Cruisin' the High Seas

Cruise to the Bahamas

Camden has officially sailed the blue seas of the Caribbean! He was such a trooper the entire trip. With his daily schedules thrown completely off, Camden adjusted quite nicely to vacation on a boat. The trip started early for Camden on Monday (8/31/09) at 4:45 AM. We had to wake him up to go to the airport. He did well on the flight, but no nap... We arrived in Orlando and had to take a 45 minute ride to Port Canaveral...no nap. Finally, as we were walking into the cruise terminal, Camden decided to get some shut-eye while in his stroller. In the meantime, Daddy realized that he had passports for Mommy & Daddy...but no birth certificate for Camden. And when traveling out of the country, we needed this. Talk about a stressful start to vacation! In the hour and a half it took for Mommy & Daddy to get the birth certificate thing straightened out, Camden napped. He awoke just in time to get on the boat -- with a faxed copy of his birth certificate in hand. First of all, Daddy usually doesn't forget things - especially important things! But it happened. And thankfully, our neighbor John was able to get into our house, obtain his birth certificate, and fax it to the port. THANKS JOHN!!!!

That aside, it was time to start vacation! We were headed to the Bahamas. Unfortunately, Mommy was sick much of the trip. She had a sore throat that she couldn't shake. She finally felt better the last day -- the day at sea. As mentioned, Camden did great the entire cruise. He didn't like his pack-n-play much for sleeping, so he would wake up pretty early. Mommy then let him finish up his sleep while laying on her in our bed.



Camden enjoyed spending a whole week with Nana & Rick, The Thompsons, and Sam. Sam taught Camden the Bouncy-Bounce, and he loves it. He also enjoyed running up and down the halls -- knocking on Sam's door...then the Thompson's door...and then Nana's door. For being in such confined spaces all week, he made the most of it. At Coco Cay, Camden was looking forward to going back into the ocean water....but there were jellyfish everywhere!! Thankfully, Mommy & Daddy brought an inflatable pool. Camden played with Sam in the sand and pool. He enjoyed the sand much more than he did at the Outer Banks. In Nassau, Camden was a trooper. While Mommy was resting, Camden went with Daddy & Sam to the Straw Market. It was hot, but Camden enjoyed the scenery in his stroller.

During the final day on the boat, there was a Blackjack Tournament at the Casino. Camden stayed with Nana while Mommy, Daddy, The Thompsons, and Sam entered the tournament. Daddy made the finals -- last transfer spot, by doubling down on a 14 (something he would never do with real money). But the object of the tournament is to have the most money at the end of 7 hands. This was the seventh hand, and Daddy said he was doubling down on whatever two cards he received. The double-down paid off as a "7" came up to give him 21!! In the finals, it once again came down to the seventh hand. Daddy had to most money on the table prior to this hand. The minimum bet was $25 and the maximum was $500. Daddy decided to only bet $25 on the final hand -- to maintain the money lead and win the tournament. It worked!! Daddy ended up winning the Blackjack Tournament and received a trophy, golf shirt, and $352 in winnings!!! This helped soften the blow from all of the 'Let It Ride" losings earlier in the week.

Camden was glad to get back home to sleep in his own bed. He adjusted back to his normal routine very easily.

Indiana State Fair

Prior to the cruise, Camden was able to take in the Indiana State Fair. Mommy & Daddy and Baa Baa went to the Fair. Camden was able to see some rabbits, baby chicks, Pigs, and Horses. He really liked the Pigs and the Horses!! He was able to get his first taste of "fair food" as well.

Football Update

Camden has been trying to take in as much football as possible this early in the football season. He has been able to see cousins, Breyden, Chase, & Logan, play. He enjoys going to their games. He is particularly found of the 10 yd. line and Goal line yard markers!! Also, he has caught the first Purdue game last week and the first regular-season Colts game yesterday. Camden is enjoying football season just as much as Mommy & Daddy!!

Overall Progress/Update

You never know what you're going to get each day with Camden. He is so funny & smart these days, its hard to trick/distract him when he wants something he can't have. He is also very loving giving hugs & kisses all of the time. His new words include: Banana and Light. He also knows exactly what you are referring to when we ask him where the mirror/clock is. He enjoys putting the ball in the basket too (basketball). I'm sure we will experience sharing-issues in the future, but for now Camden doesn't have any problem sharing anything - food, toys, etc. He tries to offer some of his food to anyone that is nearby. He also has been trying to offer Rylee his toys to play with as well. Rylee is quick to jump on the toys when Camden tries to share them, but Rylee then knows she is in trouble with Daddy.