We were crazy enough to put our house on the market while we were on vacation in Jamaica (it seemed like an easy way to keep the house clean and maintain a schedule that was accommodating for showings). Per usual, there's always a hundred thousand things that you need to do last minute - both for making your home "show ready" and for packing for a wedding/vacation for a family of 4. All in the midst of a New England snowstorm! Bryon and I finally finished everything around 1am. Since we had a 5am flight out of Boston Logan, that meant we could sleep until exactly...drumroll...2am! Woo-hoo for 1 hour of sleep! We woke up and got ourselves ready at 2am, woke the kids up at 2:15am, were out the door at 2:30am, and arrived at the airport by 3:45am. Even still, we almost missed our flight. BUT WE MADE IT! We powered through the day - being rerouted and catching 3 flights (2 layovers). Maksim didn't sleep a wink the entire day. Deklan slept for *maybe* an hour or two on and off. However, we arrived at our villa in Montego Bay in just enough time to walk down a stretch of beach and make it to the rehearsal. Somehow our kids made it until about 7:30pm (Jamaican time - which made for an 18.5 hour day; their typical day is 12 hours and includes a 2 hour nap!). Actually, we were all SPENT! My gut was a bit uneasy about how well they were going to do at the wedding & reception the following day (which meant another busy day of jet lag, no naps and late bedtime).
Things get silly when you've been up since 2:15am.
My next day began at the spa for hair and makeup. The bridesmaids then got dressed in the bride's room and were able to get the first look at Laura's dress. GORGEOUS! In a nice change of pace, I was sans-kids for most of the wedding day. That meant, however, that Bryon was solely responsible for the behavior (and survival) of the 2 youngest members of the bridal party. They held their own with the groomsmen. I HAVE to give props to Bryon for making it all happen - keeping both boys in line, clean and smiling. And a special shout-out to my cousin, Nick, for his endless help all-around!
After listening to the ocean breeze all night, they experienced their first Jamaican sunrise. Ready to get this party started!
Post-ceremonoy shenanigans.
Exploring the aqueduct.
Without giving away too many details of the special day, I'll say that we hopped on a shuttle and headed to the wedding venue for photos. The setting was just as beautiful as the ceremony itself. And my two little studs sure did a great job! The reception was just as much fun as anybody could have imagined. Maksim was extremely tired and enjoyed relaxing in Aunt Barb's arms and then getting some one-on-one time watching tv with Uncle Norm in his hotel room while the rest of us danced our cares away (yes, I danced!). Deklan LOVED dancing! He especially loved his "hands up" dance with Lisa. He couldn't stop talking about it (or her) for the rest of the trip!
Post wedding day, we were blessed with awesome company. It was such an amazing experience to travel with such a fun & diverse group of people! Although the weather was rainy, we still called it a pool day. Much of our time was spent in the hot tub - more appropriately labeled as the "lukewarm tub." (Attendees - Am I right?!?) We shared so much laughter! It's a good thing my kids are fish...and outgoing...and just all around awesome. They must get it from me (maybe not the outgoing part...but for sure the awesome part, as well as being part-fish.) Honestly, it was such a special treat that our kids were adopted as part of the group. Undeniably welcome. Always adored.
Chatting it up with wedding guests (and non-guests).
Ring security off the clock.
The next day, the lovebirds left the island after visiting with us in the morning. It was a special treat for Maksim that Aunt Barb walked down the beach to our villa later in the afternoon in order to kayak out to the reef and snorkel. Bryon, Aunt Barb and Maksim all piled in a 3 person kayak together and paddled out to the reef.
He's ready to move to his own island!
Ocean paddle board session with Daddy.
Give this kid sunshine, the ocean and some sand, and he's totally in his element.
Meanwhile, Deklan and I spent our time on the beach digging in the sand, playing with "Big Ginger" and watching "LG" (Little Ginger) run around (Big Ginger and Little Ginger are the resort dogs - they're the nicest once-upon-a-time strays ever and came with the property!). Unfortunately, I got sunburned. BAD. It was so shocking - because I never (never say never) sunburn, and there was almost zero sun. It ended my sun exposure for the remainder of the trip (covered myself from head to toe).
By the following day, we were the only wedding attendees left in Jamaica. We took the kids to the pool all day long (I maintained my head-to-toe sun shield) for relaxing. As a special Jamaican treat, Maksim got his hair braided by Rosie (a Trelawny local) in her shop on the beach as we walked back to our villa for the evening.
Island drink for this kid!
LIGHTS OUT!
One more Jamaican sunrise and it was time to jet set back to the US! I still cannot believe that I traveled to Jamaica and not once went into the ocean or a swimming pool!
I'll miss this view.
...But not before eating one last Jamaican breakfast, prepared by Danny! From jerk chicken, to curry, to Jamaican omelets, and amazing lemongrass tea - he was a highlight of our villa stay and he radiated such a positive vibe through his smile and hospitality! He was born and raised in Trelawny and believes it's the best place to be! We wish him all the best!
Breakfast of champions!
We're going to miss Mr. Danny!
With a hand-carved sea turtle from Danny, a conch shell and a sea urchin in tow (for Maksim to share with his classmates), we made our way through the Montego Bay Airport and found our way back home!
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