St. John

We have just returned from a long-planned, much-anticipated trip to St. John.  We spent 8 days (and what turned into 10, thanks to Tropical Storm Bertha (and we really mean thanks)) with Granna, Grandad, Clint, Lindsay, Marilynn and Charlotte.  Beause we were with such great company, in a very comfortable mountaintop house, in an aMAZing place, and the amount of time we had there, this was a truly relaxing and big big fun vacation.  It did not hurt that our boys and their cousins are older and much more self-reliant now.  Here are a few glimpses:

Cousins Charlotte and Alder, one of the first days.  I think this was Cinnamon Bay.  About everyday we hit a beach, or two, set up camp, swam and snorkeled until we were all worn out.

Charlotte and Marilynn

Heath wasn't too eager about the snorkeling off the bat.  But we got him more comfortable by showing him how you could stir up the sand and various fish would come to you searching for food in the cloud of sand.  After that he grew to love the mask, though still not so much the snorkel.  We got him in enough, and deep enough to see some cool stuff though.  On this day, a massive sting ray came right up into knee deep water for everyone to watch for a good while.

When not in the water, there were rocks to climb, and treasures to find.

This scene really describes a fun daily activity.  Grown-ups cooling off with an afternoon beer while Jason launched the kids into flying summersaults.

One very quiet and small beach (little Hawksnest/Openheimer) had a tire swing, which was a neat bonus.

The weatehr varied about 10 degrees a day, between high eighties in the day, to mid to high seventies at night, always with a cooling breeze blowing.  We ate about every meal out on the deck overlooking Cruz Bay.

Standard daily set up - chairs and cooler set up under sea grape or other coastal tree. So nice to have shade on the beach.

Charlotte and Heath getting buried.

The kids got completely wiped out at the beach everyday, but somehow, on the car ride back through the mountains, found the energy to play in the pool when we got back.  

A paddle board was rented one day and everyone got a chance to try it out.

This was Jumbie Bay.  The pelicans would forage amidst everyone in the water, slamming the water no more than five feet from you.  Total rush.  And this day we were able to swim amidst thousands of silversides, being chased by predators and occasionally these 6 or 8 enormous tarpons would make thier routes back and forth across this tiny bay.  So wild to be in the water with such abundant and enormous life.

Our customary cousins pic, whenever we get together.  We are so lucky that these kids get along so well when they see each other only 1-2 times each year.  They really love each other and that truly warms all the grown-ups hearts.

Another standard beach scene.

This says it all.  Last morning, leaving a day late, waiting for the ferry.  They were troopers, grabbing every ounce of fun there was to be had.

Marilynn and Charlotte introduced the boys to some fun family make-belive with water balloons.  Meet "Blueberry", Heath's water balloon baby.

After leaving a day late due to Tropical Storm Bertha, plane engine problems in St. Thomas, put us arriving at an Atlanta hotel at 1 am.  So, no dinner and a short night of sleep.  The boys were so resilient; even awoke and willingingly walked off the plane at midnight.  After a long wait, Heath had an intimate 40 minute breakfast, by himself, eating, as always, more than anyone else.

Another beautiful beach pic. We loved how you could play and play and at any moment find some fascinating creature, grab the mask and go closer.  We saw so much: sting ray, hawksbill sea turtles, conchs, reef squid, corals, fish, fish and more fish, seaslugs, sea cucumbers, crabs, ...

The boys slept as long as they needed, but still woke up exhausted.  Then quickly ramped up.

an overlook from the narrow, steep, tight-curved drive to the beaches

(Sorry Heath)  He told me how he didnt smell anything!

Heath, working the pirate sword through security.  One scare in Atlanta, but he got to keep it.

On the way to Atlanta.  We sat on the runway for 2.5 hours, before the 3.5 hour flight.  

First thing, one morning.

Inside the common area of the house.  Bedrooms were in two separate buildings.  This place was amazing.  We will never forget the blissful nights with big open windows and steady stiff evening breezes blowing through the room.