The hardest part about going on vacation is coming home … back to reality of to-do lists, bed-making and cooking. I’ve been a little bit in denial about that fact that I am no longer cruising through the Caribbean. I just unpacked my suitcase this morning … and as I did, I was pretty sad that my black fringe bikini would have to be tucked away in the back of my drawer for many months. (I really hope the groundhog sees himself because I NEED summer already!) For some reason I expect to walk into my kitchen to a buffet of everything I could ever want to eat … only to realize the only food I actually have … I have to make … sigh. Oh, and the bed … let’s just say the throw pillows have been on the floor since I got back.

I miss all the perks of being on vacation and while it is wonderful to be  back at home with Phil (who I missed SO SO SO MUCH) …  I secretly miss being disconnected.  Everyone is always so busy … running from one thing to the next … so it was refreshing to be trapped on a huge ship without access to cell phones and wifi, so that as a family we could actually spend quality time together. No distractions. No interruptions. Well … maybe the temptation from the buffet, but you know what I mean.

It was a great 5 days of exploring, eating and catching some much needed vitamin D with my mom, dad, and brother. Here’s a little look at the trip.

After a full-day of cruising south from Miami … we stopped at my favorite island … Roatán, Honduras.

I was really excited about going back to Roatán because Phil and I LOVED being here, and I wanted my family to see what it was all about. Of course after weeks of sun, it rained during our afternoon in port …. but it was nothing that Sundowners … my favorite beach bar … couldn’t cure.

Aren’t they so cute?! :)

I had to rock my Roatán shirt while I was there … mostly because I wanted everyone to know that it wasn’t my first time there. Yes, I am that girl.

Stop numero dos. Cozumel! This was my first visit … but we had awesome tour guides – my cousin, John and his wife, Libby, who have lived in Playa del Carmen for almost 10 years. They are living the dream. :)

It wouldn’t be a visit to Mexico without some mariachi … now would it?

After getting off the ship in Miami, we decided to check out the Florida Everglades. It was a total change of scenery but gorgeous in its own natural way.

Meet Al … the gator … isn’t he a charmer?!  I thought so.

The wildlife was incredible … and all of the birds and reptiles were definitely a change of subject than I am used to shooting.

Well …. I guess it is time to finally make the bed and do some laundry ….