Don't Worry Be Happy, Grandma and Grandpa Gregory

John’s mom and dad were literally on their way to the airport to come and see us when John’s dad became too ill and had to go to the hospital:( We were disappointed that we won’t be able to share our vacation with them and sad Mike is feeling so sick.

To help him get well soon we made a movie of James getting wet in the Sheraton swimming pool. Grandma and Grandpa Gregory: We hope you enjoy, and we'll keep sending lots of sunshine your way until we see you later this summer.

XOXO, Jessica John and James.

10 Things My Toddler has taught me...

While we try to teach our children all about life,

Our children teach us what life is all about.~Angela Schwindt

1) A light sprinkling of sand or dirt is good for your soul...(as well as exfoliating for your skin.)

2) Bathing more than once a day is okay.

3) Seashells are like small worlds, filled with mystery, wonder, and sometimes critters too.

(Our neighbor finds these Conch shells and sells them to tourists down the beach.)

4) Sprinklers can be more entertaining than an expensive water park... or in our case, a pristine sandy beach.

5) If I just run around trying to keep up with James I can nix my aerobic routine.

(Ha Ha... even rocks are happier here in the Bahamas. John looked down in the ocean water and saw this creepy stone smiling up at him.)

6) The first bite of watermelon this season is worth running around like a crazed lunatic.

7) Birthday cake before bed is bliss.

8) Hugs make up for toddler temper tantrums.

9) Making friends is a cinch even if they don’t speak your same language...just smile and point.

10) Falling asleep, spoon in hand, means it’s been a perfect day of play.

Crossing Atlantis off our list...

We visited the lost world of Atlantis on Paradise Island earlier this week. The grounds were lovely, the aquarium was astounding, and the little town was picture perfect. But it was a little too much like Las Vegas for our taste (lots of tourists, casinos, and high prices). So I think we’ll stick to our quiet side of the island for the rest of the month.

Hearing James say whoa, whooa, whooooa at all the fish was so cute, we might be willing to pay the big bucks again. But thanks to youtube, now we can just push play when we want to relive our fun day:)

This shell fish Conch is a staple in the Bahamian diet. I ate it raw in a salad and I've been craving it ever since... even though this slimy guy doesn't look very appetizing.

We seem to do this a lot lately in all the hotel lobbies. Rest our tired feet until our toddler tells us it is time to go.

A few yachts of the mega rich.

Well that's our day in a turtle shell. TGIF!

Scribbles in the Sand...

Dear hot hubby who turns 30 today,

I love you a little more every day. You make me laugh, you make me so happy, you make me better, you make me see the world in a different way, and sometimes you make me mad...But I love ALL of that. I am so proud of everything you’ve accomplished in your life. You are a wonderful husband and dad to James and I am thankful you are my other half. I love you! Happy birthday! I hope I can make it one to remember. Xoxo, Jessica

To my sweet 16 little sis,

From the moment mom told me I was going to have my first baby sister you’ve had a special place in my heart. We've grown so close over the last few years... in part b/c of our curly hair, trip to Paris, and passion for pictures.

You have so many distinctive traits I hope to someday emulate. You are by far the kindest person I know. I will be homesick missing you the most in Houston. Thanks for being such a sweet sister, friend, and awesome auntie to James. Soooo, before this gets too sappy...Have a happy happy sweet 16 and an out of this world party Friday night! Love you!

To my cousin, Lindsey, who turns 21 tomorrow,

Sister, you have a soul that is mature beyond it's years, yet you come off as being so fun loving and carefree. Life has given you lots of cool layers and I've loved getting to know some of them these past few years. I can't wait to follow your summer in Spain and the rest of your fabulous life on your blog. You inspire girlfriend!

I hope you have a perfect day.

Love you like a sis!

Jess

Groovin' on a Sunday Afternoon...

Here are some pictures of our Sunday. Mom, you asked if we are marooned on an island b/c there is never anyone besides us in the pics... Well, pretty much...or at least we like to pretend:) We've been walking to the Sheraton in the early evening when everyone is in their rooms getting ready for their hot night out. So lucky for us, we have the place-or at least the posh pools to ourselves. The local Bahamian kids love babies and they made James their new best friend in the pool last night. They had me take a zillion pictures of them with our waterproof camera. I didn't mind because I want James to pick up on their cute Bahamian accents. By the time we leave I want him to be saying "ya madda" whenever I call his name:)

Here is a preview of the pictures we took today with our waterproof camera snorkeling by our beach....

j/k...thankfully we won't be featured on shark week anytime soon. We just visited the aquarium at Atlantis and took the picture there. But I will save James meets Jaws for another day, because this Bahama mama is ready for bed.