Pre-Cruise Essentials

Seriously, what "visitors to Fort Lauderdale" post could begin without a mandatory trip to Dona Raquel to eat Mexican food goodness? It is essential when new people come to town...because it is just so darn delicious. There were tacos and burritos and quesadillas to the extreme like Vanilla Ice.Devin went burrito and was mad satisfied.Me? I went classic tacos. I love the garnishing of this plate, with cucumber and these mild onions to eat when switching between meat. Now that is classy stuff. My al pastor and chorizo tacos hit the spot as they always do.It was another successful trip, and gentle on our pocket books as well. We had to limit spending because a major trip was on its way in just a few days. I was glad that Shell and Devin were able to come on Wednesday (the same day Caitlin took Max out to Idaho) so that I wasn't alone. We had a blast and mostly just tried to emotionally prepare for what was about to become of us.One way that we passed the time on a budget was by playing Balance Ball Wars. Caitlin used to play this with her roommates back in the day and man is it good times. The game? Simple...just balance as long as you can on the ball. No feet or body part can touch the ground nor your arms on the ball. Devin was relatively successful for his first few attempts.Until he freakin' ate it big and tumbled to the ground. That is the way it is with Balance Ball Wars...you have to face the inevitable pain that will come with losing your balance.I am well acquainted with this pain and it was normal for me to go rump first into the couch. At least we have carpet now. Hard wood floors really upped the danger level of this game back in NYC.But Shell was the ultimate winner. She was able to balance for 3 minutes and 57 seconds while I was only able to maintain for 2 and 55. Devin was a close third with 2 and 48. After a while we took it to the next level by going stomach balance only. This is infinitely more difficult to do and much more dangerous as you risk facial rug burns. Beeps squoze her abs for dear life.I wish that I were making these faces on purpose, but that is how my face looks when I'm concentrating so hard. Its like I'm trying to squeeze out a big poop but am only slamming into roadblocks.And, as mentioned, the face plant. I was the ultimate winner on stomach with a less impressive 7 seconds.Later on Friday Stephen flew in and we headed out to Sky Line Chili. Who knew that a place like this could ever become a real chain? The concept? Take cheap spaghetti noodles and then put chili on top of them. But its real, and its here in Fort Lauderdale.Proud of his heart stopping pile, Devin spares a smile. Devin knows all about this from Kentucky where chains like Sky Line are plentiful.

Me's enjoyed my bucket of cheese as well - it went straight to the gut and has remained there to this very day.The next day we went to South Beach. Now, you may not know this, but Devin is a real artist when it comes to photography. Not only did he capture this amazing beach scene with gorgeous water and two brothers playing Pro Kadima on the beach - but he got some topless boobies in the picture. Luckily, I was able to edit them out. Pervert Devin. How dare you?

Back to Pro Kadima (quit thinking about those boobs people), Stephoin shows that he didn't need a family weight chart to get himself ready for the cruise. Weight loss and weight lifting? Wow. Taking himself to a place where we brothers rarely go - to goodlookingville.

Shell always looks good, so we won't even go there. Also, she wants peace (presumably in the Middle East...but possibly anywhere). And we got ourselves some delicious pizza at Espris on Lincoln Road and did some last minute shopping at Penguin. I got Max a cute t-shirt on sale - I was already missing that kid so much after only a few days.The next morning we were exhausted from all our partying. We needed a vacation. Yes, a vacation from our partying. So we decided to take a cruise. Everyone had flown in and we were ready to rumble. Pam was there. Dave was there. Mike was there. Caitlin was back. The only person we were missing was Bree who is newly engaged to Mike but not in time to include on the trip. She was missed.Before we could leave, Devin had to give Shell an anniversary gift for their 7 year. Apparently copper is the gift for that year, so she got this cool copper vase made in Mexico. That wasn't the only gift - he later gave her a necklace from Tiffany's on the boat...but I don't have pictures f that. The Mulcock women are spoiled. And finally we were there! Our transportation came on time and before I knew it we were boarding our ship!!! This was a first time cruise for everyone in the family, so we had no idea what to expect. You can see the excitement, fear and joy in Beeps' eyes, can't you.Bye bye Miami...more on what would await our family as we hit open waters.

The Descent of Mitch Mob

One minute Mitchell saw this:And then just a few hours later, he saw this:

Aren't planes amazing? One minute you are in Chicago driving to the airport and then a few arduous hours of bad customer service you are in Fort Lauderdale eating at the most authentic and delicious Mexican joint that the state has to offer - Taqueria Dona Raquel. Yes, Mitchell had decided to come down and visit his good friends the Mulcocks. To be more honest, he had come down to go to Ultra Music Festival and it was just simply convenient that we were there - kind of like a cherry on an already delicious Sundae.

Caitlin was so nervous about making sure that Mitchell had the best time of his life that she accidently peed herself. Or maybe she spilled her water all over her pants. Max's only concern was getting some veggie straws in his mouth.

Tacos al Pastor are one of a kind here - they get the official West Coast gang sign for their deliciousness.

In an effort to keep trends going, Mitchell decided to take part in the gang sign making and gave us his gang sign, which seems to be a sign for the "We Doin' A-Okay" gang. Kind of weak sauce, but its what he committed to. Also, he committed to wolfing down some delicious tacos, sopas and quesadillas for ridiculously low prices.

Let's not forget that delicious Jarritos were involved.

Even Max digs himself some refried beans at the Dona Raquel - and that's sayin' something. Max is choosy about his foods - and he chooses Dona.

This is me pissed and annoyed that I had to listen in to a conference call in Thailand at 9pm when really I wanted to be partying with my peeps. Plus, my Internet kept cutting out and the peeps on the phone didn't have their shiz together. Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame.

And this is Caitlin and Mitchell's reaction to the BYU basketball game against Florida. Depression and disbelief. They wanted to see someone get Jimmered and instead they saw BYU get Floridized.

Boooo. Oh well, does anyone really care about BYU sports? Its the education that matters.

SIDE NOTE OF AWESOMENESS!!! Have you people tried the new Diet Mountain Dew flavors that are available for a limited time as part of the 3rd Dewmocracy? I have tried two of them and they are seriously blowing my mind right now. I had Caitlin go and buy every single 12 pack at Publix today. I'm not kidding - the Diet Voltage is so good that I check the can every time to make sure it is really diet.

Mitchell got to see me do my nightly and morningly shoulder exercises. I basically look retarded the whole time...but its what will get me back to normal, so I do it.

Even Max laughs at me and thinks I look dumb. Thanks Max for putting a dad down.

Mitchell and Max are old-time buddies from Chicago. Mitchell brought Max some new books to enjoy at night, which Max immediately ate up. After only 5 hours in Florida, it was already clear that this was going to be a fantastic trip.

NEXT: ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL!!!!