Donc. Voila.: Barcelona, Rome and Capri

If you had asked me ten years ago if I thought I would ever visit Europe, this South Georgia girl would have dreamily said "Hopefully one day... " Never would have I ever imagined I would not only visit Europe but live here and cruise around the Mediterranean Sea visiting places like Monaco, Livorno, Rome, Capri and Sicily. It was a dream vacation, no doubt.

In the beginning of this year, our good friends, Matthew and Kim Cabe, invited us to go on a cruise with them. It sounded like a great idea but, being that it was our first cruise, I really didn't know what to expect. When you talk to people who have been on cruises... they either usually love it or hate it. I wasn't sure where I would fall on that spectrum.

As you will see, we all loved it. The children say it was their best vacation ever. And, I think Freddie and I would have to agree. Sun, water slides, unlimited delicious food, housekeeping twice a day, pretty drinks with umbrellas, ancient ruins, azure blue water, exceptionally fun and safe childcare, family activities, consecutive date nights and days with the hubs, hot tubs and real Italian pizza and wine.. what more can you ask for?

Thank you so much Matthew and Kim for inviting us to join your sweet family on a vacation of a lifetime... so many wonderful memories made.

A little pre-cruise excitement.. Freddie went to park and the kids and I hung out outside the Barcelona cruise terminal. It was a lot like an airport terminal.. I had no idea. Such an exciting time full of anticipation!

Our friends.. The Cabes!

The ship was setting sail.. what a strange sensation to start to see and feel the ship move away from the dock.

Our little dancing stars after the Camp Carnival dance competition.. which our little J-man won!!

Monte Carlo, Monaco.. gorgeous city. Sophia and I visited here last summer when we vacationed in St. Raphael, France so the kids and I stayed on the ship and enjoyed the scenery and the water slides. Freddie and Matthew went into the city to visit Casino Royale and play a little blackjack.

Sophia hanging out on the side of one of the two salt water pools on the ship.

Ahh.. bellissimo! My favorite part of the entire trip - Capri, Italy!

We took a private boat tour around Italy with Capri Boat Tours. We cruised around in this adorable little boat with an Italian tour guide who spoke great English. I really cannot put into words how beautiful this island and it's surrounding waters are... the pictures are great but don't do it justice. There were moments where I was simply speechless. We pulled into a cove about halfway through our tour and were able to dive into the gorgeous aqua green/blue water. Matthew, Freddie and I climbed up on the rocks and jumped about 15 feet into the cool sea then dove down to swim through an under water arch with all these adorable little fish. Fabulous.