The Hackshaw family takes advantage of an extended break by traveling to Florida the week of Thanksgiving, preparing to celebrate Chip Hackshaw’s 50th Birthday on Nov. 27. After a night in Orlando, the “Cruisin’ Crew” boards Disney’s Cruise Line, ready to embark on a four-day journey around the Bahamas.
The sun rises in Orlando, Florida, right before the Hackshaw family leaves for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, preparing to start their vacation to celebrate Chip Hackshaw’s 50th birthday. The four-day trip begins on this warm, humid Saturday morning in November.
After a four-hour drive, the family arrives at the port with the cruise ship in sight. They get in line at customs to prepare to board the ship.
After a long line and some waiting, the family boards the ship. The view from the deck shows the Disney Cruise Line’s office. This is the last time the Hackshaws will see the United States’ land for the next four days.
The first thing the “Cruisin’ Crew” did on the ship was get food at the buffet at the front of the ship. Here was the view of Fort Lauderdale as the ship propelled into its disembark.
After a night at sea, the ship arrived at the island of Nassau in the Bahamas on Sunday. This view of the port is what the family woke up to from their room’s balcony before they got dressed and ready for the day’s excitement.
After leaving the ship and a sketchy taxi ride, Colin, Chip, Karen, Stephanie, Terry and Chase arrived at the Atlantis hotel. Colin and Chip enjoyed the day in the casino while the rest of the crowd went to the water park at the hotel.
Within 24 hours, the ship arrived at Lookout Cay, Disney’s most recently purchased island in the Bahamas. The island features beautiful private beaches and Disney-sponsored food and attractions.
Following a long walk to the beach, the Hackshaw family sets up camp in the adult area of the island. The beautiful view and the soft, powdery sand promises a long, relaxing day.
The near-birthday boy, Chip Hackshaw, stands with his feet in the water, enjoying a cold drink. With the warm temperatures, Hackshaw and many of his family members spent most of the day in the water to stay cool.
Chip, Terry, Trish and Charlie conversate by the water, enjoying scarce family time together. Now that Charlie is in college at UNCW, he does not get to spend as much time with his mom, making time like this so valueable.
The end of the trip nears, and exhaustion sets in. At one of the last dinners, Chip needs a little bit of shut-eye to prepare for more fun in the night ahead.
The sun sets on the last night, implying the final hours of being on the cruise ship. The Hackshaw family enjoys this time together before heading back to Wilmington, North Carolina, to spend Thanksgiving together.
Piedmont Photojournalists 