We had the most wonderful time. I have never felt so relaxed in all my life. There was not one thing to worry about or take care of. No one to think of except myself. Absolutely no responsibilities. No laundry, no cooking, no cleaning, no whining, no fighting. It was wonderful. The first few days I thought to myself...."this is bad....I am not going to want to go back!" But of course, after four days of laying by the pool, eating, snorkeling, shopping, eating, and um, some more eating.....I was ready to go home. I had started to miss my kids and the wonderful man I had left behind. ( I was beginning to realize how much he loves me to let me go on such an extravigant vacation without him!) So, I headed back home, sundburned and 5 pounds heavier! It was a long drive from the port back to my house, and it was filled with anticipation and excitetment to see my family and tell them all about my trip. What I didn't anticipate, was how drastically my feelings would change after I got there. The welcome home was wonderful, we were all happy to see each other. I passed out the special gifts I had gotten for each of them and everyone game me an account of all the things that went on while I was gone.

Trouble began when my husband had to leave to go in to work, and I had to jump right back into "mommyhood". Now, I know this sounds awful and completely selfish of me. I mean, come on, I just got back from a 5 day cruise! But there was no "easing" back into it. He left, I had to finish homeschooling, clean up, try to make dinner in a house with no groceries ( I am convinced they lived off of ice cream while I was gone) and manage three boys whose emotions were flying because mommy was gone for so long. Needless to say, I had a slight breakdown that night. ( where is the guy who turns down my bed and puts a chocolate on my pillow? where is my midnight buffet?) It has actually taken me a few days to get back into the swing of things. I am remembering our routine, and forgetting about the long lazy days on the ship. I am remembering how to prepare dinner, and forgetting about the elegant, white tablecloth 5 course meals. I am remembering grammar, and forgetting calypso music. I am also remembering that vacations are nice, but home is where I love to be....surrounded by the people I love, and who love me more than I realize. In the words of my 5 year old son the night I got home. "Mommy, I love you more than ice cream".