Feb 24th, 2020 Day 52 of 128

Rarotonga, Cook Island. Today was we had a relaxing day at the beach in the Cook Islands. We were originally scheduled for scenic drive around the island and I mistakenly changed our excursion and when I went to change it back I couldn’t. So we decided it was meant to be and we left it. We did get a beautiful scenic drive on our way to the resort anyway. We were greeted by staff and directed to the beach area where we secured a couple of chairs and then grabbed snorkel gear and hit the water. The water was so clear. The resort had a protective reef that provided a large area between the beach and the reef to enjoy the water safely.   The resort staff brought stale bread into the water and everyone got to feed the fish. It brought them right up us and the girls delighted in the display of their beautiful colors. We saw sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and most excitedly humu humu fish, which reminded us of Hawaii. Megan had fun collecting lots of different types of coral, which we made her leave at the resort. After snorkeling fun the girls then had a chance to give standup paddle boarding a try. They took right to it like they have been doing it their whole life. Lastly, they both also took out kayaks and paddled around the lagoon. Mom took great delight in just being in the water. She has glittery nail polish right now and it attracted the fish to her hands as they thought it was food. She spent the morning just hanging out in the water paying with the fishies. At 12:30 we were served a lunch, which we had previously ordered on our bus trip over, and complementary sangria. I let the girls buy a soda to share, because it was $5.00 for one soda. I was shocked with the prices considering where we were, but much like other resorts, when you are there they charge you higher prices because you are “stuck” there. We had a chance to hit the gift shop and buy some magnets before we had to get back on the bus around 2:00pm to head back to the ship. It was an amazing day. Everyone had such a great time. The girls got to do some new and exciting things. Mom was in her happy place. I took great pleasure in just seeing everyone smiling and laughing and relaxing. My heart is full today. When we got back to the ship we made a group decision to have dinner at the buffet tonight so we didn’t have to get dressed up for dinner tonight. Although the dress code in the dining room isn’t too strict, sometimes it nice to just throw on shorts and a t-shirt and go to the buffet instead. So after we all took showers we headed to dinner. Then the girls went to spend time at Club HAL. At 8:30 they both participated in Music Trivia tonight as they were much sought out throughout the day today to join several teams tonight because the theme was Disney music. It’s good to be a kid sometimes. I am sitting on the patio now writing this blog for you all. Enjoying the fresh air as we sail across the sea to our next port of Tonga. We are still struggling with being able to post photos, but I promise I will post a something when we are able to once again. Thanks to all of you who are following my blog and commenting. You are helping to make me feel connected to home even while being so far away.   I love having the connection. Hugs and Love from us all. Debra