First, I should finish my story from yesterday (the tie in funny).. when we were at the pool my 2 1/2 year old saw the same gentleman in the turban that my husband had spoken to in the AM and she waked him down yelling --- HI ALADIN! MY PRINCE MOMMY LOOK ALADIN!!! Omg I thought I was going to die... on to today..
Woke up to the beautiful sunrise overlooking a bed of palm trees and in the distance - Renaissance Island. Amazing view. My husband my breakfast as the girls watched playhouse Disney (yes we had our fix of Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse clubhouse thank goodness - channel 22 at ocean suites).
We eagerly drove to the other side of island in less then 15 min and made it to
Jolly Pirates by 9am. We took a bunch of pictures out in front of the Jolly Pirates both as it is a nice backdrop -- shade, 'monkey' looking totem pole thing, etc. Girls loved it. Then OF COURSE -- mom forgot to bring towels. In retrospect, we should have gone to the hotel next door to see if we could rent some -- but no -- $50 later for 2 pirate towels
... we were finally on our way to dock. There were 2 boats that transported passangers over to the Jolly Pirates ship. We took a spot in the very back which was perfect for us as it was shaded. We took many many pictures of the coastline while we sailed to the snorkel spots. The first spot was nice and all 4 of us jumped in... yes -- jumped in. The water was a bit cold for the 2 1/2 yr old but when we saw 'Dory' all was good. We swam another 30 min or so looking for Dory's sisters and brothers LOL while dad and the 5 year old actually snorkeled
.
After the first spot, little bit was exhausted and passed asleep with some pineapple juice. This was so perfect. She slept on me in the back of the boat all the while dad and sis swam and then even while they snorkeled at the shipwreck site which is the 2nd stop. The water was very choppie here
so after they took some pics with the water camera (DON'T FORGET THAT) they made it back on board. We sailed to the last stop Malock Beach (sp?) and again -- WOW. I can't believe how many fish there were. Of course, I was throwing cheezitz off the back of boat since the little one was STILL sleeping (and we don't wake sleeping 2 yr olds LOL). We took many many pics of the fish 'jumping' for cheezits - HA. Then lunch came. I was glad that they fed kids first as the 5 yr old was starving -- 12:45pm. We brought snacks which I highly recommend if you have little kids with you so that held her over. The lunch was great although the girls didn't touch the noodles and coleslaw (ok so they ate just the chicken nuggets, watermelon & bread). The last activity was the Rope Swing! That was the highlight of the trip for me as the 5 yr old actually did it. The crew had already put away the life vests -- but they had no problem me digging another one out for her to jump with -- just ask. Mom jumped first (yes little bit finally woke up and we used potty on the boat -- again I know every potty spot on island!) That was exhilerating. I have to admit I have no upper arm muscles so it was challenging holding on and I 'jumped' (more like fell
) almost as soon as I took off. The 5 yr old LOVED this as did the hubby. He even did flips LOL@!!! great video footage! The crew was amazing... very helpful and eager to provide refills. FYI -- if you are a bloody mary person, BYOWS (bring your own worestershire sauce) other then that -- the girls loved the juices and overall had an amazing time. HIGHLY recommend this for families.
We returned to hotel and showered up and had a few snacks and some wind down time. Since we didn't want girls to fall asleep early, we went back out and did a little window browsing. My hubby is always looking for watches (I don't like wearing them at all and he has who knows how many -- go figure -- match made in heaven?). I tried on tennis bracelets
. I must admit, the price for diamonds here in Aruba is much higher then that in St. Thomas. We have been to St. Thomas/St. John/BVI area alot and the prices on jewels -- you just can't beat so I was a bit disappointed in Aruba prices there.
Wouldn't you know, little bit and I were in a potty across from Little Switzerland --- and when we were leaving the clouds opened up and it started pouring.... not rain or drizzle --- downright pouring cats and dogs!
Hubby and the 5yr old were across the way at LS and we took pics across the way at each other thru the rain -- they as fast as it came on -- it stopped. Very refreshing.
We started heading back to hotel and thought we would switch dinner up -- we had dessert first
-- no objections from the kids. We had single cones from the Pico bello? not sure name of place --- but its right next to Don Carlos Italian rest. It was actually italian ice and the girls LOVED it! Who wouldn't right!! My hubby said -- you know little bit is going to make a mess (of course we had already bathed).... but we are on vacation. Of course we had ice cream everywhere and on walk back --- on the boardwalk--- she wanted to jump in to clean off
... we had a lovely dinner back at hotel room after hosing down the 2 1/2 yr old.
We went down to take pictures of the most beautiful sunset we have ever seen. The sky went from light orange to purple. What a lovely backdrop to a wonderful day. <Sigh> I could definately live here!
Thank you all for all your feedback. This will be 'easy' to copy and paste into my scrapbook pages at home (as to why all the details).
We are looking forward to more adventures tomorrow!
