A Pefect Week

April 12-April 20 Ryan, Julie, and the Bigler's (some friends of ours) went on a trip to the Caribbean. A 7 day cruise hitting a different island each day. White sand beaches, crystal clear water, and a good book (or two) describes our week of bliss. Yes we missed our babies, but I am definitely a better mom after a little rest and relaxation.

Here is a little glimpse of the week in pictures.

Red eye flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico-

Walked around downtown San Juan, toured El Morro Fort (the fort is behind us)

St. Thomas/St. Johns-

Rented a Jeep. Took a ferry to St. Johns, snorkeled at Trunk Bay (Ryan and Tyler snorkeled around the whole island in the water. You guys killed that island!)

Dominica-

Bathed in some of the local waterfalls in the rain forests

Barbados-

Took the city bus for $.75 to Harrison's cave(despite the local tourist guy discouraging us by saying "You'll never make it there and you'll never make it back. You'll miss your boat.") Took a tour of the cave 160 feet under the surface and returned back to the city all within a couple of hours. Then we went to a beach where a company called the Boatyard had it all built out with ocean tramps, a rope swing, chairs and umbrellas, etc. The music was too loud and the guy with the microphone was so annoying. Not really a 'listen to the ocean' kind of beach. But it was still fun. Ryan doing a back flip off the tramp.

St. Lucia-

Took a tour boat to some smelly sulfur volcanoes, swam in some more local water falls, ate Big Momma's Chicken (the best grilled chicken and bread that I have ever tasted!), and snorkeled on a black sand beach. I also happened to kick a sea urchin and am still paying for the mistake. It left my Achilles purple and very tender. It is still trying to heal. Thanks Ally for helping me out though. I am sure that no one noticed you peeing on my leg on that beach! What a friend.

Antigua-
Rented scooters and drove around the island beach hopping (drive to beach, unload, jump in and swim, then go to the next). The ultimate beach we found was called Carlise Bay. Amazing beach chairs, perfect little cove, no music, clear water, white sand beaches and a good book. A little piece of heaven on earth. We stayed here for a couple of hours to chill. I also got an amazing fresh mango smoothie that would put any smoothie place to shame. This is the view from my chair!

St. Kitts-
Found Arther (our cab driver). We got to see the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea at the same time. He took us to White House Bay where we snorkeled and saw some 18th century cannons from a shipwreck, and then off to a beach where we read and relaxed away our last day in the Caribbean. Ryan also got to interact with some of the local wildlife.