Some Pics from Vacation

From The Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA

Cabo San Lucas

Look! it's Gill (Finding Nemo)

What We Did on Our Summer Vacation ~` Days 7 - 10

 

I know I know, finally. The vacation was only six months ago ~rolling my eyes at myself~

Day 7 ~~ Puerta Vallarta

DH decided to be civil, so after breakfast we took a taxi into the older area of town. Our youngest still wasn't feeling well and seemed slightly feverish, but we wanted to get her off the ship for a while. We spent a couple of hours just strolling along the waterfront, enjoying the artwork and window shopping. It was hot and humid, and with YC getting crankier by the moment, we decided to hire a cab to drive us around a bit so we could see a little bit more of the area before taking us back to the ship. After getting the kids settled, DH and I headed back into town for some lunch and shopping.

Later, YC had dinner in my cabin with me and watched TV while snuggling with me. While she still wasn't feeling any better, she didn't want to go to the doctor and I didn't want to push it. So I stayed in with her while once again DH headed out.

Day 8 ~~ Sea Day

About 9a.m. we were awakened by another missing person announcement from the captain. Half an hour later, another announcement ~ still not found. 10a.m. as we were going into breakfast, yet another announcement. We can see that the ship has started to turn; the captain is getting ready to retrace our route back towards Puerta Vallarta, back to where this person was last seen. Not ten minutes later, there is another announcement - this person has finally contacted the captain, all is apparently well, the ship turns back on course.

YC is still feverish and not feeling well, so after breakfast, DH and I take her to the ship's doctor. She had an upper respiratory infection and ear infection. They prescribed antibiotics, decongestant and pain/fever reducer. They don't take insurance directly, so the $200 was charged to our ship account. Insane that a 10 minute meeting and those few meds would cost that much.

I spent most of the day relaxing with YC. DH kept to himself, especially after he and the boy got into a screaming match. Spent some time watching TV with the kids before heading to dinner. YC was definitely feeling better and eating. After dinner, I gave her the medicine and tucked her into bed. The two older kids headed out to the pool and I went to adult only hot tub in the solarium. I stayed there for awhile as the heat felt really good on my aching back. When I went back to the cabin, DH was heading out. I didn't want to go out drinking and partying. After awhile, I headed out to the Promenade to have a cup of tea and read. When it got too noisy I left, hoping to find someplace else quiet and comfortable, but there was loud music and people everywhere. I did see DH in one of the clubs but decided not to join him -- after so many stressed filled days, I really didn't feel like spending time with him, and I also was not in the mood for loud crowds. I was in bed just after 1a.m. DH called to try to get me to join him. When I didn't, he stayed out 'til 3a.m.

Day 9 ~~ Sea Day

Went to breakfast with the kids - DH joined us later. Everyone was civil.

Cold, grey, cloudy day. Too cold to hang around outside. Left kids to their own devices while DH and I checked our bill with the service desk and got copies of the medical records. Bill, not including medical charges, was over $600. DH wanted to know what the kids and I had spent so much money on: $20 in the video arcade, $4 for a coffee, $10 for a mojito and tip. That was all I spent money on ~~ it was all his trips to the bars, the cigar lounge, coffees, etc. But he didn't want to believe it, even though it was all there in black and white detail. He didn't push it. He did finally buy me an anniversary present -- a very nice Guess watch with a paisley design on the face.

We all ate dinner together. I really wanted to look for more marine life, but it was just too cold to stay outside. When I got back to the cabin, DH was working on the packing. I checked on the kids to make sure they were getting all their things found and packed, too. The cruise ship line did not pay attention to what I filled out on our disembarkation form and assigned us to the 10:30a.m. group -- our flight was at 12:30 -- so we were going to have to take all our luggage off ourselves. There was no staying up late or going out, just one last stroll along the promenade and around the decks before heading to bed. We would be docked early in the morning and wanted to be off the ship before 9a.m. At least DH was finally being civil and nice.

Day 10 ~~ Vacation is over

We got up, had breakfast, and got off the ship without too much trouble. We did have an issue with the cab driver who wanted to be paid in cash even though the company took credit cards. Finally DH told him to call another driver for us -- he decided he'd rather take our credit than have a problem. 

We got to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Then there was a delay -- weather between California and home. We had some snacks, played games, and finally boarded and headed home. I really like flying first class :-)  YC was almost 100% back to normal, but I made sure she took decongestant and pain reliever before flying and then shortly before landing to help with any pressure change pain. 

