Dale and I welcomed our “family” aboard and let them settle in – off to the pool for a quick dip at the Yacht Haven Grand Marina and then to dinner at the “Fat Turtle” - a fun little outside café and bar – a different kind of Christmas Feast – they had traveled over 20 hours to get to us – so off to bed with “visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads!!”
Christmas morning awoke to Santa’s stockings filled (It is a wonder that “he” can find us everywhere) and a festive little breakfast of French Toast – after we tore thru the stockings off we sailed to St. John’s - prepped Christmas dinner and finished the evening with the Christmas Story of Jesus’ birth – by candlelight and starlight. (Dale did use his headlamp to read) – We are thankful for all.
Thanks to Paula for sending us our Christmas tree
"Little Miss Emily Long Stocking"
Two great days of swimming, hiking and snorkeling in the Francis Bay –(toured the historic sugar plantation) Day Four took us on a little side trip to the BVI’s Norman Island and the Willie T’s - (everyone needs to go there at least once in their life... the Margarita machine was working overtime!!) ….. Back to St John’ s in the Great Lameshure Bay, where the winds were picking up considerably – we had a mooring ball so we were as safe as can be – took more hikes and the kids, Dale and Sandy snorkeled the rock walls and outcroppings – amazing fish and coral. During the evenings – “Oh Hell” - was played – my, how Bryce got competitive– he swears next time he will beat the socks off of Dale!!!! (I can only hope!! – We do love that card game!) Sandy, Kyle and Em held their own!!!
Captain Kyle and Mom (Sandy) at the helm....
Bryce and Dale enjoying the sunset and dinner before "the competition" begins!
Back to St. Thomas we headed for the “duty free shopping” or “looking” as the case was – enjoying all the city sights – secured Mr. Austin Duncan for a half a day tour of the island – it was great to see where we had sailed from the mountain tops – at least the “mountain top” of this little island – not exactly like the mountains the kids are use to…. "Duncan" was a great ambassador for the Virgin Islands – one more sighting: Vice President Joe Biden and his entourage were running on the beachfront sidewalk in front of us in the harbor acouple of the mornings – glad he can get out, relax and see what us “little people” are doing!!
Touring St. Thomas
Em and Kyle walking on the Sapphire Beach....
Yes, the week was great and went by way to fast – as always it is good to have company … sad to see them leave but looking forward to the next time they can visit. (Spring would be nice!!)
Dale and Em - just a moment ... on the port bow of Companion
New Year’s Eve will be spent quietly on the boat (after the quick trip into town for the internet café) – we will reflect on what this year has meant to us – so many fabulous memories – Danylle and Andy’s wedding, Emily’s new job, Dale’s dream a reality and me – thankfully, getting to enjoy it all. Bring it on – 2011!!
The week went by to fast...
k
No comments:
Post a Comment