Since August 2009, Rhonda and her children have been planning a surprise family cruise to celebrate Gary W.'s 60th birthday. Since classes at A&M would still be in session during Gary's actual birthday, May 6th, they booked a cruise for May 23. This cruise would leave from the Port of Miami and cruise to Labadee, Haiti; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. Rhonda and the children also selected excursions together--all booking the same excursions except for Cozumel. Half the family had already seen Tulum while the other half wanted to go. From the cruise booking in August until the sailing in May, we had nine months to sit on this amazing surprise.
Slowly, the secret hatched early. Gary initially learned from Rhonda's father (while in Utah for Thanksgiving) that a cruise was in store. Ron mentioned that his flight schedule to Miami "for the cruise" had been changed. Then, Royal Caribbean phoned about a glitch in the credit transaction, so Gary became aware that he would be cruising aboard a Royal Caribbean ship. Then a daughter slipped about an excursion in Jamaica, so Gary learned of one of the ports of call. Several other news events involved other ports of call. Rhonda wondered for a time whether the earthquake in Haiti might affect the cruise. Also, several violent incidents involving U.S. tourists in Mexico caused Gary to vow to cease travel to Mexico indefinitely! ("So you think!" thought Rhonda...)
After nine months of anticipation, family members gathered at Kristen's home in Coral Springs, Florida. Gary and Rhonda flew to Fort Lauderdale from Austin, Texas; Julie flew from Detroit, Michigan; Kimberly flew from Columbus, Ohio; Ron, Gary M. and Erin flew from Salt Lake City. Miraculously, all flights arrived on time. Kristen hosted everyone at her home the evening before the cruise, treating all to a delicious family dinner, even though she was in the center of an end-of-school whirlwind of activity, both as PTA president and as the mother of three boys who were involved in championship baseball games for three leagues. Thanks a million, Kristen!
