Vacation - Grand Cayman Islands

Last week we headed to the Caribbean to visit beautiful Grand Cayman Island. We had never visited this island but had heard it was a must see destination. Since our original location (Nevis) was hit by a hurricane, we decided to give it a try. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton Resort who truly know how to treat their guests!

Most of the people that work on the island are not Caymans. There were 60 different nationalities working at the Ritz. We were able to meet people from Kenya, Argentina, India and Australia! It was interesting to hear how someone from Kenya or Australia ends up in the Cayman Islands.

Our week was mainly spent relaxing by the pool. Both Jack and Caroline wanted to swim in the pool rather than build sand castles. Jack could jump in and swim with his noodle without any help from Mom or Dad. He should be swimming by himself this summer. Caroline had no fear of the water. She doesn't mind going under and also likes to jump into the pool.

We rented a car one day and took a trip around the island. Our adventures included a visit to the Sea Turtle Farm, Swim with the Dolphin and the blow holes. The kids loved seeing the numerous sea turtles at the farm. Jack was able to hold a turtle. I had to keep Caroline from swimming with the turtles. After visiting with the turtles and iguanas, we headed over to watch the dolphins. The kids enjoyed watching the dolphins do tricks and swimming with some of the brave visitors. Jack and Caroline were too young for this adventure but one day we will swim with the dolphins! Once that was complete we took a long drive around the island to visit the blow holes. It was cool to watch the water shoot up through the rocks. Jack and Dad had fun watching it from a really close viewpoint. Dad did a great job driving on the wrong side of the road and getting around with no road signs.

Mom and Dad enjoyed swimming with the stingrays and snorkeling. We originally wanted to take Jack on the trip but thought he might not like getting in the ocean with stingrays. In the end, we were glad we did not take him. It was creepy for me at first. Once I was in for a few minutes, I became used to the stingrays. It was neat to see them up close and personal. We did take some underwater pictures that I will upload once they are developed. We also enjoyed a day at the spa and some adult only dinners.

Since there are numerous pictures you can click here to look at the pictures. We hope you enjoy the viewing! I'm warning you there are quiet a few pictures!

Post Easter Celebration

Today, we had a post Easter Celebration with our special friends. Riley, Mattie Lou and Ms. Stephanie hosted lunch and an Easter Egg hunt. We did all this after the kids had soccer. A very busy day but the kids had a blast. Since it was so cold and wet, we had everything inside. The kids didn't seem to matter and were very excited to be receiving more eggs filled with treats! Riley and Mattie Lou also have a roller coaster. Caroline really really loved it and Jack like it okay but his face tells another story!

Trying to get both of my kids to look is impossible (notice Caroline's new cheese face)
The gangCaroline riding the roller coasterJack on the coaster - he looks terrified

Happy Birthday Pop Pop

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Pop Pop. We are wishing you the most wonderful day. Jack and Caroline gave Pop Pop his gifts yesterday. They even picked him out a fishing hat to take to the mountains next month. Jack can't wait to go fishing with Pop Pop. Happy Birthday to the BEST Pop Pop and Dad! We love you!!

The Easter Bunny Visits

The Easter Bunny made his visit to Jack and Caroline. He brought some chocolate, peeps, bubbles, and each a special toy. Jack got a batman cap and mask and Caroline received four pairs of Princess dress up shoes. After seeing what the bunny left, we headed to church for the real meaning of Easter! The rest of the day was spent relaxing . . . finally!

Easter Celebration

We celebrated Easter with our Family at Cook Cook and Pop Pop's house on Saturday evening. Our extended cousins were there (Mary and Madie) along with Madison so the kids had some fun playmates. We had another egg hunt for the kids and then they received some gift from Aunt Nan, Aunt Elizabeth and Pop Pop and Cook Cook. You would have thought it was Christmas all over! Thanks for all the great gifts.

Jack hunting for the most eggs!Caroline trying to decide which egg to get next!
Cousins - Mary, Madie, MadisonEnjoying their dinner Caroline's after dinner entertainment - scratching a lottery ticket. My Mom taught her this trick! If she wins she get to keep the money!

Alex's 1st Birthday Celebration

After the Easter Egg hunt, we headed to Alex's to celebrate his 1st Birthday. Alex had a cowboy theme with ponies, goats, ducks, and bunnies. Both Jack and Caroline had a blast since they were dirty from head to toe. Not to mention the cake was delicious.

Happy 1st Birthday Alex!Caroline not too sure about the horse!
Jack was laughing at the goat eating Daddy's sweater My favorite pic of Caroline - She and Thomas must be having an interesting conversation

Easter Egg Hunt

Today, we had our annual Easter Egg hunt at church. This year we invited our closest friends to join us for the hunt (Thomas, Nicholas, Dru, Marley, Ryan, Lucas, Landon, Riley and Mattie Lou). The weather was a little cool and damp but didn't seem to bother the kids. After the hunt, they enjoyed some yummy cotton candy, decorated a sugar cookie and got to jump on the inflatables. What a great way to start off the Easter weekend!

Caroline at her 1st official egg huntThe boys getting ready (Jack, Riley, Thomas, Dru, Ryan, Landon)

Spring Break Adventures

We have had a nice Spring Break week. Not sure Mother Nature realized that is was actually Spring Break in Georgia at the beginning of the week, but things have started to warm up. The kids and I adventured to a new jump playroom on Tuesday called Bounce U. It was perfect - not too expensive, all kids were under the age of 5, only 6 kids and they even had a person who would help play with the kids. No pictures to show since I left the camera at home.

On Wednesday, we headed to the Georgia Aquarium with just the three of us. We were hoping to have some special out of town guests (Judy and William) but it didn't work out this time. So the kids and I went and had the best time. This was Caroline's first visit to see the fishes (as she calls them) and Jack's third or fourth time. He has not been in almost two years. They both truly enjoyed looking at everything and Jack asked a million questions. Caroline would squeal with excitement and say fish, turtle, whale. They were both a pleasure to be with and were asleep when we pulled in the driveway.

Jack and Caroline checking out the Jellyfish
Jack and Caroline taking a ride on the MermaidJack riding the Seahorse in June 2007 (look how much he has grown)I just loved the look on Caroline's face - looking up at the fish above her
Today, we had our friends over a Spring Playdate. The weather was perfect for playing outside (even with the pollen). The kids played ball, rode on their trikes, and dyed some eggs for Easter. Of course, we had some yummy food as well. Thanks Dru, Marley, Thomas, Nicholas, Landon, Ryan and Lucas for coming over to play today.

Group shot of the kids dyeing eggs
Jack and Thomas coloring their eggsCarolines' 1st time dyeing eggsCaroline and Dru - let's rideJack on his tricycle - still will not ride his bike

Birthday and Easter Egg Hunt

This week week we celebrated my birthday. The kids love having Birthday Parties so we had a small party with Pop Pop & Cook. I would just assume not celebrate but the kids enjoy it so much it is well worth it!

Caroline loved her cake and ice cream!

Jack's class celebrated Easter with an Egg Hunt. This is the first of 4 Easter Egg Hunts. He had a great time. Last year he was only concerned with getting as many eggs as possible. This year he wanted to get a few and then stop to see what was in each egg. He now realizes there is candy and toys in the eggs. The pictures are very limited. Most of the pics have other kids in them and I do not have permission to post. I have a great group shot!

Jack getting ready for the hunt!
Just a random picture of Caroline that I think is so cute. Look at her little legs!