SeaTrek – Fueling the Passion

Tuesday, June 7, 2016 by  

SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (24)I have written many stories about fueling your child’s passion. Offering many opportunities for your kids to explore what it is they really love. For our son, it was photography & cars. Next month, his photographs will appear in an international car magazine!

For our daughter, it’s music, writing, animals & marine life. If you scroll through my archive, you’ll see many stories about her special beluga, swimming with dolphins in Jamaica, Florida & in Bermuda training 9 dolphins for a full day – gating, feeding, measuring, exercising & frolicking with these sociable, small-toothed whales, click: Favorite Day.SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (30)

So when in England we heard about SeaTrek – known as Europe’s 1st Sea Bed Walk at Sea Life – we made sure to book it! The staff said they’ve never had a more enthusiastic participant!  We’ll let the photos & 8-second video speak for themselves. 

SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (9)  SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (7) SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (6)  SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (2)

SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (28)

Our 11-year-old loved the sting rays, sea turtle, gorgeous fish, urchins, simply everything!

SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (18)  SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (13)SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (14) SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (12)
When I say we have a budding marine biologist in our midst, I think one might agree.

SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (19)  SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (20)SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (23) SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (22)

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SeaTrek, Sea Life, SeaLife, Europe's 1st Sea Bed Walk, Seabed walk, marine life, marinelife (26)

bright spot flower The Bright Spot – Oh, just everything about this story. Empower your kids. Fuel their passion. If you are in England, enjoy SeaTrek by clicking Sea Life to get more information: Sea Life.


Bianca

Double-Digit Extravaganza!! (Part 1 of 3)

Friday, July 10, 2015 by  

Birthday joy, tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios, Florida, Orlando, great excitement (3)Birthdays are a big deal in our household. Turning double digits?  Birthday joy, tickets to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios, Florida, Orlando, great excitement (2)

Well, that’s just momentous.

These photos are the tickets to an adventure of a lifetime: We took Little One on a Tweendom Extravaganza to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Orlando, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Titanic Artifact Exhibit, Disney’s Epcot Center, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to visit Winter & Hope of Dolphin Tale 1 & 2, CoCo Key Water Resort & Mystic Aquarium.

We walked over 120,000 steps – thank you, pedometer – which translates to 52 miles!

In blue are links to Parts 2 & 3 of this story - yes – so remarkable, they deserve their own posts!

To explore the magical world of wizards & wands, chocolate frogs, Butterbeer & Platform 9 3/4, click Part 2: Harry Potter World

To see Winter, the sweet dolphin who lost her tail when she was only 2 months old, click Part 3: Winter & Hope
Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot (2)  Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot (6) Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot (7)

Animal Kingdom, Tree of Life, Rainforest lunch, up close with Little One’s favorite bird, Safari

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Disney World’s beautiful Main Street and big smiles!

Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot (11) Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot (12) Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot (14)
Cinderella’s castle, reserved birthday spot to see Disney’s Fantasy Parade & meet the characters, Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot (19) Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot (20) Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot (21)
Enjoying Disney’s Ferry Boat ride, power lines on the I-4 – cool!! and Epcot Center

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Gorgeous Annual Flower Festival at Epcot, Space Center, coral reef cuddles

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Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot (26)  Universal

Animal Kingdom, Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot (36)  Titanic Artifact Exhibit

Dad & Little One enjoying the water resort where we stayed. That slide was insane!

CoCo Key Water Resort Orlando (2) CoCo Key Water Resort Orlando (1)

♥♥♥ And best of all was celebrating at Mystic Aquarium & CoCo Key Water Resort with family & friends. ♥♥♥

Turning 10, birthday party, birthday parties, water resort, fun, laughter, birthday fun (1)  Turning 10, birthday party, birthday parties, water resort, fun, laughter, birthday fun (2) Turning 10, birthday party, birthday parties, water resort, fun, laughter, birthday fun (3) Turning 10, birthday party, birthday parties, water resort, fun, laughter, birthday fun (10) Turning 10, birthday party, birthday parties, water resort, fun, laughter, birthday fun (4) Turning 10, birthday party, birthday parties, water resort, fun, laughter, birthday fun (6)

Turning 10, birthday party, birthday parties, water resort, fun, laughter, birthday fun (12) Turning 10, birthday party, birthday parties, water resort, fun, laughter, birthday fun (15)

bright spot flowerThe Bright Spot – Enjoy the stories of Harry Potter World and Winter & Hope by clicking these blue links…or just keep scrolling, they’re next. We highly recommend both vacation sites!!  🙂


Bianca

Dolphin Tale – Winter & Hope (Part 3 of 3)

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 by  

Clearwater, Courtesy of Fintastic Photo (1)

As part of our daughter’s 10th birthday extravaganza, we surprised her with a special visit with Winter, the beautiful dolphin who lost her tail when she was only 2 months old. Her tail was caught in commercial fishing lines.

Clearwater, Courtesy of Fintastic Photo (7)

(Courtesy: Fintastic)

 

 

 

 

She is now 9 years old & lives with her best friend, Hope, at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

 

Clearwater, Courtesy of Fintastic Photo (4)

 

 

 

Our budding marine biologist was thrilled to meet them both and all the marine animals under treatment in the hospital.

