A Little Time Away

We are so lucky that Marshall has such a great job with the economy the way that it is. We are especially lucky that his boss is so generous to take us on a vacation every couple of years. It is always a much needed break from all the craziness that is life. This year we went on a Western Caribbean Cruise with six island stops. We had a great time catching up with the rest of the crew and more importantly with each other. We really appreciate all the family members who helped watch the boys so this could be possible.

St. Thomas, US Virgin Island

Marshall was offered $100 to stand by this man. Apparently we have all the money we need because he didn't hesitate to say "Freak no!" This was in Antigua. We also say a bottle of Morinda's Tahitian Noni (bottled in Utah) there. Small world.


Al learns a little steel drum basics from a local.


What a perty lady! What you'll do for a dollar. I wonder if the donkey gets a cut in the profits?

Another Palm hat is born. Both Jared and Joe had one made but Jared's was the only one that made it past customs. This was in Barbados and we would definitely go back there again. It was beautiful!

Ah, beautiful Dominica, you make me wanna pukea! The tour description for this island was little bit exaggerated. The island was all mountain and our "45 minute" turned into 4 1/2 hours of car sickness for all! The waterfall was cool though and we did get to see some fake Caribbean Indians.

Wow!! St. Kitts was the last day and the train ride of a life time.

This is a view looking down at the bridge we are going over. A VERY small bridge.

The children would all run out to see the train. It was hard to see their homes and villages. It was a quiet reminder of "to much is given, much is required." We are truly blessed.

And now we pull up to the train station, where the next group is anxiously waiting and cheering for the cute little train . . . it tips over and they all hurry and leave on our buses!

There were a group of men dancing in tradition garb and this boy was with them. He was so cute, he couldn't have been older than Wylie and he was dancing with his dad all day in the street for tips.

Heading home. Marshall, Sabrina, Lori, Carrie, Jared, Travis, Jesse, Joe