Well, there's lots to update:
Our friends, Abby, Zach and Sophie Smith, and Brooke, Eric and Lilly Workman came down to visit us here in St. Kitts at the beginning of Andrew's second to last December break! In between constant nap times, 4 1/2 cases of a stomach bug and the flu, we managed to have a really good time. We had some awesome meals (especially at Shiggidy Shack), and lots of fun in de sun. When the kids hit the sand, it was like "Babies Gone Wild" -- they were rolling around in it, pouring it over their heads and tasting it here and there. We were so happy to be able to share Lilly and Sophie's first Caribbean experience!
Then Etta came to visit, and we felt like we were back on orientation-- but without the crazy taxi driver, with everything paid for, and without the nervous feeling of "what the Hell have we gotten ourselves into." We took advantage of the "cool" (78 degree) weather, and toured some of the nice tourist spots. It was such a treat to be acting like vacationers-- dining out a lot, trying out every beach and buying some of the local goods.
This is New Year's Eve. Happy 2011!
Brimstone Hill - old English fort.
Ottley's Plantation for tea time.
Reggae Beach.
Granny and Beau chillaxing at Shipwreck.
We also spectated at Carnivale. (I purposefully used the word spectated, because unless I was drinking for 24 hours, like the other people who took part in Carnivale, there was no way in Hell I would've gotten down and dirty-- and I mean dirty-- with them!) It looked like a lot of fun, but what can I say? I'm not into grinding with every Kittitian in a long, endless procession of the most repetetive Reggaeton/Soca you've ever heard. Fine, I admit it -- I downloaded their 2011 Carnivale song.
It was a lot of fun to see.
Etta was here right until school started up again, so she really got to see us in our relaxation mode, and then back in our work/school mode. I'm glad she got to see both, because after our week of lounging at the beach, and sipping pina coladas, she may not have believed me when I said that we both work hard here! She also watched Beau after school his first three days, which helped a lot with the transition back to school. But he's totally back into it now, and is loving playing with all of his little friends there-- Isaiah, Marco, Patricio, Damon, Briley, Braydon... He's also back with his daytime Mommy -- Ms. Alem. She's Beau's favorite teacher, and one of the coolest people we've met in St. Kitts. I think that Beau looks forward to school solely because it gives him more time to be with her! We're so sad that she'll be leaving at the end of April, when her husband finishes medical school down here. :( But we're so thankful that Beau has someone he loves so much in his life every day when we're not around.
A few days after Etta left, after weathering a terrible blizzard in New York, and having a (cough-cough) "rough" staying at Leslie and Mickey's awesome apartment in Miami, being treated to drinks at The Delano, and a delicious dinner, Abbey and Perkins came to visit. They had one truly beautiful, sunny week here. We had a few days all together, but mostly Andrew, Beau and I were in school and work during the days while they had long, relaxing days on the beach. But at night, Abbey (AKA - Abba) and Perkins (AKA - Puppy) -- according to Beau, were on Beau-duty. They kept Beau entertained, stacking blocks, crashing cars, making ridiculous sounds and faces, and otherwise cracking him up, from the minute we got home, until bedtime each night. It was awesome for all of us to be together.
Perkins took this beautiful picture of Abbey, and it was only fitting to post it on my blog, since it was her self-proclaimed "best pictures she's ever taken." Well done, Perkins!
We enjoyed styling Beau's hair in the bathtub. This never gets old!
But right after Abbey and Perkins left, something terrible happened. It was probably the worst thing that has ever happened to Beau -- Hippo vanished!!! Hippo was Beau's absolute favorite doll, who he slept with for the last 19 months of his life. He was a gift from Sasha, and Beau fell in love with him. He would ask for him by name (or "Appo"), and hold him when he was upset, or drinking milk, or going to bed. He also sucked on his tail, which was a pretty gross habit. Oh-- and did I mention that "Angel Dear," the manufacturer, stopped making these?? I'm not pointing fingers, but Abbey did love the way Hippo's stringy, saliva/milk-soaked tail smelled. I'm just saying.
Anyway, here's one of our last pictures of Hippo. Unless he shows up the day we're packing up to leave St. Kitts, R.I.P. Hippo!
With all of our visitors here, it was pretty hectic, and I practically slept for two days straight when they all left, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. We don't get to be around the people we love all the time anymore, and when we are, we have to be in over-drive, just to pack all of the fun, and love in.
Thanks to everyone who came down to visit us! Life wouldn't be the same without all of you!
As I'm about to post this blog, I realize that I can't possibly post it without saying what's been on my mind non-stop lately: MY SISTER, LINDSAY IS HAVING A BABY IN 6 DAYS!!! I am so froykin' excited for this monumental occasion.
Check back soon for pictures!
