The family visits St Kitts!

One year ago, we stood in the driveway at my parents house, saying our good-byes, crying, hoping the days flew by and that St. Kitts treated us well, we spent a few days in NYC and then said good-bye to our siblings....Today, we stood in the St. Kitts airport crying as we once again said those dreadful good-byes...The past 10 days with my family here have been THE BEST 10 days I have had on the island of St Kitts, and I was EXTREMELY sad that they had to end....

Although flying down here Lyndi, Bit and Travis were faced with the usual flight drama, it was great to get the first night to spend with just me and my parents!  Brayton was studying for his last final, so I was able to take Mom and Dad to the French Restaurant (my fav!) and enjoy a MUCH needed night with them!  Luckily, the other 3 arrived the next day with no problems, and vacation truly began!

Thursday was my last day of work, so once I got home I took Mom and Lyndi on their first St Kitts grocery shopping adventure... By the time we visited 3 grocery stores, waited for the store clerks to tell us they wouldn't sell us something for the price they had posted, and FINALLY made it home, they quickly realized one of the reason we dread grocery shopping...and also one of the MANY hardships of St Kitts living!  Later that night, we all ventured down to SpratNet for dinner and had a great time being together again!  We ate tons of food and it felt sooooo good to have my family around me and let them experience some of the GOOD things about the island!

Friday was our Port Day..We wandered around, and quickly decided it was far too hot!  We also made a trip up to Carabelle Botique and got a little island site-seeing (oh and should I mention we did it with 7 people in my island rav-4...yup, 2 in the trunk!!).  We found great relaxation vegging around my parents pool at the villa they rented and although it was only down the hill from my house, it felt like a vacation for us too!  Nevi thought she was in heaven with the attention and spoiling she was getting!

Saturday we headed to ShipWreck and went snorkeling.  Lyndi tried, but didn't make it past 5 feet and Dad didn't even try, but the rest of us were able to get out and see a few sea turtles and some great ocean life!  So fun!  Since they had rented the villa, we cooked at home, had drinks and lounged in the pool most nights...It was true island living!

Sunday was a relaxing day at home, with a trip to the Marriott for lunch and some beach time and another awesome evening of relaxing and just being together!

Monday though, we took them out on a Catamaran trip and we had a GREAT time!  I was so glad my family was able to see the island, experience the great things about it - like Catamaraning, and get to spend a fun-filled relaxing day together!

Unfortunately, a tropical storm decided to head our way and made our next few days be home, pool, inside, relaxing days!  Although it was sad to not get and do more fun things, it was also really nice to just relax, especially for my parents who rarely get to JUST RELAX!  And as we all know, Dad cannot just relax and had to try to repaire the many problems in the islandmobile..and because he is my Dad and is amazing - he was able to  fix most of them!  Thank goodness for a handy-man Dad!!  

Despite the nasty weather on Thursday, we decided to venture out and make a trip around the island.  We went down to the Peninsula, and saw the sites down there and also made it all around the outside of the rest of the island!  The family was able to see it all!  

Well, that leads us to Friday, the worst of the days...I reallllly hate saying goodbye, especially to my family, and even more to my parents.  Having them here made me realize how much I NEED my family in my life, def my sisters, but even more my Mom and Dad.  I often go without telling them enough, but they are my everything and I cannot imagine my life without them!  They do SOO much for us, especially me and being away has helped me to appreciate them so much more! 

This has been the best 10 days in St. Kitts I have yet had and I am SO glad my family was able to see our lives here - good and bad - and have a much better understanding of the hardships and fun that we have!  I hope they can come back again before we leave - but we do only have 16 more months here!  WOOOO!!  

6 more days till I am back to school and 10 until Brayton starts 4th semester!  Time is flying and though I have enjoyed my time here, learned many things and appreciate so much in life - I am ready for America, and HOME!

Love these guys! <3