Paradise found

Taking our family to the caribean to celebrate Rob's marriage proved to be the paradise we were looking for.  It was the vacation of a lifetime.  Everything we had dreamed it to be. Infact,  most of the time we felt as if we were dreaming.  

And, now I take on the daunting task of documenting this amazing vacation.  How will I ever do it justice?

We stayed in St Martin for the first part of our trip.  We rented a beautiful condo on the beach and right next door to the Westin (mark and chrissy family)   I loved the huge patio and it's overlooking view of the beach and mountains.  Simple gorgeous.  It seems each day the morning sun called me out to the patio to enjoy my breakfast and book while I waited for the others to wake up.  There is no better way to start the day.   

(The girls also enjoyed eating breakfast in jammies on the patio)

I was most overwhelmed by the beauty of the sea.   The cariabean ocean on it's own,  is breathtaking.  Crystal clear blue water like I've never seen before.  We spent our days at the beach, each day a new and different one.  Each one more beautiful than the last.  I loved the lounge chairs with big umbrellas to relax under.  Ideal.  The kids loved the water...never getting bored and played all day long.  They especially loved riding the waves on boogie boards. 

The last day on St martin we took a little boat over to Pineal Island.  We had heard about this awesome beach back home in Omaha and knew it was not to be missed.  Boy, it lived up to our expectations.  This was my favorite beach of the trip.  Very mild water, no waves.  Remote island with only 2 restaurants run by a generator.   It was at this beach where we introduced the kids to lobster.  They loved it.  They picked out a big 'ol lobster out of the cages in the ocean!  Delish. 

Speaking of delicious...we ate most evenings at a new restaurant, each one situated on the water and just off the sand.  And enjoyed every bite.   The scenary is gorgeous and the food delicious.

Stay tuned for the wedding... as we move on to St. Barts on a ferry boat.

twinners

Today is a special day.  Happy birthday to Zachary and Ellie.   Each year at the twins birthday I can't help but think about the power of prayer and how thankful I am for this blessing.   "Ask and ye shall receive".  We prayed that the lives of our micro preemies would be spared.  They are living proff that miracles exist.  Through the loving hand of our Heavenly Father they are with us today and I am so thankful to Him.       And, I am thankful to Zachary and Ellie for all the joy they bring to my life.  Both of these children are very sensitive, kind and loving souls.  They enrich our home with happy moments, giggles, good times and lots of love.
                                                                Then  

and now.

Happy 11th Birthday!

We love you, sweet babies.

To my very favorite person.

Happy Birthday.

You make my heart sing. 

You are my everything.

I love you always and forever.