Conception Island- Above the Surface

 Every time we go out in the boat, the boys pick a toy (or two) to bring along for the fun. They were showing off their new trucks this day. These were some trucks that they saw at Smitty's MONTHS ago. They would randomly bring them up and say things like "I really wish we could have that big blue truck, really!" We just kept telling them they would have to wait for their b-day or Christmas or something, but we caved after they were really good for me when Dallas was out on his last guided trip :) Besides, I really wanted them to have the trucks and I wasn't sure if they would make it to b-days or Christmas in Smitty's. It's not like Wal-Mart where they just restock it when it runs out. 

 These kind of cars are usually not the ideal boat toy... they sink very quickly. However, we knew it would be a long day on the boat and they are usually really good and taking care of them if we express how easy it would be to lose it. 

 There is one lost McQueen car right underneath the boat at the dock, and I have tried to find it... but I just haven't gotten lucky yet. Every chance he gets, Emit reminds me that I need to find that car for him. And I thought little girls and their Barbies had strong bonds... oh no, these guys know every stripe, every 'speed booster', every wheel detail... they love their cars!

 For our 36 miles (or so) trek across the deep waters between Exuma and Conception Island, we could have asked for better weather. This sight is truly amazing! We're out of the harbor and in the OCEAN here... so calm!

 Dallas was so pumped about his maiden voyage to Conception. Joss is all set with the iPad. Yes, we have the iPad, on the boat. Mainly so Dallas could take quick pics to send out to his brothers and Dad that night when we got back, but also for the boys on the long ride. Don't worry, CC, there was no splash with the waters being so clam, and we had the case handy in case we needed it. Joss' little fingers just would work with the case, and you wouldn't say no to him either ;) 

 It's like riding in a car, on a plane, anywhere really, you find things to entertain the little ones. It's tricky with the wind and the waves to find things that work really well, but they are old pros at this stuff by now, and do better than most adults do having to be confined for a long length of time. 

 Side story here: Around this same time, the boys and I were down at our beach playing and they asked our neighbor as we were walking down if they could jump off his dock. Of course, Mr. Darville is always sweet to the boys and told them to have fun and be careful. So off we go, all excited with our freedom to play on the dock. (Note: this was an afternoon that I just didn't take my camera and wanted to just play with my dudes...so no pics to go with this, sorry)

 Joss jumped non-stop and kept going deeper and deeper and shouting Cann Ball! He was really cute. Then Emit got brave and decided he wanted to jump too, and boy oh boy, all it took was one good jump and he was hooked. He had his lifejacket on, Joss wanted to go without, while I was close at hand below in case they needed help. Emit would stay closer toward the beach, but he would still go under when he jumped in. I know I keep saying, but I get AMAZED watching him do things that are so much 'bigger' than he is. I try to keep him my baby, and he still is in many ways, but he is so much older than he should be at times. He was so cute with his canon ball saying. He would stick up his pointer fingers, straight up above him, and just step off the dock yelling, "Cammin Ball!" I got laughs of good laughs this afternoon :) 

 After a long morning in the boat, Joss is ready to get to the beach. He looks so pitiful, even has one shoe off :) 

 Here we are passing by the northern tip of Long Island. 

 These cliffs are pretty common sites in photos from this area. Apparently there are some pretty sweet ones over there to jump from into the water. CAMMIN BALL for real :) When they are both much bigger, of course. 

 From this view in our chartbook, we are coming up and along side of Conception Island. The beach pictures you'll see soon are of the beach on the eastern side of the island.

 Emit has reached his peak too. They are 'ready, ready, ready, ready, Ready to Run!' 

 Joss is counting on his fingers just how much longer we have left in the boat. Most of the time he'll say things like "We have 8 more Units to go" like on one of his favorite shows right now, Team Umizoomi. 

 There she blows!! With the fancy yacht anchored offshore to complete the scene.

 Remember the ledge from the previous post where we saw the shark swimming way below us? Here it is above water from the boat. It isn't the greatest photo, but it gives you the idea of the drastic difference in depths. Dark water= thousands and thousands of feet in depth. Light areas= approx 70' to the bottom

 Okay, seriously "how many more units to the beach?"

 They are biting at the bit to get in the water. Patiently waiting for daddy to get the boat on the beach. 

 Half awake, but not going to miss the action. 

 Our little picnic area for lunch. 

 Our guests headed for a stroll down the beach. Dallas and I agreed we have to come back here and camp some time. Awesome beach here, and later we found the great reef just offshore here, two for two!

 All my boys are happy to be in the water. Dallas won't waste any time just chilling at the beach... he's scrubbing the bottom of the boat in hopes of a quicker return trip. My hard-working hubby!

 Loved the rocks and tunnels and birds. Really cool birds that I still haven't looked up to figure out what kind they are. 

 Snorkel spot #1 where we saw all the squid, but not much else. 

Looking over to the beach we had lunch at. 

 AHHH, back in the boat, but at least they had some fun snorkeling to work up an appetite :) 

 I don't think they are having too bad of a time, do you? 

 All the shallow rocks looked really cool, but I'm sure this are can get really rough in windier weather. At the end of this stretch (going in the opposite direction of this photo) is a sunken boat apparently in these shallow waters. May have to check that out the next time!

 On the way home the boys rested the first little stretch. I'm not trying to manhandle Emit here, I'm trying to keep his little neck from bobbling excessively, or knocking in to Joss'. I love when they cozy up to each other like this. They are such cute pals :)

 We spotted a flock of birds, which usually signals a chance to catch some fish. This time didn't disappoint. 

 Less than two minutes with the lines in the water they were both reeling in something...

 Two Bonita, I believe they are in the Tuna family. Our guests were happy, they had plans for sushi for dinner and I was thankful for any catch to bring excitement. It was so cool, because when we're out with guests, I often find myself praying for a catch (anything, I don't care what it is) just to add to the thrill of the trip. We were just off the tip of Long Island and still had a lot of ground to cover before we made it back to the dock before sunset. So we knew we couldn't fish long. I prayed specifically as they were rigging everything, please let us catch something and let it happen in like 5 minutes. Not only did we catch something, but we caught 2 in less than 5 minutes and they were good catches that our guests could take home for dinner. I know it is a minor testimony of prayed answered...but it is a testimony no less! 

 Joss wanted to reel in the empty lines. He did great on the first one, but his 'hands got sweaty' (means he got tired of doing something) on the next line. 

After the fishing we were underway again, and the boys went into super-hyper mod. But very well contained. They sat in our laps and we played the quick slap game with your hands where you hold yours under and try to tap theirs before they move them. They got so tickled at this game and just got sillier and sillier as we got closer home. Had a great First Trip to Conception Island, and looking forward to going again, and next time staying longer! 

Is it just me, or was the underwater post a little more exciting :)