We kept with tradition and took the kids on a fun winter break trip (that they found out about in their Bauble Stockings at Christmas). Since James was still struggling with a passport renewal, we had to stick to a US state, territory or island, and settled on St. Croix as it's one of the few we've not been to. I am not sure why not...because St. Croix is awesome! It may be one of our favorite islands after this trip.
Ms. Therlon joined us for all the fun, and we had an absolute blast at the beach, on boats, eating the local fresh seafood, walking around Christiansted, and snorkeling. I am COMMITTED to actually printing these pictures in a hard copy album so that we can enjoy them from years to come!
When we arrived the hotel had a very special guest: "Alexander Hamilton". He was raised on the island of St. Croix and my little Hamilton-loving man stayed and listened to the whole talk (while the others got checked in and into the room).
We also got lots of tennis in with JB over the trip! They had beautiful courts and we played several days (before it got too hot).
Kids looooooved the beautiful, clear water. They played at the beach most every day. While the adults did a lot of lounging and reading and cocktailing.
The views from the hotel were spectacular! The sunsets and sunrises amazing. The weather just perfection. I don't believe it rained any day we were there.
We took a "pirate tour" one day (which wasn't much more than a little sail around one of the harbors with a Mainlander who was quite the history buff on the island's history and pirate community), and we had a great time. I wasn't sure we would all fit on the old boat, but we made it!
Afterwards we ate at a local chicken joint that was delicious! They cooked out on an open spitfire until they ran out of food.
The kids participated in Kids Kamp one day and had a BLAST with a Texas native who now runs the children's program at the resort.
While they played at camp, James and I went into town to explore Christiansted, the fort, the food, etc.
On the last full day, we took the bigger kids on their first snorkel trip (Wesley is just not quite experienced enough in the water to handle those currents!). Our boat took us to a couple of islands and also a coral reef - an underwater National Park - to see gorgeous fish and coral. We had a great time.
We enjoyed some amazing food and dining while we were there - from the fancy hotel restaurant and daily breakfast buffet; to the dive bar up the street; to a cool pizza joint on the water.
On our last night the resort hosted a group of fire dancers on the beach. We got some family pictures, enjoyed our meal, and loved the dancing! (And, yes, I still had that dang snorkel mask ring around my forehead in all the pictures! AH!)
Our very last day we got to explore more of the town (as we waited for our 4pm flight back home), and the kids got to see the Fort and also walk along the water in Christiansted. We all agreed - this is a place we want to come back to!
Until next time, St. Croix!!
