Vacation Over. The Hunt Is On.

Carnival Pride

The family just returned from a relaxing seven day cruise on the Mexican Riviera. Our family vacations are predominantly cruises. They are a great value and a lot of fun.

This trip, we were on the Carnival Pride. We really like this ship. There's plenty for the kids to do and it never felt crowded, even though it was at 100% capacity.

In Puerto Vallarta, we spent the morning with the kids at a water park. After dropping the kids at the ship, my wife and I enjoyed a nice lunch along the Malecon and some shopping. The next day in Mazatlan, we took the kids horseback riding along the beach and coconut groves on Stone Island. My daughter has been taking riding lessons and I was proud of how well she handled her horse.

We couldn't believe that we got all the horses together and kids smiling.

The next day we were in our favorite port, Cabo San Lucas. We've been there four other times, always on a cruise. We keep saying that we'll actually fly there and spend three or four days at one of the beach resorts. Free airfare will be a great incentive.

In Cabo, we rented a Wave Runner and took all the kids out. They really had a blast and enjoyed being close to sea lions in the open ocean.

My daughter had been begging me to try para sailing at every port and I finally caved. It is very easy in Cabo. They take you out to a custom made boat and you launch and recover directly from a platform on the boat. No water. No risky beach landing. Just a nice, smooth flight to a height of about 300 feet.

My middle son with a very serious look on his face.

Daddy and daughter soaring over San Lucas Bay. Where's the yoke?

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The airline decision has been made. The application process is just a few days away. Sun burned, well rested with some quality family time. Let the stress begin. Wish me luck.