Tales from the Caribbean Day 3 & 4

Day Three found us in St. Thomas, our first Caribbean flavor.

With the help from our captain, a man we lovingly refer to as "cheese pizza," we loaded our vessel and headed out for adventure dive number one. The land that we observed from the rocking waves was not the tropical wonderland that I pictured... it was a different kind of beautiful, a little deserty.

As we poured our chilly bodies into our wetsuits and loaded on our BC's, we all prayed fervently that we would recall at an instant the information that would save our lives 70 feet under water. We all hopped into the 76 degree water and began our decent as if we were seasoned at the task...
Grateful that we didn't host a shark in our living room, we all headed off to find a slogan shirt that read "I fed the fish in St. Thomas!" Unfortunately, such a slogan didn't exist. (It also seems as though being under the tremendous pressure of the ocean wasn't very flattering on me.)

That evening presented me with a grand opportunity to dress to impress. How excited was Jon? About as excited as he looks!Oh me, Oh my!!! What a nice shower and rented tuxedo can do for a fellow! Even though the boys were more enthusiastic about jumping off the top deck into the churning water below than going to "formal night," it turned out to be such a charming experience.

Being on the cruise gave me such a new perspective of Jon. I am blessed to see him as a husband and a father, but rarely do I get to see him as a provider. All I can say is that I left every dinner meeting and every business event being incredibly proud to be on his arm. Thank you, Baby for working so hard for our family!!!

Mmmm. Sitting on our balcony after a day in the salty air watching the sun tumble into the crimped sea was the perfect ending to another fairy tale day.

Day 4 St. Marten

Assembling all the energy we had that early Monday morning, all of us headed out once again to explore the great depths of the island's shoreline. This dive brought an exploration of sunken barges that were painted with delicate coral and swarming with schools of vibrant fish.

Folding my arms snugly around my body, breathing my oxygen slowly into my lungs, feeling the bubbles tickle their way through my hair as I exhale, hearing nothing but the sea affords me such serenity. There is nothing like exploring this magnificent world and taking advantage of all it has to offer. Whether observing a magnificent valley from a mountain top or swimming with a sea turtle in a warm sea, I feel so blessed to have the opportunities that I enjoy! Onto day 5!