The 2023 NKOTB Cruise - arrival day

Wednesday, after months of planning and stress, Lisa and her friend JJ departed to Miami to embark on the 2023 NKOTB Cruise. This was to be the second such trip for Lisa and the first for JJ. 

As we learned from our own cruises together, it is always best to travel to the port city the day before embarkation, not only to avoid any travel delays that make you miss the ship, but just to de-stress and unwind. 

(Update: the next day a bomb scare in Baltimore delayed/canceled many flights and yes, some fans missed the ship and lost out on their vacation)

I dropped them off at O'Hare for an 11am flight and they were on the way!

Once I got to Miami they went to a merchandise pop up for the cruise where they were excited to see and take a photo with Danny Wood!

And they met Danny's Dad!

They eventually met up with Carina, Lisa's European friend and her roommate last year on the cruise.

Officially the vacation I hadn't even begun yet so there was a lot more to come . . .

JJ and Dave's Wedding Reception

This afternoon Team Slap was happy to attend the wedding reception of JJ and Dave, held at Maggiano's at Mayfair Mall. As you can see from the tabletop menu, it was a heck of a meal (not to mention an open bar for soda/wine/beer). 

Frankly, there were soooo many good appetizers in such abundant quantities that I was well past full by the time the main course was served - not that that stopped me!

Note that Lisa and I didn't look too shabby! 

Neither LuLu nor Smiley could attend because of work obligations (although Lu did JJ's hair early in the afternoon). But Lisa's Mom was there

As was Junie and YaYa

and YaYa's long time beau, Alex

An elderly couple (friends of the bride's Mother) were seated along at a nearby table and Lisa invited them to join us, and they did!

This "butter cake" - whatever that means - was to die for. My word!!

Here's wishing the newlywed couple decades of love and happiness!

Confirmation Day!!!

LuLu received her Confirmation yesterday completing her 3 sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church. I’m very proud of her.

JJ was her sponsor

Flora is the Saint name she chose. - Lisa

Packing House

Best fish fry ever at the packing house tonight.... No wonder there is always a line around the block for the drive through! Thanks again JJ Deeelicious! - Lisa

Thank You!

Thanks this past week to Ervin for looking at Smiley's Nintendo DS, Socialist for a last second repair on my door, and  JJ for something that honestly slips my mind right now LOL. (Sorry JJ). Anyway, it's good to have folks we can count on. :)

A Great Gift!

#TeamSlap is celebrating an early Christmas with Jennifer J. Look what she and Sydney bought me! #Creed

Here's JJ's gift to YaYa

And for Smiley,  Jenga Quake

UPDATE:  Dropped the kids off, went to the grocery store, then dropped Lisa off too so I could cruise around and listen to my new #Creed CD.

Restaurante La Salsa

Just back from a largely liquid lunch with Lisa and JJ

Goodbye 2014!

New Years Eve (a running narrative)

Nick Jonas on now, everyone singing along to "Jealous"

One Direction singing "Story of my Life". Everyone singing along, here and in the audience. GREAT song. GREAT GREAT song.

Playing Pokemon with Smiley. I'm confused. Very confused (the margaritas probably aren't helping)

My spur of the moment plan to take the family on a county bus ride, just because they are free on NY Eve, has been vetoed by Lisa. In part because it's 12 degrees outside, and in part because it's a dumb idea.

Smiley and I are hitting the road while LuLu dyes Lisa's hair

Note the strawberries Lisa had the kids dip in chocolate as an activity/treat for NY Eve

Just watched 1D on New York Rockin Eve! Plus, saw Donnie Wahlberg!

LOL

Auto correct humor:.....true story! I just texted my good friend JJ and intended to write "hey want to go to Marquette with us and then get lunch?"....and auto correct wrote "want to go to make out with us and then get lunch?". Of course I didn't notice til i hit send. Good thing she didn't write back "hell ya!"  before I texted to correct myself.  I mean we are a nice looking couple, lol. Oh that was a good laugh!!! Anyone have any auto correct stories?  I challenge you to top this one! - Lisa