Reaching New Heights

On our last sea day on the ship, Wesley really wanted to try the rock climbing wall. While we waited for it to open, the kids played some miniature golf. This picture is cloudy because my camera fogged over in the humidity. You have to be at least six years old to do the rock climbing wall. Here is Wesley ready to go.

Like me, he is afraid of heights. I never discuss my fear of heights with the kids; he seems to have developed his fear all on his own. I thought he would only get about this high and then be afraid.

He kept going and made it up to here before saying he wanted down.Coming down was a little challenging until he figured out he needed to push off the wall with his feet to keep himself oriented towards the wall.

As soon as he was down, he wanted to try it again. After waiting in a very short line, it was his turn again. This time he made it higher. He stopped about five feet from the top. The sports deck staff are very patient and encouraging to the climbers. The woman belaying Wesley kept encouraging him to go to the top and ring the bell but Wesley stated he was scared and ready to come down.

Of course, we were so proud of Wesley!

After the rock climbing, we all went to the pool for a while. Chris and I took the kids to main dining room for lunch after we got cleaned up and somewhat presentable. The food was delicious in the dining.

Later, while Wesley and Lydia were in the kids club, Chris and I watched the surfing competition. After the competition, two of the staff members showed off for a few minutes. They were impressive.

The Flowrider is located at the back of the ship and the views of the ocean were very beautiful that day.

At Great Wolf Lodge you only have to be 42 inches, but on the Royal Caribbean ships you have to be 48 inches tall to boogie board. Wesley and Lydia loved the kids club. They came out with painted faces on Saturday.

They also loved this cute little vacuum, Henry, and our cabin steward. She learned our names on the first day and was always very friendly and nice to the children. They loved seeing the towel animals she made. She told us that the Freedom is phasing out Henry in favor of larger vacuums.

All too soon, the week was over and we were saying goodbye to the Freedom of the Seas. It was a wonderful cruise and so far the Freedom is our favorite ship.

I took one last picture as we were driving away. That's the Disney Magic in the picture also. That ship is only doing three and four night cruises right now and that just seems too short for me.

I am already looking forward to future cruise vacations. Cruising really is my favorite way to vacation.