Hey, hey Monday!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We had BEAUTIFUL weather on Saturday which we fully took advantage of by doing all the outside things (planting flowers, watching Ashby play soccer and spending time on our town square). Give me all the sunny spring weather right now 😉 .
Okay, it’s PART THREE of our Spring Break cruise to the Southern Caribbean. If you missed PART ONE and PART TWO you should go back and catch those days and deets too.
On this particular day of our cruise, we had something HUGE to celebrate!
This day was…
…March 13, 2024 which made it our 20th wedding anniversary!
Awwwwww! Look at those babies in that photo. If you missed last Monday’s post, Andrew and I answer your questions in a video and chat about our anniversary, parenting, and other married people topics. You can watch it HERE.
March 13th started out for us…
…waking up in Antigua. A book, a coffee and a cruise ship balcony are three of my favorite things 🙂 .
So, what did we do to celebrate the big 2-0?
We…
…went on an adventure to Sting Ray City. (And it certainly felt like an adventure!) Our driver picked us up and drove us about 35 minutes from the port to Sting Ray City where we had tickets to swim with the sting rays. You don’t swim with them right off the coast though, you take…
…a boat out to this one shallow spot in the ocean, and that’s where you…
…swim with the sting rays.
We don’t have a lot of amazing pics because you needed two hands to climb down into the water from the boat, and so I could only snap a few pics from the boat when I wasn’t in the water. These sting rays are not in captivity. They are just treated really well by the locals, and so they return day after day to this one spot and swim amongst the humans. We fed them (calamari), we held them, they swam around us and through us…it was all very crazy cool.
Twenty years later, and we have our four kids out in the ocean swimming with wild sting rays. Who would have thought it?! Bahahaha!
After a full day of driving through Antigua and swimming with the sting rays, we headed back to the ship and got ready for dinner…
. 
…awwww! I love my girls 🙂 .
One last pic from anniversary day. Love him too.
The next morning…
…I woke up as we were cruising into Barbados!
After a boat day and a sting ray day, we were wanting a…
…resort day!
Hello, Barbados! This was the perfect place for us to spend the day.
The beach was gorgeous, the resort was lovely, the food was delish, and we were very happy.
Living our best resort life!
They have matching tans 🙂 .
More sushi, please! After being in the sun all day, we were super hungry and excited to eat dinner when we got back on board.
And I guess this is now how we take pics?! Bahahaha! Love him.
And finally, I’m covering three days here in this post. First, we had Antigua and then Barbados and then…
…we woke up in beautiful Saint Lucia.
We had planned a city tour for this day, but the day before, my family convinced me to swap that out and instead…
…they wanted to put their swimsuits back on (my coverup is HERE and on sale!)…
…and head to the beach!
Another beautiful day by the sea? Yes, please!
My favorite place for reading 🙂 .
A local came by selling rum in a coconut…um, please!
Sun, sand and sass!
See my guys?
When your siblings dodge a photo. Hahhaha!
You guys, we go, go, go at home, so it was oh so nice to relax more on this trip.
What did we do after we boarded the boat at the end of the day?
Headed to the pool!
It was a full and fun day in Saint Lucia…
…and a sweet night back on board the Viva too.
I looked over after dinner and saw my big and my little looking at something on her phone. Family time is my favorite time.
So, that covers SIX different islands so far! One more post to finish us up, and it was an oh so EPIC day! I’ll share those details later, but in the meantime, don’t forget, of course Mix and Match Travel Agency would love to help you with your next vacation! We would love to get you on board a cruise, send you to Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, Australia…maybe down to Mexico or Hawaii? And course, we love Disney and Universal vacations too! Please reach out to us today for more information. It would be an honor to help your family make memories too.
Happy Monday, friends! xx
Emilee says
It looks like such a wonderful trip! Happy Anniversary to you and Andrew 💕
Elspeth says
What a packed but relaxing trip! Thanks so much for sharing!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Erika Slaughter says
That resort day looks AMAZING!
Andrea says
I swore I would never take another cruise, but these posts might be changing my mind! Also it’s 4 am, and I’m due at the hospital at 6 for my total hysterectomy. I feel such peace, one from all the people praying for me, but two, from all that you’ve shared about your experience. Thank you for that…it’s really given me more confidence and helped me feel more prepared!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am stopping right now and praying for you, Andrea! Take it easy after, rest and allow yourself to recover. You’re going to feel great when it’s all said and done. Praying RIGHT NOW!
