We are now in the home stretch. Thank God! I really feel like staying active has helped me deal with this whole pregnancy thing. Lets face it, by this point I am huge. My original plan was to do a cute 'Pintrist' style post with all my belly pics, but I just haven't been that consistent with taking them. I will do a pregnancy post next time with the belly pics I do have, but they leave a lot to be desired.
For now, we will stick with what we have been up to...
In the middle of March we took a trip to St. Lucia with my family. I searched and searched for a cute one piece, b/c I just knew I wouldn't be comfortable bearing the belly. Well, once we got there, and I was reminded of the functionality of a one piece, I decided to sport bikinis the whole time. The one piece left with the tags on it. That being said, if big bare bellies scare you, you probably want to stop reading here.
The first full day was a little overcast. We started with some water aerobics, laying by the pool, and 'painting' of the belly.
After Lunch we wondered down the beach to find the kite-boarding. Unknown to us, our Resort was known internationally for kite-boarding. People had traveled there from all over Europe and there were tons of kites up everyday!
Unfortunately, by the time we got to the kites a storm was about to hit, so we stuck to paddle boarding. It was a little different than Lake Austin. Fighting the waves was tough, but it ended up being a good time (even in the rain).
After a day of fun in the sun (or rain) we got dressed up for dinner and played a few games. A super wild and crazy vacation :)
The next morning our adventure of the island began. Check out the Cacao Beans. They make chocolate. (I think we went to the right island) There were locals all over selling Chocolate Sticks that smelled amazing. They are for Hot Chocolate or Chocolate tea? I brought one home, but haven't used it yet. I am a little skeptical of 'Chocolate Tea' so I will probably wait until winter and go for Hot Chocolate.
St. Lucia is also known for the island's 2 biggest mountains, the Pitons. Here is the fam in front of the larger one. They were pretty amazing.
Shortly after this stop we went to see the volcanoes and mud baths, but apparently they are to hot for pregnant people, so we moved on quickly.
Here is Cril at a pit stop where he bought a coconut. I must say, the idea of drinking out of a coconut is cool, but I would much rather it be a (virgin) pina colada or some other frozen drink than coconut milk. Maybe its just me...
Our tour of the island ended up at Rodney Bay, one of the northern beaches. The boys rented jet skis and broke the rules by traveling half way around the island. I'm pretty sure they were supposed to keep them in the Bay. Oh well... they made it back.
I dug a hole for my belly, and spent the afternoon laying on my stomach with my mom. A luxury I have learned to appreciate :)
The third day was probably my favorite. (and the best sun) When we travel with my family, we almost always do a sail and snorkel trip. It was really cool to get off the island and see the views from the water. Here we are setting sail.
Tim cleverly enjoying a Piton in front of the Piton. I bet you are the first one to think of that babe :)
...and everyone else hanging out on the boat!
At the first stop, we asked mom to take some pictures of the group on the beach. This is what we got...
Speedo Man.
random family, Billy & half of me
and all three of us walking back, with some other randoms.
She gets an A for effort. It was a pretty beach, and we have pictures of that.
Meanwhile dad spent most of the afternoon int he water.
Here is Billy at the end of the day, in front of both Pitons.
When we got back to the dock I saw this.
Awesome. The beaches, water and resorts are lavish and beautiful, but when you drive through the towns there is a lot of poverty. To see those people praise the Lord brings joy to my heart. This 'grafiti' as you get off of the boat is such a wonderful reminder of where all of our blessings come from, and that he made everything we got to see that day.
The last day was beautiful weather. We spent the morning hanging out at the resort and caught a late afternoon flight home. Props to mom for booking Tim and I the best seats ever. Being married to a giant, I have learned the importance of Exit Row Seating, but what I hadn't experienced before was bulkhead seating. Amazing. Its right behind first class, and there is enough room for Tim to stretch his legs out straight. For him it is better than first class! and its not bad for a ginormous pregnant lady either :)
