It was a good day

We  all have those times in life where we recognize just how fabulous the moment is.  I had one today and felt compelled to share.  Yesterday, the Husband and I decided to throw all responsibilities to the wind and go on a little adventure.  We had the opportunity to tour the Spanish Navy’s training ship for the very low price of nothing, so we went.  The 45 minute ride to Port Canaveral was thoroughly enjoyable, mostly because we didn’t have three kids in the back seat screaming, “Stop it! (insert any child's name here) is annoying me!”

The weather was perfect, around 80 degrees with blue skies and a cool breeze as we stood in line waiting our turn to tour the ship. The line was a bit long from what we could tell, but fortunately it weaved its way from indoors to outdoors,  allowing us the illusion that just around the corner we would be next. Being the people watchers we are, most of the crowd seemed to be of retirement age, sprinkled here and there with families.  But, like with any crowd of mostly septuagenarians, there’s always the ones bitching about everything - and lucky duck, she’s behind us.  “This line is ridiculous”, “why is the AC blowing so cold,” and “I hear that we have to wait over an hour and a half!”  We waited almost an hour, but it was FREE!  Remind me not to be so grizzled when I’m old.

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The Husband and I talked about everything but our children.  Okay, so maybe that’s a lie.  We did discuss how the teenager would be complaining about the wait until we were actually on the ship, the preteen would be excited about not being in school and staring at anyone with a deformity before asking aloud “what’s that about?” and the youngling, she would be asking 1.3 million questions that start with “what if.”  

Being on the ship was amazing and our only grievance was that we were only allowed to be on deck. Well, I personally was consoled by the numerous Spanish sailors strewn about the ship, so no biggie really. Afterwards, we decided that we definitely had time to stop for a frosty beverage at our favorite place, Rusty’s. You really must put this place on your agenda when visiting the Cocoa Beach area, not just because of the delicious food, but because the large deck overlooks the waterway as cruise ships pass. I swear you can reach out and touch them.

We discovered the Spanish El Galeon was docked nearby and being fascinated by all things historical, we took the time to admire it from the dock considering the line (of old people) and our time constraints.  Not too shabby for being about 500 years old.  

Sitting on the deck, enjoying a beer, and talking about nothing was the highlight of the day. The Husband mentioned wanting to live on a sailboat again, I laughed. He must be cray-cray if he thinks I want to live on a 30’ sailboat with a 13, 12 and 8 year old. Can you imagine getting them to do anything? It would go something like this...

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Me:  “Jimmy, help Dad hoist the mainsail.”

Jimmy:  “Why do I have to do it? Can’t Ricky do it? I did it yesterday. I don’t want  to.”

Ricky:  “No you didn’t, I did it yesterday. He’s lying, as usual.” 

Jimmy:  “Whatever. I’m not doing it. This boat is stupid.”

Ricky:  “You’re stupid....Mom! Jimmy hit me!”

Gigi:  “Ha, ha. I don’t have to do it ‘cause I’m little...Mom! Ricky is looking a me!”

Not to mention I would be overwhelmed with anxiety that one of the kids would go overboard. Gravity does that, you know - picks ya right up and tosses you over the side. Now, if you give me a bigger boat, let’s say about 50’ and throw in some Spanish sailors to sail it and a nanny with superhero lifeguard/CPR skills, I’m in.

Once heading back, we knew the day had been a special one.  Not to say those are rare, but taking time out to just be husband and wife seems to be a challenge when you have a house full of kids.  We relished every moment and continued the experience by just lounging about after we picked them up from school.  Just good old fashioned laziness that included totally ignoring the kids.  I highly recommend it.