So this trip to the Grand Cayman marked our 17th trip
to the beach.
The above picture is what 'paradise' looks
like when there are kids tagging along. The 'two chairs
and umbrella shot' gets cluttered up with beach towels, bags
of junk, and extra chairs!
The Davis crew ventured out of country for the first time
as a family of four. Airport lay-overs...passports stamped...
the entire nine-yards. Was every minute perfect?
ha. absolutely not. Lots of personalities and things going
on in this dynamic 4-some, but we always let the
good overcome the bad, and we enjoyed some wonderful
adventures together.
- - -
We stayed at the Sunshine Suites across from the seven-mile beach.
The place was small and cozy and comfy and just adorable.
We met multiple families that had been coming back to this same
little villa for 20+ years because it was so friendly and quaint.
you gotta love that!
We do not pretend to be fancy people so this place was
perfect for us. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
We, as always, migrate to a hammock one way or
another. The boys enjoyed it briefly about every
time we passed by.
Every where we walked or anyone we met, we would ask
where they suggest to eat, and the answer was
always unanimous.. 'the sunshine grill'.
It just so happened that we were staying at the restaurant
that the sunshine grill was at, so lucky for us we
got to try quite a few things on their
menu.
These were the 'world famous fish tacos'
Were they good ? Absolutely great, but they were outdone
a tad by the hype.
This is my happy spot. Right beside my kiddo in
some sand overlooking some beautiful blue water.
I could live here and do this everyday.
Jon and I daydream when we're out of
country about just selling all we own and moving
to a beautiful spot and living island life.
We have several detailed plans drawn up
before we get home.
Who knows, maybe someday...
Look at that adoring smile from this boy... He is
in his element here for sure! loving life!
K-Pow has grown up so much since our trip to Destin
with my parents. This time he wanted to be fully
buried and have his 'head' picture taken.
In traditional fashion, we did bury dad also which
is always good for a laugh.
In case you were wondering, this is how you hydrate
often on a long day at the beach!
- - -
Stingray City here we come, toot!
We opted for the Stingray excursion the first
day, it was too much anticipation to wait any
longer! We were thrilled. It was a great day for all of us.
They called it happy hour for the stingray as they were feeding
them they were swimming by our legs and all around us.
Jon and I were loving it and laughing. The boys were a
little apprehensive. You could touch where we were but
the waves from the boats and jet skis coming in were making
it a little rocky for them, so Jon ended up holding Kellen and I
ended up holding Jax! Jon and I kissed the sting rays and got a back
message and held them while the boys pretty much just observed.. ha
I think this one was getting frisky with my man!
Both boys are brave in their own ways. Jax held the starfish that
the captain dove out to get. Meanwhile, K-man wanted noooo
part of it.. ha
Kellen decided he would sunbath while daddy and
Jaxson went snorkeling at the next stop.
In fact, him and I just enjoyed some peaceful sun on the
aqua waters while Jon and Jaxson snorkeled.
Jax was a snorkel champ. Other than driving the captain crazy
with washing off his snorkel gear and switching it out
10 times, he was for sure a trooper about some snorkel time.
The captain was explaining Stingray island to us and tells everyone
that they get 7 years of good luck if they kiss a stingray.
So Jon's like: 'Jaxson that should get us through highschool with you.'
and Jaxson leans over and says 'well kellen, that'll at least get you
through kindergarten.'
ha
---
Dolphin Discovery was one of my favorite times.
We all 4 enjoyed this together and had a blast.
Our dolphin was Capricorn and she was precious.
Just look at these two beautiful happy smiles!
I'm amazed by this child of mine every single day.
As a mom there are no words to describe just how
very awesome this was to watch.
This kid is 4, he was the youngest one out there
by about 3 years and he had NO fear. None
whatsoever. He didn't wine, cry, get upset, nothing!
He just went with it, did it, and enjoyed every moment.
I enjoyed my own rides with this amazing dolphin, but
the best part was watching my kid, hands down.
Jon teamed up with K and I teamed up with Jax, so
when we swam out in the water for the rides, they
each had one of us to go with them. But the rides themselves
were solo, and they had specific instructions on how to
grab the fins. For the surf board ride, you had to hold your feet
straight and pointed up so that Capricorn could get her nose
on your foot and push you above water.
This kid was a CHAMP!
Jaxson was a champ as well. They both were laughing about
how they wanted to 'dance' with the dolphins and they
each have their own dance styles and moves they thought
they would get to show the dolphin.
Instead, she showed them her moves.
Too cute.
Jaxson said he loved it, but his expressions were a little
serious on his rides. Maybe he was concentrating on the good time!
I think Jon agrees, but this is one of the most fun things
we have done together with our boys.
The Turtle Farm is across the street from Dolphin Discovery so we ventured over to
check it out. We had heard that it was a dudd but to our surprise we had a ball.
Unfortunately, I have apparently deleted the pictures off of my computer already to show you, but we fed some enormous turtles and then got to wade in some
water where they got to hold the smaller ones.
Fun Day Fellas!
- - -
Kellen made a friend immediately from the pool at
our hotel and we ran into them quite a bit. One
of the things they told us about was a hat store
that was kind of hidden. We found it and low and behold the boys
ended up with their very own Cayman Island hats with their names on them.
I thought it was cute that they each picked different hats and places to put
their names. They have very different personalities indeed.
It is funny though, that something so simple can make them
happy as little jay birds.
Speaking of happy, we tried out the fro-yo joint right by our hotel
and all 4 were hooked! It was called PeachWave, and I'm not
sure if it was the scorching hot temps or what, but this was
some of the BEST froyo EVA!
On this particular day we decided we wanted to skip
dinner and just hit up the desert!
and somewhere that makes your kids so
happy will surely bring some true smiles and
laughter to the frame...chocolate faces and all!
- - -
I think its fairly common for kids to be drawn to the pool
no matter where they are, but we have several pools to go to
at home. When this Momma is on an island she wants to
enjoy the ocean views!
These boys were all about the pool. We spent
lots of time playing at the pool and making friends.
Jon even helped with the games for all the kids.
He rocks people. Hope you know that! :)
Jaxson wanted to try his hand at taking a picture.
I think he did fantastic! Thanks Jax.
We walked lots of the seven-mile beach and enjoyed
the wonderful sunset. It really is a beautifully
colored aqua water.
Many pictures and many cherished memories from
this vacay. Toes in the water, toes in the sand,
not a worry in the world.
LIfe is a beach!
We are forever grateful for this amazing, simple, humble, yet
incredible life we get to lead!