Kristin Lyngaas says
Andrea I don’t know you but I’m praying for you. A thorough surgery, an uncomplicated post surgery, and a complete recovery. Gif bless you today 🙏🩷
Daniellem02 says
Praying for a speedy recovery, Andrea!
Traci M says
We honeymooned in Antigua!! Looks like a fabulous trip!! Do you have the link for your blue cover up?! Have a great Monday!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! I’m going to add it to the post too! https://shopstyle.it/l/b9y16
Jill says
Do you have a link to your St Lucia coverup??
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! It’s so cute and comfy, comes in a lot of colors and is on sale! https://shopstyle.it/l/b9y16
Megan says
Question about your resort days – do you book that through the cruise line as an excursion or do you find your own and contact the resort independently? Same question about beach days – cruise line excursion or independent research? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
We always help our clients with excursions whether they want to do them through the cruise line or independently. For this cruise, we did booked them all privately through my agency.
Bridget says
Looks amazing! I saw in your Q&A that Andrew mentioned wanting to go to South America – have you ever considered the Galapagos Islands? It is such a magnificent place to visit and the people are wonderful! There is so much to see and learn there. Lake Titicaca in Peru is also an incredible place to visit. South America very quickly turned into one of our favorite vacation destinations based off the variety of land, culture and experiences!
Mix and Match Mama says
We have! My list is so long of all the places I want to visit. Thank you so much for the feedback!!
Kate says
Love your anniversary dress—can you please link that?
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! It’s Ramy Brooke: https://shopstyle.it/l/b9zeC
Randi Jo Rooks says
Yay!! we are headed to St. Lucia Barbados Antigua in 18 sleeps !! Can I please get the name of that resort Barbados
Mix and Match Mama says
Eeeeeeeeks!!! You are going to have so much fun!!
Kristin Lyngaas says
What a fun, relaxing, and beautiful trip. 🩷🩷 Happy 20th!! We are spending our 25th anniversary at a Kenny Chesney concert here in Phoenix with our boys (20,21) in July 😁🩷 Trip to Mexico in October coming too. 🎉🎉 Last year we saw Train on our anniversary with them. There’s something really special about spending such a special day with the fruits of our labor and the life we created. I completely get why you did it. Have a beautiful day! 🙏🩷
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that you’re spending it with your boys!! Happy anniversary!!
K.K. says
That picture of Kensington and Madeley!! Aww… So sweet!
Gail Morgan says
Happy Anniversary!
My favorite picture is Andrew on the balcony with his Bible in the chair and him leaning into God’s word! We swam with the giant stingrays in Grand Cayman and what an experience…one I won’t ever forget.
Tish says
Looks like so much fun! We are a beach family too! For Andrew, what sunscreen does he use on his face? I am trying to get my husband to start using a facial sunscreen more on a daily basis as he’s outside and vacationing more in the sun. 😉 LOVE your posts! and I agree family time is THE BEST!
Mix and Match Mama says
He uses Revision SPF that he buys at our dermatologist’s office. I bet you can buy it online too!
Rj says
Your anniversary dinner dress has the prettiest colors! Where is it from?
Mix and Match Mama says
I thought so too! It’s Ramy Brooke: https://shopstyle.it/l/b9zeC
Darcy says
Please share where Kensington’s blue strapless dress is from (on your anniversary evening)? She looks lovely and think my daughter would enjoy a dress in that color too.
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s Altar’d State! She’s really been loving that store lately.
Sheaffer says
Looks like such a wonderful trip!!!
Paula R. says
Hi Shay,
Happy belated anniversary! Congrats, you two! Loved your video chat.
We usually include our only child in our anniversary celebrations as well. It makes it more special that he can share in the celebration.
I have loved all your cruise posts!
Shay, You ALWAYS look so fabulous and stylish when you travel. Kensington’s wardrobe for this cruise was truly gorgeous. Next level!!! Her dresses were so beautiful. Wowza! Just curious if the girls “like” going through the process each night for dinner of hair washing and styling after a long day out in the sun.
We all know it takes effort and time.
