Hilton Head

We had a grand time in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for the week. Adrian and I spent some much needed time alone together and I spent some much needed time alone while he was in meetings. I got my hair done, did a little shopping and picked up a few things for Halloween and Christmas and kids birthdays next April and May. We had a really nice room at the Grand Ocean Marriott Timeshare Hotel. I was able to work out and shower without coordinating around naps, etc. We walked and rode bikes on the beach, had some nice dinners out, and completely relaxed. We saw dolphins, alligators, beautiful sunsets, and enjoyed some cool weather.

Since we’ve never done this before, I didn’t know how great it can be to get away. But now that I know, my unsolicited advice is this, if you can do it, plan a small trip away without kids every so often. It can do wonders for your spirit. You’ll realize that there are things you would like to think about that you haven’t had time to think about, with all the thoughts of diapers, carpools, homework, meals, cleaning, laundry, etc. taking up all the space in your brain.

An 18-hour layover; a blessing or a curse?

I spent last week in South Carolina with Adrian. He was gone for 2 weeks on business, and I flew in for the second week. We’re so thankful that we have willing and trustworthy friends in St. Kitts who will agree to stay at our place and take care of 3 extra kids for a week! Actually, Adrian and I have never gone anywhere together without kids for longer than a few hours, so this was really a big deal.

It was a day and a half of traveling to get there, which included an 18-hour layover in Dallas. Normally, that would be a nightmare, but lucky me, Lexy drove up from Austin and picked me up and we had a great time every moment, so it wasn't bad at all.

More details about Hilton Head, South Carolina in the next post.

(Apparently) "It's the most wonderful time of the year" (now)

We had a fun Halloween. Even though they don't really participate in this holiday, the kids had fun activities all week at the American Prep School, and there is a neighborhood that invites us to come trick-or-treating if we donate the candy. We showed off a ninja, a zoo-keeper, and a race-car driver.

After trick-or-treating we ate pizza, sorted and taste-tested candy, took showers, and the kids climbed into bed. We then saw a Christmas commercial on T.V. and were forced with the realization that Christmas is right around the corner (at least that's what the retailers would have us believe.) I suppose it's time to start preparing for "the most wonderful time of the year." Already. We just got through with Halloween an hour ago....

Puerto Rico

I love an interesting picture. Something colorful, unique, eclectic, something that makes you think. The husband says that he had me in mind when he took these pics in San Juan. I love them. Now I'm inspired to plan a longer trip in Puerto Rico rather than the usual overnight stay on our way somewhere else.

"I'm so glad when Daddy comes home...."

The kids sing it in Primary, and I concur. Things are "right" when Daddy is home.

Adrian flew home to spend 30 hours with us in between his work travels. He doesn't really travel much, usually only about once a year. But this month will be a week in Puerto Rico, a week in Orlando, and a week on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. So Daddy, please come home soon and don't travel again until next year!

Nevis

I never shared our day on the beautiful island of Nevis from a few months back. Nevis is just two miles and a ferry ride away from St. Kitts. The two islands make up one federation, but still, there is a whole different feel on Nevis. You can go to the end of this post for a short history of St. Kitts/Nevis. So without further ado, here are our pics from Nevis.

St. Kitts in the background.

History dating back hundreds of years.

We saw the birthplace and childhood home of Alexander Hamilton.

We saw beautiful plantations. Most are now bed & breakfasts, restaurants, or small hotels.

Interesting foliage and colorful shops.

Spent some time in the hammocks on the beach.

And had a handsome escort.

Our new friend

We've made a new friend since we moved 300 yards over a few months back. He comes by occasionally, but doesn't stay long, probably because of all the screaming and laughing whenever he comes for a visit. It is a little startling though to be all alone in the house and you come around the corner and realize there is a creature right outside the back door looking at you.