadmill, do weights, or much of anything without getting sea sick. Not all cruise ships I've been on were this way, but the seas were particularly rough this trip.

The main deck was gorgeous! It had lots to do, and had everything from shopping to a theatre and even a Ben & Jerry's and Starbucks!

We checked out the events for the week, and I almost convinced my husband to participate in the 'sexiest man competition' ;) Although, this was as close as he got to participating! :)

My husband was pretty adventurous this trip, and tried yoga with his brothers! I knew I would of been too sea sick to hold a pose for any period of time, but he did great! I was pretty proud of him! :)

I did manage to walk the track a few times on the top deck really early in the morning. It was so peaceful as I listened to worship music and watched the sunrise! There is nothing more powerful that seeing God's artwork take place in the sky~ So beautiful!

Eating healthy can be challenging on any vacation, (especially on a cruise)...But healthy options are always around if you go looking for them! I allow myself to enjoy treats and meals I wouldn't normally try back home when I am on vacation, but I always like to start my day with a healthy breakfast, or else I feel funky the rest of the day! For more tips on eating healthy on vacation check out this post!

We spent the days either laying out by the pool....

Going on an excursion (we went hiking and kayaking!)

Or visiting a beach!

The weather was beautiful!

And lunch was either authentic Mexican type food or a big salad from the salad bar!

For dinner we had a nice three course sit down meal with the family, and I always ordered something different~ which was fun to try new things!

My favorite dessert on the trip was by far the ice cream sundae bar! I am most certainly an ice cream girl! They even had sugar free peanut butter cookies to go on the side! Yum!

The evenings were spent enjoying the ships many entertainment options! We went ice skating...

Watched shows...

And witnessed some of the most beautiful sunsets!

I hope you enjoyed some of the highlights of the cruise! Thank you Farrell Family for the most amazing trip! Cruises are an awesome way to see the world and travel in my opinion, because you really don't have to think too much about entertainment, food, or much of anything! You truly do get to enjoy time with family and make awesome memories!

It was a great time, but I sure am glad to be back home and chatting with all of you!!! xo