Day 102 (4/12/11) - Life Is Good Today

Today was our first full day in Jamaica.  We were up, dressed, and at breakfast by 7 am!  I suppose the advantage of being up that early is that we got to sit at the table with the best view!  We spent all day exploring the resort and all the amenities it has to offer.  We started at the pool, and, after several hours on the beach and paddle boating, we returned for an afternoon swim to cool off.   

We especially enjoyed the resort's private island beach.  Every morning, we'd wade out to the island through crystal clear water that was either shin or knee deep, depending on the tide.  The boys built sandcastles, looked for fish, and splashed in the shallow water.

By the time the outdoor restaurants opened at Noon, we were starving.  We would occasionally wade back from the island to get drink refills from the soda and juice station.  They didn't start serving "Daddy apple juice" until 10 am, not that we'd know (wink, wink)!  Gavin was a hog jowl at every meal.  As you can see from the scowl on his face, he did not appreciate the interruption for a photo shoot during meal time!  Ryan ate an astonishing amount of ice cream on the trip, which partially explains the crazed expression on his face in the picture below!

After lunch, we decided to try some of the water sports that were available.  First we took a family paddle boat ride.  Trying to pedal with a little boy on your lap is not as easy as it looks!  At least it burned off some of those extra calories we were eating (and drinking)!  Mommy and Gavin stayed on shore while Daddy and Ryan tried the two-person kayak (and by two-person I really mean it sat two people but only one of them, in this case, did the rowing!).

The boys cannot pass a playground without insisting on playing for a few minutes!  We tried to explain that we have plenty of playgrounds at home, but few beaches and pools.  But, they could not be dissuaded.  So, we gave in and let them play for a little while.

Late in the afternoon, they hosted a scavenger hunt by the pool.  I was stunned when Ryan heard the announcement inviting kids to participate, and he ran up to the stage.  Naturally, not wanting to miss out on anything, Gavin followed him.  Parents were allowed to help and Mike and Ryan took their mission very seriously.  They had 15 minutes to find as many items on the list as possible.  Despite a valiant effort, they were not able to locate everything, but they had fun trying.

I don't know where they get their energy from (it's certainly not from sleeping in!).  Mike and I were whooped by the end of the day.  Eight or more hours in the hot sun takes a lot out of you!  But they boys still found the energy to run down the hallway every night for dinner.  Mike and I both enjoyed watching Ryan's wiggly strut and Gavin's clumsy toddle.  It reminded us of the pitter patter of little boy feet running up and down the hallways at home.

Unfortunately, we missed the peak sunset, but the sky was still beautiful as we walked to dinner.

Gavin fell asleep at dinner most nights and was so out of it, we could change him into pajamas and put him to bed without him ever waking up!  Ryan and Daddy shared a bed and Mommy and Gavin shared a bed - his first time to sleep anywhere other than a crib or pack-n-play.  We were nervous about the sleeping arrangements and checked on Gavin's welfare frequently throughout the night, but he did fine.  I am a little worried about how he'll transition back to a crib and highchair once we get home though!