Roatan

We decided before our lives changed as we conformed to a life of school we would take a big summer trip this year. We packed up our life jackets and snorkeling gear and went to Roatan, Honduras. This was our first time taking all 3 kids out of the country, and to a pretty primitive place, but we rented a beautiful house and had so much fun!! I know there are tons of pictures here, but I promise it is less than I really wanted to post.

Here are just a few of the many shells the boys found....notice they are complete with both sides of the shell intact. The house we stayed at had it's own private beach with beautiful white sand and clear blue water.

Here is the view from the balcony of the house. You follow the path down through the trees to the beach and dock.The view from the balcony of the house out over the water. See the sunken ship in the water. The boys had a great time snorkeling around it and seeing so many fish. Just behind the ship was a reef that they also loved to snorkel over.
A couple of sting rays that came close to our beach one morning.
Austin walking out to the big balsam rock next to the beach. See how close the ship is?
The house we had came with kayaks, and we took them to the reef and also through some mangroves.
All day long the hummingbirds would visit us. They were so peaceful to watch and they came so close to us.
Sunset view from the house.
We had an adventure to a place called Gumbalimba park. It started with a tour through a museum of bugs. This was totally up Braeden's alley. He loved seeing the different giant species of bugs that lived in the jungle. Then they took us to a replica fort with pirate caves. Black Beard used to hide out on Roatan.
Man the cannons!! Booooom!

Pirates and treasure!
Next the tour took us into the jungle where we saw tons of iguanas. They are kind of hard to see, but there are a few here.
Then we crossed the pirate bridge.
To where the parrots were. Austin was happy to let one get on his shoulder, but Braeden didn't want one.

Next we continued on the path through the jungle to where we got to experience monkeys.
They just hopped on you and climbed all over you. I was both amazed and grossed out at the same time. Colton LOVED it!
Braeden was more cautious and wouldn't do it unless I was with him. Then he loved it too.
The monkeys loved Austin, and he thought it was hilarious.


A huge Kapok tree.
After the park we found a restaurant to eat at. It wasn't an easy thing to find. There is one paved road in Roatan and every other road is a dirt road that winds around the jungle off of the main road. It was nice to sit down and enjoy a meal.
The scenery was amazing everywhere we went!
Back at the house again....Andy and Austin snorkeling.

Braeden snorkeling.

Austin came back and it was Braeden's turn to go. Braeden loved to get the snails off of the side of the deck, and collected a new group each day.
He asked me to take a picture of this group of snails that he kept in a shell.
GROSS! This beautiful boy is ALL boy! See the snails crawling on his arms?Braeden on the huge balsam rock on our beach.
Looking for creatures in the mangroves.
Colton's first minutes in the sand....no thank you!
Then he started to get used to the idea.


Looking for sea shells.
Then we did my favorite thing....we got to go to Anthony's Key to have a dolphin experience. I grew up loving the show Flipper, and always dreamed of working with dolphins, so this was my most wonderful experience! We got to spend time in the water with our own dolphin, petting him, learning about him, and having a special experience I will never forget. Here he is giving me a kiss. Sooo sweet!

Kissing Colton and Daddy.

Kissing Braeden

Kissing AustinWe splashed him, and he splashed us back!
We stuck our tongues out and he stuck his tongue out.
So soft!
The expressions on their faces and in their eyes are so amazing!
Look at him go!
He even rolled over and let us pet his tummy.
More tricks
Lastly, the hug. We loved this experience, and loved this trip. What a blessing it was to be together in such a beautiful place, doing such special things.

Back on our beach.....covering Mom with sand.
Andy found a huge conch shell while snorkeling. It's now on the mantel of our bay house fireplace. So pretty!
The view from the balsam rock back at our beach and our house in the trees.
The house also had an infinity edged pool on the second level.

I'd say he loves his Daddy based on that look, wouldn't you?
After the first time in the sand, Colton loved digging in it and getting dirty.
Three boys in the pool.
This was one of the most amazing trips I have ever had, and I can't believe how special it all was. The boys are really too young to realize what a big trip this was, and I look forward to them speaking of the memories we made for years to come.