++++++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++++++++

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Easter Bunnies

I love my two little Easter bunnies.
I love Spring. 
And I love the fact that Christ arose.
So it was a good day with Bry's family.

Also, this one turned three. 
Bry's mom made an adorable cake (blueberry, at the birthday girl's request), and we had a nice and relaxed celebration that night with the family.

**Update on the baby: She flipped! So she is now ready to go, and my OB doesn't think I'll need to be induced since she looked like a reasonable size from the ultrasound. I'm feeling thankful, fairly calm still, and pretty distracted by the fact that I get to hold this little girl in less than two weeks. Eek!**

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

The Spice Island

We went to Grenada almost two months ago so it's time I posted the photos. It's just that sorting and narrowing down photos can seem like an impossible task (especially lately, when getting dressed feels impossible). Which is why I'm posting too many. But Grenada is worth the extra photos. It's a truly beautiful island with engaging people and a strong sense of national culture. It was both relaxing and exciting to explore.

Also, after looking over the photos I noticed a couple of themes. Once again, I'm bad at remembering to take pictures of people. Seriously, no photos of my sister Jenny (or of her gorgeous university), and almost all of the photos of Bry and I are taken on one day. And second, Grenada apparently has a lot of good drinks. Definitely true.

The Lance Aux Epines Neighborhood:

Prim Ashton…what an island baby

Luca, Avo, and sunset at Prickly Bay Harbor

The pool at Mandela Court. This is the hotel where Jenny and the kids have been staying during their first semester, and where we spent the first two nights of our visit.

The brewing company down the road from Mandela Court. 

Lance Aux Epines beach, also down the road from the hotel. We loved how walkable this area was.

The most amazing coconut juice from our favorite fruit vendor! I was obsessed. And he told me it was good for the baby…a wise salesman, yes.

A favorite breakfast spot and a fresh fruit smoothie that wasn't on the menu but was made special for the pregnant girl with a craving.

St. George's:

Fort George in St. George's, the island's capital city

Crabback, a national dish, with fresh sorrel juice and the sea at our side. Wow, it was good. 


The Cocoa Plantation:

The pods full of cocoa beans 

cocoa beans drying in the sun

…and me helping with the drying process

Mace, from the outside of the nutmeg shell. Grenada is known as the Spice Island and is know for its nutmeg and a lot of other spices.

"Cocoa tea" made with their chocolate and cinnamon…loved this! And it just wasn't the same when I tried to recreate it at home.


The Rum Distillary:

The giant water wheel that has been in operation here since the 1700's

Using the same age-old process for making rum. The batches are so small that it is only sold on the island.

There was something about this place that I found strangely beautiful. Maybe the age and the textures...and the way the light came in through the windows.


The Beach at La Sagesse:


The Sugar Mill Villa:

Where we stayed for the rest of the trip. This place was perfection. We snagged it on airbnb and couldn't believe our luck.

This couple was married at the villa while we were there. Not a bad location for a quiet little ceremony. Also, there's just something about infinity pools.

The unbelievably lush gardens and path down the hill to our own dock behind the villa

Our trusty kayaks, provided by the villa. We took these out on the bay a couple of times to the beach and to lunch. It was a peaceful and scenic way to get around…and a good arm workout.


The Famous Grande Anse Beach:

The waves were so big the day we were there that I was scared to get in, but the boys obviously weren't. That's Bry's leg sticking straight up in the air. 


Our last dinner on the island with yet another view of the sea. I've never been to so many restaurants right on the water. These Grenadians are spoiled...and please, can I go back?