Animals all seemed glad to see us. Home was still standing and everything was as we left it. Nothing to do but unpack and settle in. It was going to be back to work for DH and me in just a day.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

So, there it is. Our 2010 summer family vacation. Kids and I actually had a pretty good time, spent a lot of time with each other, and when we needed alone time, we took it. I think the only person who didn't have a good time was DH and he did that to himself. 

We had fun seeing all the different sea life -- whales, dolphins, sea lions, flying fish, turtles, fish and rays in Cabo. Cabo was beautiful in a sere harsh environment way -- I wouldn't mind going there again. I enjoyed the architecture and sculptures along the waterfront in Puerto Vallarta (a few months later, when SyFy showed Sharktopus, I recognized many of the sites in Puerto Vallarta).

 

Just a brief check in...

before we head off on our vacation. I can't wait to be warm. I am so excited to see New Zealand and Australia. I've always wanted to. I realize going on a cruise means I'll get just a teeny tiny taste of what they're like, but it's better than not going at all. And it will be warm! I am so tired of subfreezing temps....

We head out at noon on Saturday and don't get back 'til the 22nd. Not sure how much online access I'll get ~~ we'll be at sea most of the time and Internet access on the ship is not cheap.

So, if I can, I'll post. If not, well, I'll try to get some things written so when we get back I'll have stuff to post.

Sea Day

Since we are STILL having internet issues, I am sitting in the public library trying to get some posting done. I've tried everyday from home and everytime I try to do anything beyond the simple read a website, our connection crashes. We got a new modem but it looks like we also need a new router. DH is in Germany this week, so it'll probably be the weekend before we can get this resolved (I can buy the router, but I really don't know how to set it up and worry that I might make things worse). It's so frustrating!!!!

Other than that work is fine, weather is gorgeous, and school's almost out.

Took it easy, slept in until 10 am, missing breakfast. Checked my backside in the mirror; there were a few marks from the crop last night (no surprise).

We all had lunch together. YC’s mantra during the whole meal was basically, “swimming, swimming, swimming” so once we finished eating, we decided to give in. The weather was perfect – sunny and warm. Not too many people were out at the pool yet, so we were able to find enough lounges altogether. While DH and the kids played in the pool, I relaxed while reading and writing and resting. For a few hours.

And of course I ended up with a little sunburn – I’m so fair, no matter how much sun block I use, it’s pretty much inevitable. DH and the kids just tan.

Eventually, we’d had enough and went in.

YC wanted to spend some time in the kids’ area, so we dropped her off up there, picking her up later for dinner. She made a ‘magic’ wand, painted and covered in glitter. DH looked at it, swished it around, got that twinkle in his eye and made some comment about maybe he could try the wand on me. (never did happen – thank goodness).

Once we were sure the kids were settled in for the night, DH and I headed back up to the lounge. It was 70’s night and members of the crew put on a show as ABBA and the Village People – it’s a lot of fun. As ‘In the Navy’ was performed and I was singing along, the guy next to me turned to me and we were commenting on how could anyone have missed the theme of the Village People’s songs. We reminisced about school dances and roller-skating parties (anyone else remember those?) – too funny.

Eventually, I’d had enough (I can only take so much loud music and crowds), and with DH’s promise that he would be down in a few minutes, I headed off to our room. I changed into some of the new lingerie and waited for DH. And waited. And waited. While waiting, I watched the ship channel where they were showing (and re-showing) the video of 70’s night. About an hour and 2 times through the show later, DH finally shows up, chattering on about how much fun he had after I left… Way to kill the mood. So absolutely nothing happened that night – and he didn’t understand why.

Oh, well. C’est la vie.

On the Ship & Leaving Venice, part 2

For those of you wondering if we did anything other than sightsee and deal with obnoxious children while on our vacation -- here ya go.

When I last posted, DH and I were enjoying a few drinks in the Crown Lounge...

Since it had been a long day, we only stayed in the lounge for a short while, having just a few drinks, before heading back to our room. I thought we were both too tired for any fun, so I just curled up to sleep. However, it quickly became clear that DH wasn’t too tired. He curled up behind me and started touching and rubbing, stroking and spanking. My whole body is pretty much one big erogenous zone, and DH knows just where and how to touch to get me heated up. Pretty soon he was focused on touching and rubbing me just right in that special area while I used my hand on him, squeezing and stroking. It was feeling sooo good.

And then I told him to spank my pussy. And he did, without hesitation. Thank goodness it was not with the force he uses on my backside, but, wow, what a sensation… He’d rub my clit, stroke my pussy, then SPANK… & repeat… Didn’t take long for me to come, not with that kind of attention.

