St. Croix

Before I jump into our St. Croix adventure, I need to backtrack a couple of days and talk about Thanksgiving. Maggie hosted this year to a very small group (14 this year). It was the Connelly girls (including the oldest Connelly girl, my mom), their fiance/husbands, and offspring. It was really nice and relaxing. We timed it just right to eat when Greta was down for her nap which was great. Sully is in hog heaven with Isaac and Anna, so Dave and I were both able to eat with both hands...now THAT is something to be thankful for. We have countless other blessings: our great healthy kids, supportive families, beautiful friends, health and love, to mention a few. Thanks to the Olivers for hosting!

Thanksgiving selfie. 

We spent the last week on St Croix in the Caribbean. Dave and I took the kids, and Courtney, our babysitter and my sanity keeper. The week was perfect; beautiful, warm, relaxing mornings by the pool or beach, afternoon naps for the kids (and sometimes the adults, too), and then an after nap dip in the pool. The travel was difficult. Lets face it, traveling with kids is never easy, but throw a cancellation and a delay on the trip down and 36 hours later, we were finally there. The 12 hour trip on the way home was a breeze in comparison to the trip down. 

Dave had meetings most of the mornings, so Courtney and I got up with the kids, served breakfast and made our way to the pool asap. Sully started the week being very clingy in the water, but by the end he was rocking a hot pink lifejacket and totally doing his thing. He kicked his little body all around the pool. Greta also warmed up, eventually backing herself into the pool like she backs herself down our stairs. They are so funny, their little personalities crack me up. Dave would return in time for lunch and naps. We did go out for dinner one night while Courtney hung with the kids, which was really nice. 

One thing that was very apparent this trip is that sibling rivalry starts early. I can't believe how Sully and Greta get into each other's business. I have to admit, a lot of times Sully is defending himself because GG is as feisty as a one year old gets, unless Dave is involved. Sully does anything in his power to have Dave all to himself. Holy cow, its exhausting.

Sully officially turned 2 and a half while we were there and Greta turned 13 months. Greta also got 5 new teeth this month, three of which were molars and she was also diagnosed with strep throat immediately upon our return. My head is still spinning from all of the excitement.

Despite a few bumps in the road, we had a great trip. Having Courtney along made it really seem like a vacation for me. She is so helpful and kind, but the best part about her is that she really loves my kids, and they love her, too. We couldn't ask for a better person in our lives.

Family photo at the eastern most point of the US.  

Greta, no fear of the sand. 

Sully near Point Udall. I loved the colors and textures in this photo.  

Pool time with Greta and Sully.

The kids and Courtney. 

Group photo at our beach lunch spot. 

Sully. 

Dave and I at dinner.  

Lunch dates.