A Visit from Grandma and Grandpa Motes

Thursday – We arrived on this beautiful paradise island with its contrasts of luxury and poverty. Although we had seen pictures of the house, it is still amazing to see. It is perched upon the side of a hill with sweeping views of the ocean. The deck surrounds half of the house and the infinity pool is just a couple of feet off the guest bedroom. The best, however, is the little charmer with the golden curls who talks a storm and wraps her self around your heart!

Friday – We slept to the sound of the pounding surf and croaking frogs. When we woke up in the beautiful guest bedroom and looked through the glass walls to the pool, the lush foliage and the ocean beyond, we realized that we are in paradise. We lounged on the beach for a time. Then Amanda took us on a drive to OJ's where we had lunch on the restaurant beach. Madeline busied herself by putting sand on the unoccupied chairs.

Saturday - It was Sail Week, which meant that over 200 sailing yachts from around the world were moored at English Harbor for the week long race. Amanda and Preston had signed up to help crew one of the yachts. We all went down to the harbor to meet Captain Ron and his bevy of girls, who would also be helping to crew the Iroko. While Preston, Madeline and Grandpa waited on shore, Amanda and Grandma got to go on a practice run with Captain Ron giving lessons.

Sunday – Amanda had to fly off to Mustique to chase Prince William for People magazine so Preston sailed on the first day of the races. (We could see all of the yachts from the deck of the house as they rounded the island.) That meant Grandma and Grandpa got little Miss Madeline all to themselves. She is a delight! So charming and sweet! We read lots of books and played music and danced. She is smart too! We were amazed at the letters and numbers she recognizes and proudly proclaims.

Monday – Amanda was still on Mustique rubbing elbows with royalty while Preston crewed for the second day. Again, Grandma and Grandpa got to spend another special, magical day with Madeline. Amanda made it home that night with wonderful stories of the Prince and his entourage.

Tuesday - Grandma and Grandpa were relieved from their child watching duties and allowed to play on the beach. Later Amanda took us to Georges in St. Johns for lunch, followed by shopping on the cruise ship docks.

Wednesday – It was “Lay Day”, a rest day for Sail Week. Grandma and Grandpa spent the morning snorkeling the reef off of "Armani" beach. In the afternoon Amanda took us to Half Moon Bay (or as Madeline calls it – Moon Beach) where we did some more snorkeling. The beach and water was amazing.

Thursday – Amanda had a chance to get her sea legs back and took her turn crewing with Captain Ron. Preston had to go to work so Grandma and Grandpa again got our darling "Moon Child" for the day. Madeline has a fascination for the moon and points it out when pictured in a book, and she scans the sky looking for the moon as it gets dark. Needless to say, she is very disappointed when the moon is not where it should be! We met up with Amanda following the race and had a barbeque dinner at Shirley Heights with a gorgeous view of English Harbor.

Friday – The final day of Sail Week. Amanda didn't feel that she should sail, and Preston had to work. Captain Ron was short one person to make his minimum crew. Grandpa volunteered to go and Grandma was salivating at another chance to sail, so Ron was gracious enough to take both. Aside from Madeline, it was the highlight of the trip! Grandma would live on a boat if Grandpa would let her!

Saturday – Time to leave the perfect island with the perfect hosts and the perfect grandchild. Thank you so much.