As I was coming down from my high, DH made little comments about what he wanted to do next – specifically to my ass (and I don’t just mean a spanking *grin*). My response to this, “You’re not coming anywhere near my ass without some oil or lube.” And as he got up to get the needed supplies, I told him I bought some new goodies and told him where to find the Shunga kit and crop. I don’t think I’ve ever seen DH unwrap a package so fast. I’m not even sure he really read the card. The oil was found, opened and applied liberally to my bottom. (If you’re interested, it’s Shunga Erotic Art Erotic Massage Oil Libido Exotic Fruits – it smells really, really good, and even though it’s kinda sweet and fruity, DH likes it much better than the Sweet Almond Oil we have been using).

DH had me lie on my stomach with my head at the end of the bed. In this position I could pleasure him orally while he had easy spanking access, especially with the long reach of the crop. It didn’t take long for my bottom to turn a hot and glowing red, causing DH to pause, give the crop a look of admiration, and proclaim, “I like this toy.” (I’d like to note that this is now one of DH’s favorite positions). I was concerned that in reaction to one of the more painful swats, I might end of hurting him – but he was very insistent that my mouth stay on him at all times. Man, is that crop effective… (I think he also liked this position while on the cruise because of the mirrors at the head of the bed -- he had a great view of everything).

Eventually, DH had me turn around putting my feet at the end of the bed, laid over me and started rubbing his cock against my hot red bottom and letting it slip down between my legs until it slid right up inside me. A little of this teasing, and then it was up on all fours time. You know how it goes from here – filling and thrusting in my pussy till I come; more oiling and then anal, with me coming more, before DH finally reaches his limit and can’t hold back anymore.

Once we were breathing normally, DH had me take a look at my backside in the full length mirror. Oh my, what a red bottom! I think I like the crop, too. *weg*

On the Ship and Leaving Venice, part 1

Note -- We are having internet issues so while I will try to post everyday, I can't promise anything (also explains why nothing made it up yesterday, and I tried, I really, really tried $#%@#%#$%@$)

Saturday morning -- We got up early, had breakfast at the hotel, then headed into Venice and the cruise ship terminal to drop off our luggage. We wouldn’t be able to board until noon, but we needed to return the car by 10:30. Once that was done we wandered a little bit into Venice, just to give the kids a taste.

Supposedly, the cruise ship had free shuttles between the terminal and Piazzale Roma. We waited for ½ an hour, in the blazing sun, then decided to walk it. It’s not a long distance, and mostly downhill.

We checked in and boarded. First stop was our rooms (we were separated by one other room – we wanted the kids nearby but not too close). Our rooms were on the Deck 8 – pros & cons. On the plus side, top deck with cabins, close to stairs/elevators, main dining, pool, etc. Negatives – could hear people moving overhead. No luggage yet, but we still needed to check them out and show the kids around. Because OC was only 14 when we booked the trip, we had to set up the reservations with one adult per room. Since she was now 15, we needed to change things around so all the kids were in one cabin while we were in the other. And the beds needed to be fixed, too. Our cabin had two twin beds, while the kids’ had one queen and one bunk. Not going to work that way. DH and I went to wait in line at the pursers desk while the kids did a little exploring.

After everything was straightened out, it was time for lunch. The ship wasn’t sailing ‘til 5pm, so we had time to relax. And by this time we really needed a break from the monsters children. I swear, all they did was complain, all day – it was too hot, they were bored, they didn’t want to walk anymore, they were hungry, they were thirsty, they didn’t like the ship, they didn’t like their room, they didn’t like the food, why did we make them come on such a stupid trip, etc, etc, etc. And the constant bickering and arguing and nasty comments to and about each other. At one point I made a comment to MC, who had once again come to our room to complain about YC, that there was going to be one extremely pissed mama if we had to change the sleeping arrangements. I was seriously contemplating tossing them overboard. I haven’t decided yet if we’ll ever take another family vacation… So DH and I went to doze in our room and left the kids to their own devices.

Shortly before departure, we went up top to watch Venice as we sailed away. We found the kids and they actually stayed with us, for about 10 minutes. During this time they shared the amusing story of how they got lost and couldn’t find the way back to their room for a while. (The ship is not that big and the ID cards give your room number – not sure how they managed to get lost…). So we all watched Venice pass by as we sailed away. It’s such a beautiful city, and the weather was perfect (last year it had been foggy). I don’t know if this has ever happened to you, but a place gets all hyped up and you’re excited to visit, but when you get there you find out the pictures in the brochure were staged, etc and it just doesn’t live up to your expectations. So disappointing. Well, Venice is just like the pictures – it’s visually stunning, the canals, the grand buildings, the variety of architectural details. And considering the number of people tromping through, it’s clean. Yep, I really like Venice.

