Hair Bows

Silly moods bring silly pictures.  Ridley loves to accessorize with bows, clips, and anything that adds some style.  Ridley piled on some clips and headbands.

Ryland had to take part in the fun, so he started putting on headbands.  

Ryland made me promise not to text the picture to anyone.  Another reminder that he is getting so big so fast.  I love that we had this silly moment, and I love the way Ridley looks at him.  

Last Evening

It is hard to believe our time in paradise is over for this year.  We enjoyed relaxing and playing in beautiful Anguilla.  Making memories that will last a lifetime.  

We will be back next year!

Worn Out

We spent the majority of the day on Shoal Bay East.  It was beautiful and by far the most gorgeous beach ever.  We walked the beach, floated in the clear water, flew our kite, and had fun playing.  All the activity wiped out the children.  Reed was out before we made it to the main road, and Ryland and Ridley weren't far behind. 

Exploring Meads Bay

We walked to the end of Meads Bay this evening to explore the rocky cliff and cove.  Miss Ridley was in a very independent mood, so she led the way.  I love the sweet little footprints that she left behind.

When we reached the end of the beach, we waded through a bit of water around a rock. There was a small little cove under the huge cliff with a small private beach.  It was gorgeous.  On the way back, I caught Ryland and Reed making sure Ridley made it safely back to the beach.  They are great protectors.

The view down Meads Bay from our residence. 

Trying Different Things

We spent the morning on Shoal Bay West.  We walked the beach and explored the villas that look out to St. Martin.  We weren't fans of the rocky beach or rough green water, but we did find a delicious Italian place.  We enjoyed pizza and calamari on the beach and took some pictures.  

Once again, we tried to get Ridley to wear the bonnet Lizee made.  She wasn't interested, but Reed was in a silly mood.  He put it on without hesitation.  When Ridley saw this she decided that it must not be that bad.  She put it on and smiled from ear to ear and then quickly yanked it back off.  Drama!

Starfish

Right off Meads Bay there are underwater treasures.  This is one of those moments that will be a  lifelong memory and story.  Several starfish were spotted while snorkeling, and John Chris brought one up for us to take a closer look.  We all were amazed.  

Relaxing with a view

I enjoyed a relaxing massage with an amazing view at the Viceroy.  It was nice to step away for an hour and slip away into a truly stress free place.

Perfection

Today was a big shift.  Ridley was happy and fun to be around, after a few rough days.  Not a great picture of me, but it is a great one of her smiling.  

We played on the beach all day, enjoying the sand and water.  Pure relaxing perfection!

Boat Race

We had an absolute treat today.  We had a front row seat to the 5th annual Solaire Cup Boat Race.  We lounged on the shore of Meads Bay while all the sail boats arrived to prep for the race.

Eleven boats lined up down the beach at their assigned spots. Ryland and Reed walked down to take a look at all the contenders and laugh at the silly boat names.  They played with local children that came over with their families for the day long event.  There were several food vendors set up with live music on the center stage.  It was a great big party!

Sonic was the winning crew, and we were seated at their post.  Super cool to cheer them on at the end of the race, and to watch the interaction with the losing teams.  There was a good bit of trash talking.

What a beautiful view this evening - a rare clear sunset as the boats sail away.

Getting There

The old saying "getting there is half the fun" does not apply to traveling to Anguilla with three small children and all your junk for a 10 day stay.  In fact, it isn't fun at all.  We were up at 2:00 AM to head to the airport for our very early flight.  The children were troopers even on a limited night of sleep.  We enjoyed watching planes in Miami.

Exhaustion caught up with this crew before landing in St. Martin.  A couple of kicked drinks later, John Chris and I were done with flying.

We arrived in Anguilla late afternoon by charter boat.  We were all excited to ride this speedboat across to Anguilla.  GB Express did a fabulous job of starting our vacation with the laid back attitude we needed.  As we approached the island, the sweet smell once again welcomed us to paradise.  We had arrived, and it was worth the day of travel.

Cooling Off

Doing yard work in this heat calls for a break to cool off!

Library Fun

While Lizee visited with the kiddos, they had some fun at the children's programs at the library.  They always have a range of activities, and the kids always love it.

Ridley's expression is too funny.  She looks thrilled. 

Ice Cream

Ryland and Reed love ice cream!  A hot, lazy summer afternoon was just perfect to make a stop at their favorite ice cream shop, Milwaukee Joe's.  They had to eat fast, because it melts fast in 100 degree heat.

Belt Up

The boys officially received thier new belts this evening.  Ryland is now an orange belt, and Reed is now a yellow belt.  Way to go boys!  Your practice paid off!

July 4th

Happy Independence Day!  

We continued the tradition with Mi Chula's and the Owens Family.  Our neighbors, the Nesters, also joined us this year, and all the children had so much fun.  Rolling down the hill and partying in the back of truck, and the night was topped off with an impressive firework show.  We are blessed!

Work

We are still working in the backyard to finish the new pathway before the grass comes in this week.  Ryland and Reed love helping out and playing on the truck.  Who needs toys?

Jiu-Jitsu Belt Test

Ryland and Reed tested for belt promotions, and we could not be more proud of them both.  They did a great job on skills and sparring.

Chuck E Cheese

Today, I had a surprise planned for the kiddos.  Without telling them in advance, we headed to Chuck E Cheese for lunch.  I know they love this place, and they would be so happy.  Turned out it was the perfect day to visit.  There were only about 10 people, and we had a blast.  We won so many tickets and enjoyed the newly remodeled location.  Lots of new games!