The long awaited day had come for our daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren to join us on the boat in The Exumas. We were so excited to have eight full days with them. We packed in a lot of excursions during their stay, but we also made ample time to play games, read children’s books to Truett, smother baby Nora with kisses, fish off the back of our boat, float on air mattresses, and make fun memories! We did so much that I’ll just let the pictures do the talking!
Getting prepared to pick up Katey, Jed, Truett, and NoraBuying jerk chicken for Katey and Jed for lunch upon their arrivalWaiting for the cook to BBQ the chickenIntroducing everyone to the boatKory enjoying time with our baby granddaughterJed and Truett relaxing on the trampolineHeading to a nearby beach before sunsetEnjoying the dinghy rideSweet baby NoraGrandma getting time with this precious girlGrandparents playing in the sandRick on our buddy boat enjoying baby timeNora is mistaking sand for foodSo many new things to see, touch, and eatAll I can say is “precious”!!!First morning on the boat together with familyNora was enthralled by the spice cabinet the whole weekNora and Gracie are getting along great!Applesauce is dripping from Nora’s face while Gracie slyly sniffs in the garage canWalking to beach church near Chat ‘N’ ChillKory shared a great message while Jed led prayer and singingFellowshipping after churchTruett is enjoying quiet time on the “church pew”Katey and Jed enjoying good conversations with our friends, Rick and MaryaliceJed at the helm with Truett and NoraLetting “Captain Truett’ take the wheel
After beach church, we motored to Man of War Cay and took Katey, Jed, and the kids to the sandbars. Rick and Maryalice, on SeaBreeze, joined us as well. We were so fortunate to be able to have the right conditions (low tide right after lunch and beautiful weather). Everyone had a wonderful time; so much so, that we went back to the sandbars on another occasion. This was one of Truett’s favorite places as he could sit on the sand in the water and play for hours! We’re happy that they were so happy!
Jed and Katey playing with TruettNora is almost ready to walkGrandpa and granddaughter having fun in the waterGrandma and granddaughter playing in the sandTruett loves his ballRick and Kory walking back from the dinghyHappy Together!Kory is shielding Nora from the hot sunNora fell asleep in Kory’s armsWe gently put Nora on a blanket; she slept there for an hourGracie laid by Gracie to protect her, we think!Daddy and son at playI’m loving this water, sand, and family timeKatey is a great mother!Time to go back to the boat; Truett went right down for a nap with no crying; he was beat!
One day we went to downtown George Town to let the kids tour the area. We visited the Straw Market and Katey and Jed found several souvenirs. Truett got his first hacky sack and Nora got a handmade baby rattle. We went to the Exuma Market for a few groceries and then ate lunch at Island Boys Cafe. We all ordered burgers and fries and it took about 45 minutes to get our food. Most Bahamian establishments are on “Island time.” We made the best of the wait with good conversations and lots of laughs. It was nice to eat out and get a break from cooking!
Daddy and daughter happy to be togetherJed did a great job driving the dinghyMaryalice joins us for our trip to townSmooth dinghy ride from Crab Cay to George TownKatey browsing at the Straw Market; it’s a great spot to get handmade items, support the locals, and interact with themOrdering burgers at Island Boys CafeEnjoying a shady spot with fans keeping us cool while we waited for our foodTruett loves sweet tea like his daddyOn a separate occasion, Maryalice and I enjoyed a photo op on the swing outside of Island Boys CafeBaby Nora slept in her stroller/car seat through most of lunch“Daddy, I’m a big boy now. I don’t need my sippy cup!”
On one occasion, we motored our boat to the south anchorage at Crab Cay and spent the day riding our dinghy through the lazy river, romping on the beautiful beach, and exploring the Crab Cay ruins left behind from the failed luxury resort building project.
Gorgeous sunrise at Crab Cay North before heading to the south anchorageAnchoring at Crab Cay South; absolutely stunningRiding through the lazy river and seeing turtles, small crabs, and purple coral along the rock wallsPeaceful ride through the lazy riverAnother beautiful beach on which to frolicTruett got new beach toys from Grandma and Grandpa; they were used often on his visitTruett enjoyed a dinghy ride with GrandpaSmiley Nora; time to put on her swimsuit so she can crawl in the sandLoving on the grand babiesEverything is so new and exciting for NoraGrandpa teaching Truett how to pat the sand in the trayKatey watching Nora to make sure she doesn’t inhale sand againTruett is fascinated by the abundant beach activitiesRick and Maryalice enjoying time with Nora and exploring the beach with their dog, HarleyTrying to eat sand again; oh no!Katey drying off Nora; another fun beach day
We picked up anchor again and secured a mooring ball near Chat ‘N’ Chill Beach for the afternoon. We ordered food from their restaurant hut and enjoyed dinner at sunset under the trees. We were soon visited by biting no-see-umns, hurried to eat our food, and headed back to the dinghy so we wouldn’t get eaten alive. We played endless games of Bananagrams and watched a Western movie almost every evening so Jed could catch up on his John Wayne movies.
Time to pick up anchor “little one” and move again Kory teaching Katey how to drive the boatKatey is teaching Truett his mannersTruett is being very patient wating for his dinnerBoutique at Chat ‘N’ ChillWatching the magnificent sunset from Volleyball Beach; our boat is anchored in the background
Here are some random photos I took throughout the week! What a special time we had with our sweet family!
We went hiking one day near the ruins at Crab Cay and saw all of the abandoned building materials. We hiked all the way to the lazy river which looked quite inviting for a swim. I can’t express how wonderful it was to have Katey, Jed, Truett, and Nora stay with us for over a week. We can’t wait for them to visit us again, maybe in the Eastern Caribbean this summer!
Which way do we go?Dad and daughter enjoying their walk togetherAbandoned dumpster from the failed failed luxury resort projectAbandoned cement towersFamily photoBeautiful and precious family! We were blessed to have them visit! Can’t wait for their return!
