Too much fun in Jamaica

We just got home from our 10 day family vacation to Montego Bay, Jamaica. We went with Josh's parents, his 3 brothers and their families. It was an absolute blast! We had sunny, warm weather everyday and it only stormed twice at night. The water was bright turquoise and crystal clear! A couple beaches we went to were the epitome of Carribean beaches: white, soft sand and warm clear water. You could walk for a while out into the ocean and it would only get waist deep. We got our fill of swimming in between the ocean and our hotel pool. Matt loved swimming and would point to any body of water we went passed and grunt like "Hey mom and dad take me swimming!". He had this yellow baby float and some foam balls that entertained him for hours in the water.

We had 2 rental vans the whole time so we made lots of excursions out and about the island. Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road, so Josh got the nerve racking experience of leading the way through narrow streets and backwards (to Americans) round abouts. He did a great job driving though, and by the end of the week he didn't have to think so hard behind the wheel. There were some key phrases we learned: " Ya, mon.", "Respect, mon", "Its Jamaica, no rush mon", "No problem, mon" , "You want to PARTY?" this meant do you want to buy my drugs! The people at our hotel were so kind and helpful and easily fell in love with all our babies. We made good friends with a couple of them. Jamaicans outside of the resort....well, lets say they wanted any money you would give them. Overall, it was a great experience and I would highly recommend planning a trip to Jamaica.

Here's the run down of our week in Jamaica:
Thursday- flew to Dallas, TX and spent the night in a grumpy hotel
Friday- flew to Jamaica and relaxed at our resort Coyaba
Saturday- played on our beach
took Matt paddle boating in the ocean
went on a couple's Sunset cruise
had authentic Jamaican dinner with Jerk pork, bammy, callaloo, conch fritters, and a Steel band for entertainment
Sunday- played in the pool
went to Falmouth LDS branch for church
went to Dr.'s Cave beach and hung out all afternoon/early evening
Monday- drove to Ochos Rios to Dunn's River Falls
hiked and played in 900 ft (gradual downriver) waterfall
got harassed at Jamaican craft market by vendors
Tuesday- everyone but me, Jenny and babies went Scuba diving
souvenir shopped
swam/played in pool and beach
had delicious dinner at "Seafood night" at the hotel: seafood chowder, grilled shrimp,
awesome tuna, jerk crawfish, crab cakes, and callaloo mashed potatoes
Wednesday- drove to Negril beach and saw Negril lighthouse
Josh nearly gave me a heart attack as he jumped off a 40 ft cliff into ocean
swam in most gorgeous ocean water I've ever been in
haggled vendors for better prices on souvenirs
Thursday- deep sea fished in the a.m. I caught a 3 ft barracuda, no one else caught
took Matt ocean kayaking and swimming
went to Luminous Lagoon at night to swim in glowing microrganisms, tough one to
explain.
Friday- woke up for an early morning drive/swim at Wiltshire community beach- this gorgeous
spot of ocean off the main road that all the locals swim in. Josh had his eye on it all week.
took family pictures around the resort
packed and went to airport with sad faces
nearly missed flight and were running all over the airport while Matt held on for dear
life in his stroller.
arrived in Dallas, TX to stay the night (this time at a nicer, happier hotel)
Saturday- arrived in SLC! we were so excited to get home and have normal food and milk, and
of course to relax. Vacations can wear you out!!!

And I couldn't write this post without a HUGE, heartfelt, neverending "THANK YOU!" to Josh's parents. Our amazing trip wouldn't have been possible without them. Thanks for all the hard work and planning, mom and dad! We love you!