Once we were out of Venice, DH and I went into the Solarium, where the inside pool is, and just relaxed in the lounge chairs. I slipped in and out of light sleep. DH eventually decided to enjoy the hot tub, and chatted with a fellow passenger. He didn’t think I could hear him, but I could pretty much hear every word as he relayed to this stranger the details of how we met and married, etc. (Hmmmmpppphhhh. I really can’t complain as it’s pretty much what I do with the whole blogging thing.) Before we knew it, it was after 8pm, so we went to find the kids and have some dinner. The kids were taking care of themselves, having already had dinner and then settling into their room. So DH and I had a late meal, checked on the kids, and went to the lounge to relax and have a couple of drinks. I don’t think we were in the lounge for more than 15-20 minutes before MC showed up to complain about YC. I’m serious – no more family vacations.

Cruisin' for a Bruisin'

First of, can I just express dismay that it's been over a month since I last posted. The entire month of August just gone. I have plenty of reasons why -- DH travelling, my travelling, stress at work. And it's now been 3 weeks since my last spanking, too (although DH promises me that will be rectified tomorrow night). I have, however, been using my lunch hour to jot down some stories, notes and observations, so here goes.

Earlier this year DH & I went on our very first cruise, around the eastern Mediterranean. We started in Italy then went to Croatia, Turkey, and two of the Greek Isles, ending up back in Italy. We flew my mom in to watch the kids (we have no family nearby), so it was just the two of us for ten days. In 14 years of marriage this is only the second kid-free vacation we’ve taken, and the other one was last year. (I am not counting the random night in a local hotel now and then).
I was instructed to pack our “toys” -- which I eagerly did (I even created a “To Pack” list to make sure I didn’t forget anything, not just our toys). In retrospect, I probably over packed, but this was the first trip since we’ve started spanking, and I wanted to make sure we were ready for everything.
We had a great time -- in and out of our room (our neighbors could attest to our in room fun -- we got knowing smiles when we happened to meet in the hall). We went ashore at each stop, sometimes with an organized shore excursion, other times on our own. The Greek Isles were definitely our favorites and we hope to go back. We went nightly to at least one of the lounges, met people, danced (a very little as DH does not like to), listened to music, etc. The weather was gorgeous -- not a drop of rain whenever we were in port, only a little during the night. And from the very beginning of our trip in Milan I was spanked every day.
Since we are newbies, we are still figuring out the details -- how long, how hard, exactly where on my backside I should be spanked, positions, implements, etc. We had lots of time to play and experiment and during one session DH decided to focus his attentions on the undersides of my cheeks and on my sit spot. We have just a few implements at this time, really only 4 that he likes to use (including his hand) -- a 3-heart leather paddle, a bare wood Ping-Pong type paddle and an oval wooden hairbrush. He has a tendency to switch around between all 4, and I can’t always tell which one he’s using at any given time, unless I’m able to pay close attention (not always easy). Anyway, not sure what he used that day, but he definitely got my bottom red. When he couldn’t take it any longer, I was pulled up to my knees and he thrust in. It wasn’t long till I was moaning and coming, and not too much longer till I could hear that DH was about ready. After he came I figured we were done -- boy was I wrong. I have this purple gelly vibrator shaped somewhat like my DH. He now brought that out and began to use it on me, inside and out. I don’t know how long this continued as it was so intense I lost any track of time or orgasms, until finally I pulled away and collapsed face down on the bed.
As I lay there gasping for breath and trying to pull myself back to reality, I heard the click of DH’s cell phone camera. As I rolled over, disbelieving what I had just heard, DH showed me the picture. There I was, flat on my stomach, bright red bottom facing the camera. (And, no, this will not be posted mainly because I don’t want to, but I also don’t have access to it and really don’t want to explain to my loving DH why I need a copy of the picture.)
Up till this spanking, I had never had any lasting marks or pain (it most definitely hurts and marks during, but it rather quickly fades). The next morning when I get out of bed, DH looks at me then tells me to stop and bend over (obviously so he can get a better view). With a tone of astonishment, DH announces, “You’re bruised!” Mind you, I didn’t feel a thing, so I went into the bathroom, and after much contorting and tip toe standing I was able to see what he was talking about -- a lovely string of little bruises on the under curve of each of my cheeks. I know marking is something DH has issues with (he’s afraid he’s damaging me beyond repair) but I think the fact that I took it so well has helped since I’ve definitely had later spankings that marked me and that I felt the next day (or longer).
Up to that point, that was the best spanking session I’d had.