But do they enjoy getting ready for dinner each night on the cruise since it’s a special trip?
Also, what is that hat symbol or baseball style hat brand that you are wearing? I’m not familiar with it. So cute.
Loved seeing Andrew on the deck with his BIG Bible. I’m sure you’ve tried to encourage him to use a Bible app or something smaller/ lighter that can pack more easily. My husband is a purist and old-school as well and only likes to read out of his actual Bible.
Have a great day!
Mix and Match Mama says
You are too too kind, Paula, and I love that you include your child in your anniversary celebrations as well. By the end of the day, my kids were all ready to shower and change. After a day of sunscreen, sand and chlorine, we were all eager to shower and get dressed for dinner. It always feels so good to get clean after being outside all day. Our hats have the Nantucket island on them. We didn’t plan to match, we just both brought the same style. Ha!
SarahBeth says
Are you going to keep your hair long this summer? I love everything nutrafol is doing for my hair (longer! thicker!) but am thinking I want to change it up for summer and looking for inspiration so I thought I would ask the person that most influences me!
Mix and Match Mama says
You’re too sweet! Isn’t Nutrafol fabulous? My intention is to keep it longer this summer too. I’m finding it just easier to manage longer.
Chrys says
Happy Anniversary! Random question-After beaching it all day, when you dress up for dinner, do you always do a full face of make-up? I am always so torn because I want to dress up and look cute/take pictures, but then I hate that I only have my makeup on for a couple of hours before washing it off to go to sleep. Seems like such a waste. I know this is so trivial, but I’ve always wondered how other females handle their makeup look on vacation, haha.
Mix and Match Mama says
I do. I don’t put a ton of makeup on for the beach that day (I keep it really, really simple), so I do for dinner that night. I’m always curious about these things too!!
Jess says
Do you fill your teens in on the details of what you’re doing as you go? Or have they known since you booked the cruise? I have a teenage son that just crabs about doing everything! I’ve opted to just have the spot we are headed for our spring break be somewhat of a suprise and have shared little details. Curious to how other peoples teens handle going away!
Mix and Match Mama says
I fill them in before we go (and we talk about it often), but let’s be real, they’re not always listening or paying attention to me, so some ports they were more aware than others. It was very much though a family decision before we booked to have the boat day in Saint Maarten, Sting Ray City and visiting Lovango. We discussed all of those in detail.
AB says
Happy anniversary!!! You guys are so cute and I love that you brought your family on a big trip to celebrate together!! Also, I have to tell you girl, you’re always beautiful and fit, but I SEE all that TONING in your arms and legs! Your hard work and weight training is paying off!! And more than anything, it’s a blessing to see you and Andrew always put the Lord first, even on vacation. Blessings to you all! And your kids are the cutest. Okay, I’m done! Have a great week!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well goodness, this is SO SWEET! Thank YOU!
Barb says
Are you and your Dad going to the Ranger/Red sox game tonight. I met a lady who said she was going tonight. Her husband use to play Pro Ball.
Love all your pictures!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
We stopped going to see the Sox play in Arlington a few years ago. It’s just a little too stressful for us. Bahaha!
Jennifer C. says
I’ve never been super interested in cruising, but am now convinced we need to replicate this exact vacation! Do you know anyone who could help with that?! 😉❤️ Thank you for sharing your precious family’s adventures! Now, if I could also replicate Andrew’s tan….
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay! We would LOVE to help!
Lynn T says
Happy Anniversary! How do you get to spend time at a resort? Is it affiliated with the ship?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s not affiliated with the ship, but it can be a private excursion option at many ports of call.
DTL says
What boat did you sail with and wat was the cost of the cruise. Would love to treat my parents to well deserved vacation. We are in Barbados
Mix and Match Mama says
We were on the Norwegian Viva. My travel agency would love to help you treat your parents! You can reach out to us here: info@mixandmatchtravelagency.com
Julie Jones says
This post is so awesome! Thanks for all you share. Can you tell me the name of the resort in Barbados where you had your “resort day”?
Mix and Match Mama says
The Hilton Barbados!
Joan McCalla says
so good memories for you to look back at and wish you both a few more beautiful ones to come
I would like to know which ship was that and if that same itinerary is availiable
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s the Norwegian Viva and yes, it is!