A few years ago, when I heard that Disney had started a cruise line, I thought it sounded like a living nightmare. A boat full of other people’s noisy children, and giant characters popping out around every corner? No thanks.

Boy, was I wrong! My mom had the idea for all of us to go on one for Thanksgiving this year, and I have to say it’s one of her best ideas yet.

The food was amazing, the weather was incredible, and there was plenty for us to do — as a family, a couple or a crowd. If I could live on that boat all year, I would. Still trying to figure out how to make that happen.

But, most importantly, Joe seemed to really love it. He ate like a horse (this is a kid who merely tolerates food here at home, but he wolfed it down at sea). He chatted non-stop, laughed a lot, and made lifelong friends with a waiter who wasn’t even assigned to us. He thought the ocean was a great big bathtub and could have spent hours splashing around in it.

Here he is in his Mickey ears:

In a few years, I imagine we’ll be venturing out to Disney World for the full experience. (Expect 2,896,419 more pictures then!)

Bath time is usually Patrick’s domain, but now that he’s in school two nights a week, I get to do it.

I always say that post-nap Joe is the most fun, but post-bath Joe is pretty cool too!

I made these for dinner when Joe’s grandparents were visiting, and I’ve been craving more ever since! I think they will be appearing on our dinner table regularly.

1 lb lean ground turkey
1 box stuffing mix (any flavor)
1 cup water
2 eggs
1 medium onion, diced
1 T A1 sauce

Mix all ingredients together and divide into 12 muffin cups that have been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

This sweet little girl we know has been having a terrible year after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in January. We are sad to learn today that things have taken a turn for the worse.

Any prayers, positive thoughts or good vibes you can spare would be appreciated.

Joe’s grandparents are visiting from New York!

Here he is enjoying an after-dinner laugh with his Grandpa:

I put the laptop on the floor so Joe could see himself on the screen. He talked to himself for a good long while! Here are the best 90 seconds of it:

Joe’s second Halloween was lots of fun! His skunk costume had an awful lot of fuzz and padding for 80-degree weather, but he stayed in it long enough for some photo ops.

We went to the Halloween Carnival at the park down the street. Here he is as Frankenstein, last year and tonight:

He’s still too young to enjoy the full festivities, like the bouncy house and the mountains of candy, but every year is going to be more fun!

After a nice long nap, Joe woke up with a much lower temperature and a much better outlook on life.

Look how he bounces back:

Poor Joe is feeling under the weather. At 16 months of age, he has his first real fever! (He’s had low-grade fevers while teething, but nothing like this. He feels like a soft little furnace!)

It’s already come down a bit from where it was, with some Tylenol and rest. As soon as he wakes up, he’s going to have some juice and a little snuggle time.

I think he picked up what Patrick had over the weekend, which means he’ll be toasty and tired for a day, and then have a yucky cough. Poor kid!

Joe with his cousin, Abigail.