A Favorite Beach

Once we saw how much Pascal enjoyed boogy boarding and the big waves on Mullet we just knew we had to take him and his mom to Guana Bay, our favorite boogy boarding beach.  The way the sand is flat  for a ways out when you enter the water and with the powerful waves rolling in you can ride the waves forever on your boogy board.  Once again an absolute blast.  We set off fairly early and made it to Guana pretty quickly.  We reached the top of the hill overlooking the bay and I said "there it is" and Tanya's response was "Oh my God" - the look on her face was absolute shock and completely freaked out by the sight she saw.  I do have to admit that from the top of the hill Guana Bay can be extremely intimidating.  The waves look huge and the blustery wind creates menacing looking white caps.  She admitted to me later that her first thought was " I hope we don't stay here long" - well guess what - she started boogy boarding and we could not get her out of the water.  We were there from 10:30 until 4 pm - definitely the longest amount of time I have spent on that beach.

I absolutely love watching the big waves at Guana

the power behind these waves is so intense - many people talk about how dangerous this bay is and yes it is, you always have to watch the currents, undertows and how the waves are rolling in.  If you are careful and attentive you can enjoy this beach for endless hours

the brief moment the boys were out of the water they always made up fun games

it really makes you a kid again

we had a wonderful day and the boys and I were so happy to share one of our favorite places with such good friends.  Tanya and Pascal we cannot wait for you to come back to the island.

Happy Valentine's Day

We had our first Valentine's Day on the island of St.Maarten.  As it seems to go around here at the med school it was of course block exams.  This comes as a hidden treat.  It means while Mike was at school taking his exams in the morning we made Valentine's cards for dad and the rest of the day we are able to spend time together as a family.

Mike's Valentine's cards  - thank you to my family for a wonderful day, I love you so much

Who Said Boys Don't Knit

Recently the boys asked to get their knitting out again.  a few years ago Dillon recieved a knitting kit for children and it contained some nice thick wool, 2 sets of wooden needles, an instruction book with many fun projects and a little bag to store everything.  off and on we have pulled it out and worked on it a little bit, nothing in particular, mostly just practicing.  i was really excited when the boys asked to work on it as it is a perfect activity for rest days or after some beach time.

needles, wool, book

Ronan getting started

Dillon

Dillon really focused

even if they do not complete any major projects I am just excited to enjoy the activity with the boys.  a chance for their minds and bodies to relax.  and yes I know of a few boys (men) who knit.  one in particular was an older firefighter who kept it as a secret but said it was a great way to spend time with his wife who was a knitter.

A Special Time

After dropping off my sister Carith on the 8th of February the boys and I headed home.  We were looking forward to some rest time for a few weeks before we headed to Florida for some family time.  We also knew it would feel a little quiet without her there.  Later that day we headed to the pool - now some background - our neighbors The Behrisch's have been anxiously waiting for their daughter Tanya and her 7 year old son Pascal to arrive and we had said hello and talked about getting the boys to hang out.  Well, the boys got together at the pool and their friendship and time together just blossomed from there.  After visiting with Pascal and his mom (by this time it was already time for dinner) we headed up to our home and Ronan commented that  "even though Carith left today we still had fun" and Dillon said "I had a really nice time today mom".

From that day on the boys were together every day.  The boys introduced Pascal to the art and fun of playing in the big waves at Mullet Beach and he was hooked.

two of the wild three

Dillon has been working on his boogy boarding skills and caught a few nice waves on this day

Pascal also acquired his first boogy board and soon experienced the unending fun they provide

one of the awesome ships passing through the bay

you could watch the boats all day

Pascal figured it out really quickly

such a sweet boy and a great playmate for Dillon and Ronan

Ro in the wave

watching the waves at mullet are one of my favorite activities on the island

two peas in a pod

water boy

chasing waves - endless entertainment

3 boys anticipating the excitement of the wave

it is amazing to watch their little bodies in the clear waves

scoping out the next big one

headed in AGAIN - you just cannot keep them out

the next few photos are a great sequence of the wave action

two left standing and one under the wave

and then there was one

there was a fascinating rain storm over the ocean and beautiful rays of light beaming down

the three muskateers

the amount of fun that these three beach bums had is beyond comprehension.  the laughter and smiles was endless and a complete joy for their moms (Tanya and myself) to watch.  thank you for this special time.