We're Back!

Last Fall I gave up blogging.  After a series of technological challenges (which included losing our internet connection) and a bad case of island fever, I was done.  Unfortunately, once we got the internet back, it was much slower and I was not ready to deal with trying to blog with it.  My island fever also lasted through the New Year.  Then in February, the boys and I went back to California. 

We had a much-needed 4 month break from island living.  I took the time to work on readjusting my attitude and catch up with family and friends.  Unfortunately, I could have used more time to see friends!  While at home, the boys took off the training wheels on their bikes and became expert riders.  (Well, as expert as one can be as a 5 year old!)  Reagan also became a much better swimmer thanks to all of the pool time we had. 

As we were packing up and getting ready to return to Tortola, my mom made one request.  Please bring back the blog.  For her, I hope I am able to keep up better this time around!

Since we have been back we have been busy catching up on things here.  We have spent a few afternoons playing at Nanny Cay and a few boogie boarding at our favorite beach, Long Bay Tortola.  We have been to lunch and celebrated the boys' 6th birthday at our favorite restaurant, Brandywine. The boys have learned to snorkel and Reilly is now swimming on his own!  We’ve had sushi at Origin and been introduced to a new restaurant that Chris likes called Fish ’N Lime Inn.  Overall, we seem to have picked up right where we left off, only with a better attitude this time around!

So, I hope to get at least one post up a week for my mom.  I will do a separate post about the boys' birthday, but for now, here are a few of my favorite shots from our first few weeks back:

Reagan back on his favorite mode of transport, a ferry!

Reilly limin at Watering Hole.

Sunset at West End.

Reagan is right at home at Long Bay Tortola.

Reilly is as well!

Sail Boats, Cruise Ships and Ferries, Oh My

The boys have been obsessed with all things firefighting and rescue vehicle related since they were two.  They both would get so excited any time they heard a ‘ga-go-ma’ (fire truck) coming down the street.  I wasn’t sure if they were going to continue to be in awe of rescue vehicles and fire trucks when we got here.  Luckily, they still play firefighter and I think it will stick with them for a long time.  That said, both of them have some new interests thanks to our current location. 

Reilly on Native Son

We arrived in Tortola in early March, on a ferry from St. Thomas.  We came over on a Native Son ferry to be exact.  Why do I make this distinction?  Well, the boys, especially Reagan, have a new obsession.  Boats.  Reagan will come get me any time a boat goes by that he likes.  He will point out sail boats with colorful sails.  He will point out mega-yachts.  He will even point out the cruise ships that are arriving or leaving Road Town.  They love all boats, but especially ferries.  This is the view from their room (and yes, that is a ferry passing by):

View of Sir Francis Drake Channel

Because we face the channel and are west of Road Town, our view is of the ferry route between Road Town and all ferry destinations West of Road Town.  Starting around 6:30 am the first ferry comes by.  It is usually a Native Son ferry, we can hear the distinction as their motors seem to be so much louder than the rest.  Native Son is not the only option.  There are Road Town Fast Ferry, Tortola Fast Ferry, Smith's and Speedy’s.  Reagan is all too happy to point out each ferry as it comes by and will let you know which operator it belongs to as well. 



Road Town Fast Ferry

Native Son

Smith's to Virgin Gorda

Tortola Fast Ferry

Since ferries are the mode of transportation to get around the islands (if you are not lucky enough to have your own boat), we have had several opportunities to take ferries here and there.  One of our favorite adventures, so far, was the ferry to Jost Van Dyke.  You can see from the photos below that Reagan and Reilly love this mode of transportation, these are photos of the boys on the Mona Queen, the ferry to St. John!

Reagan on the Mona Queen

Reilly on the Mona Queen

The Mona Queen in St. John