Vacation 2009

"St.Ro Vaca" 2009~ Destination: Virgin Islands, U.S.

The Flights to The Carribean...

We had a wonderful 1st official "St.Ro" (St.Leger/Rojas) Getaway WITH the kids...and when I say kids...we are talking an 11-month old (Jacob) and a 13-month old (Addison)- you know, the age group that requires LOTS of attention because they are SUPER mobile and each has their own schedules with naps, bedtimes, baths, and meals (Addie's eating "big girl" foods already and Jacob is JUST at the "cusp" of it- still baby food, but some "big boy" food). Yet, what really made it all worth while (atleast for me, I was not ready to sign "on the dotted line" for any type of paradise with 2 toddlers unless...) we had babysitters. My Babysitter-Therese (Summer Nanny home from College) and her boyfriend (Tristan) came along on the trip- they enjoyed the island and helped the four of us get some daytime excursions in, spa, golf, nights out, etc...So, needless to say, it all worked out pretty perfect...for the four of us, atleast. I am pretty sure Therese and Tristan enjoyed themselves as well, besides the hard work of watching 2 toddlers.

Our trip took place in St.Thomas. We rented a 3 bedroom home ON the water...our view was spectacular. The guys just went outside, jumped in, and went snorkeling in our own little aquarium. Our pool was fantastic, along with our own beach as well. Internally, the house was just okay. It had lots of character- but, the owner failed to tell us there was no air conditioning (except for the bedrooms), the water kept turning off in the house, and they had a bit of an ant problem (to say the least)- the kids dealt with it fine, despite a few bites, and Jacob had a bit of heat rash...a cool pool and nightly baths did the trick.

Jacob and Addison were troopers...they had lots of fun. Saw turtles, iguanas, birds, fish...We spent a day at one of the local St.Thomas public beaches...Jacob and Addie both had their 1st experience with sand. Addison (such a girl) did not want anything to do with the sand- at all. Jake (such a boy) could not wait until I was done putting his sunscreen on to play with this amazing "stuff" on the ground...he was a little too excited, got sand all over him, rubbed it on his face, and before I had a chance to stop him, it was already in his eyes...poor little guy was miserable for about 30-minutes. It was so sad..

The Little Ones enjoyed the pool togetheras well as dinners at different restaurants...- both kids were so good.

With Babysitters and Babies at Bay...we must play...

The four of us rented a small yacht one day with our own captain. It was just one of those best days ever - great friends, perfect weather, and absolutely amazing beaches... The boat had an indoor family room, 2 bedrooms, bathroom with fresh water showers, and a kitchen, the outer decks were fantastic for us to lay out or dive off for snorkeling. We brought our passports along and made our way to the British Virgin Islands that day...lots of fun island hopping, to say the least. The guys went golfing one day, Mandy and I had a nice spa morning another, we also did sight seeing, dinners, and lots of pool lounging. While the kids slept at home with the babysitters, we went out a couple nights and partied "college style." Wow...my body cannot handle the aftermath anymore. But, lots of fun pics to share. We had a fantastic time.

(Please note Rocky's hat: "Soggy"- he purchased it at the "Soggy Dollar Bar" (I guess it is a real famous bar in the Virgin Islands- on the British Isles...what a silly name, but totally makes sense!)

Hopefully, next year we will be able to do this again, and hopefully, more of our friends will be able to join us...(lots of our friends had newborns this Summer, so hopefully, next year, everyone will be able to participate).