The three year streak of not being on a cruise ship has been -- blissfully -- ended.  Avery and I headed to Galveston TX almost two weeks ago.  After a 10pm arrival we crashed at a hotel near the Hobby airport.  In the morning after some breakfast we enjoyed their pool, even though it was a bit chilly.  A late checkout and hanging out in the lobby we ordered ubereats from a local food truck and I had the best birria tacos (I am drooling thinking about them).  I recently had purchased the different chiles I need to attempt these on my own.  I am sure they won't compare, but if I hit the 25% mark I'll still love it.

We then had someone from Galveston Moms transport us the hour to Galveston proper where I had my first ever AirBnB experience.  It was fantastic and just what I wanted.  We had a little kitchen, so I cooked the first evening - thanks to a Kroger delivery.  We noshed on some of the leftovers between snackies and a meal out the next few days.  We were on 24th and O 1/2 st, a very easy walk to the beach, a liquor store (I needed a bottle of wine to carry onboard and one to drink while we stayed in Galveston), a convenience store, and the trolley/bus stops.  I couldn't get a fire to stay lit in the fire pit (time to work on my scout skills) so we microwaved some smores instead.

In Galveston we:  went to the train museum which exceeded my expectations, walked/shopped the Strand, had yummy seafood, walked to church Saturday night, and most importantly -- went to the beach since Avery didn't remember being at a beach!

Avery wasn't much of a fan the first night - I get it... sand sticks when you don't want it to.  She quickly realized there was plenty of fun to be had at the beach burying her legs, building a small castle, gathering cool shells, and jumping the waves.

We struggled w/ Lyft to get to the pier (Uber isn't allowed in the port) but got there at the time they wanted us there to check in (an hour late due to issues they had that morning).  Onto Allure of the Seas, which I have sailed on pre-Avery.  She loved the water and ice shows, we went to each 3 or 4 times a piece.  I forced her to go to the juggling show which she ended up liking.  Adventure Ocean was a big thumbs up, but her time there left me struggling to mentally unwind and keep myself occupied.  Once I was able to bring it down a notch I was able to make good progress on a book I have been stalled on for years (I am embarrassed to say I haven't read for pleasure much since Avery was born).

We stayed onboard in Roatan.  Costa Maya we went out right in the port area and enjoyed their large pool area and the Aviary.  There are bridges up high for the aviary, which I knew would be a big challenge for me, but I did it!  In Cozumel after much anxiety going back and forth on it I sucked up my nerves and headed to Mr Sanchos - and I am so glad we did.  There was nothing to worry about, and I knew the taxi transportation there was very well organized and clean, so I don't know why I was so anxious about it.  Avery had a blast in the pools and is doing great going under water.  I'm glad we spent the time in Galveston beach; while the beach and water in Cozumel was prettier the drop off was pretty quick and the waves were a bit more than I wanted to spend a lot of time in w/ a weak swimmer.

That brings us up to speed.  We are back home.  The laundry is well underway.  The dogs were picked up.  The kid is back at school.  I'm back to work.  The cat was obsessed with me last night.  The creeper watched me shower and proceeded to knead me as I fell asleep.  He stayed on the bed all night (which he did for 2 nights after the last time we vacationed for a week).

So glad for the trip and the experience.  Even more glad we have another one booked for later this year.