Twenty-nine of us decided to spend eight days cruising together. Ashley planned a perfect party for us! We traveled from Miami to Grand Cayman, Isla Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel on the Carnival Valor. We really missed Nic & Steff and Matt & Kate! It would have been even more fun with them along. Next time.
Most of all we missed Robert. He has been gone for a year now. At each stop and in each situation we thought how much he would have enjoyed the trip. Sue talked about how proud Robert would have been of all of us for trying and doing the hard things (I think scuba diving specifically), and often she wondered what he would add to a conversation. I'm sure he was there with us in spirit. Gatherings certainly aren't quite as exciting without him here. We will miss the 'wrap up' song that he would have written and entertained us with. I am so happy that we were able to spend this time together as a family. I'm glad that Sue was willing to take this trip. I know that it was very hard for her to be there without Robert. She was amazingly strong.
Those who went: Grandma & Grandpa Clark; Lyle, Melanie, Ryan, Ashley, Tanner & Sean; Wade, Pam, Jeremiah, Amanda, Struan & Wesley; Sue, Kaycis, Quincie, and Sydnie; Kurt, Patti, Taylor & Clark; Jeff, Julie & Janae Godfrey; and Ryan's brother & his family, Alan, Eva, Mackenzie & Megan. Thank you all for being there. Can't wait to do it again!
If you really want a good run-down of our vacation, Ashley does a much better job with hers at www.ryashnelson.blogspot.com.
