You would think that planning a family cruise would be a no-brainer wouldn't you? Bah...humbug. Trying to schedule a trip around school, vacations, sports, dentists, orthodontists, illnesses is a logistical nightmare. It may be easier to plan an OPEC Summit than a family vacation. Thanksgiving? Out - only two grandchildren have vacation over the entire week, the others, school through Wednesday. Spring Break? Eliminated - ACT's are that weekend and, it's TAX season (one adult son is a C.P.A.). Summer? There is camp, baseball practice and summer school. What's left? Christmas break with more scheduling problems because Christmas Day is must-spend with others in an extended family.

Christmas with crowded airplanes and highest all-inclusive prices of the year. Christmas with the most expensive cruise prices. No one gives anything away over the Christmas Holidays but this family trip will have to take place over Christmas break or not happen. One of our adult children has a major health issue, ex-Marine (husband, Steve) and I are aging, and grandchildren will start heading for college. There may never be another chance for the entire family to be together.... Grit teeth, tap all resources and go for it...