Kayak to Birdwell Island

Our friends Josh & Saharh came for a visit a few weeks ago and brought their friends with them. We loaded the three couples and four kiddos up in the kayaks one day to paddle over to our little 'Birdwell Island'.
Joss usually teams up with Daddy, and Emit usually chooses to paddle with me. It won't be long before Joss can help paddle one of these things. Emit was being silly and riding backwards most of the way. He's come a long way from our first tipping episode :) 

Found a nice little reef off the cay this day. 

Side bar: A few weeks back I asked Joss to be my personal trainer to help mommy workout and do what I need to each day. He was a little reluctant and he asked me why. I gave him a reason and he agreed to help remind me to work out. A few days after that out of the blue Joss says, "Mom, don't forget to do your workin' out today." I said, "Why does mommy need to remember it today?" He told me straight up, "Because you're getting fat and lazy mom!" I laughed really hard at that. That was the reason I told me (word for word) for why I needed him to remind me to work out. :) I wish I could say it worked...but our P90X round 2 is still on our to-do list to start. 

Back to the kayaking...Joss loved these baby Sea Urchins that were tucked in the rocks over there. 

They moved around on his hands which he thought was so cool :) 

Behind the scenes trying to capture the shots :) 

Exploring with Daddy...

Observing the tide pools...

Soothing a sleepy boy. It is always hard on new parents coming to visit us the first time after having their kids. Some handle it better than others, but coming to the Bahamas and doing the typical vacation is a lot different when you have a baby in tow. I try to warn folks in advance, but it is usually something everyone has to go through before it makes sense. Don't get me wrong, the kiddos are amazing, but when you start talking about this kind of sun, being in the boat, snorkeling in the water, getting off nap times, traveling issues, etc....it can make a vacation a lot of work for sure. 

Many moms expect it to be a vacation for them too since Daddy is off work and can be around to help more, but when your little one is around so many new things... sometimes the only thing they need is mommy, so be warned. It won't be like your Bahamas trips when it was just the two of you spending all day in the boat and water and staying up late playing games and hanging out. Having a Baby Changes Everything :) 

We had a beautiful day for a paddle. You can see our beach straight back in the distance. Perfect little paddle to get out for a bit, but not too long for the little ones. 

I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere. Now I have to upload a bunch of pictures....but they're still coming :)