 

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (28)

Winter’s real-life rehab story has captivated audiences worldwide in Dolphin Tale & Dolphin Tale 2.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (8)

Both movies, starring Harry Connick, Jr. & Ashley Judd, were filmed on location at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium with Winter.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (5)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (7)

A look at the timeline these past 9 years and how Winter has inspired suffering children & veterans:

  Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (11) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (12) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (13)  Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (15) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (16) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (17)  Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (19) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (20)Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (21)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (22) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (10)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (26)  Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (25)  Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (27)Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (30)

Clearwater, Courtesy of Fintastic Photo (3)

Our fintastic trip wrapped up with a trolley ride between the filming site rehab center & museum, dinner on the water, and the best memories of Winter & Hope!

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (29) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (31) Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (33)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter, Hope, Dolphin Tale, Dolphin Tale movie, Dolphin Tale 2 (32)

bright spot flowerThe Bright Spot – Empowering your children to grow up living their dreams.

For Part 1, click: Double-Digit Extravaganza      For Part 2, click: Harry Potter World


Bianca

Dolphin Trainer

Sunday, June 14, 2015 by  

Cruise ship 2How we kept it a surprise I have no idea! After weeks of planning and several days cruising across the Atlantic on the gorgeous Norwegian Breakaway, we landed at King’s Wharf and headed barely after daybreak onshore with our Little One.

“Why are we leaving so early? Where are we going?” Still mum, Phillip & I guided our inquisitive daughter to a huge, weathered wooden door battered by storms but fixed firmly in place by its centuries-old surrounding stonework.
Her eyes grew wide as we knocked loudlyDolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (18) on the door. No one was around but us. A short while later, the door creaked open and we were led into a large courtyard – the National Museum of Bermuda at the Royal Naval Dockyard. It was clear it would not open to the public until later that morning.

We walked through the dockyard until we came to a building where a young woman greeted us. She knew the day had been a surprise for our daughter. When she explained to our Little One that she would be joining her team for a day of dolphin training, the excitement in the room was electric! Then she was handed a Dolphin Quest swim top and felt very official. “Wow!” she whispered under her breathe.Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (15)

Our daughter’s dream of loving, studying, and safeguarding marine life just took another leap forward. Years prior, our family had only swum with the dolphins. Jamaica. Bahamas. Florida. But this was different. It wouldn’t be just a 45-minute encounter with a group. When we saw that Dolphin Quest in Bermuda offered a Dolphin Trainer for a Day program, we booked it for our daughter straightaway.

She spent the day with 8 dolphins including 2 baby dolphins just 3 months old ~ talk about over the moon!

Our Little One gained experience in fish preparation, dolphin feeding, gating, hand signaling, dolphin relationship building, swimming, measuring and dolphin training.

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (13)

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (14) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (20) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (32)a

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Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (7) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (5)

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (4) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (8)

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (12) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (26)

I’m not sure who had more fun, the dolphins or our darling!

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (17) Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (31)

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (16)Later that day, she enjoyed lunch with her mentors and when we picked her up at the end of her session, the dolphin trainers said they had never had a person know so much about marine life before and that she was the most excited participant they had ever had in all their years and that she would be a welcome participant for their 5-day training program there or in….Hawaii!! Yeah, looks like that may be the next dolphin destination! I’m ready to pack…

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (19)

bright spot flowerThe Bright Spot  – Our daughter has been waiting 5 years to swim with her beloved Beluga, Juno.

Beluga, Juno, Mystic Aquarium, touching whale, touching Beluga

She learned about the program when she was 5 years old but the rules require people to be a minimum of 60 inches to get in the tank with the whale.

 

So guess who’s 59 & 3/4 inches?!?

Yes, I think we are heading to Juno before summer’s done! (photo of Little One with Juno left). It’s truly a pleasure to empower children’s interests.

Click here for the story about Juno at 5: Harmony & Magic

Click here for the Florida dolphin swim at 6: Pixie Dust & Dolphin Kisses

Click here for Dolphins in Jamaica at 7: Paradise for Families

Click here for Winter & Hope at 10: A Dolphin’s Tale

Dolphin Trainer, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda, Hawaii, baby dolphins, feeding dolphins, gating, measuring, loving dolphins (11)


Bianca

Paradise for Families

Sunday, June 2, 2013 by  

Peace, tranquility, a vacation like none other Рclich̩ by no means! Let me explain.Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (33)

We were looking for a family vacation & what we found was something above & beyond in Runaway Bay, Jamaica.

It wasn’t the cozy sleep on the flight American Airlines, Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, 1st class sleeper seats, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, family time, vacationor the magnificent sunsets or the spa on the stone jetty in the     <Caribbean Sea. Jamaica, spa on the sea, Caribbean, resort, relaxation, beauty, family time, luxuryIt wasn’t the climb to the awesome 100′ slide Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (52)or the fire-breathing master.

Fire breathing, Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation

The FDR resort is an all-inclusive, 78-suite, ultimate family experience consistently rated among the best in the Caribbean. Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (51)It is Jamaican-owned, Jamaican-operated with Jamaican restaurants so you get the true flavors of this beautiful, tropical island and its people. 

Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (14)

It’s not an oversized resort with a Starbucks, Burger King or Payless Shoes. I didn’t leave the States to find a mini-USA. 

What took the experience at the FDR resort to the level of “phenomenal” was an intrinsic feeling of being transported back to the days of summer holiday camps like Kellerman’s in Dirty Dancing. Everyone knew everyone at the resort, and if you didn’t, you were welcomed with warm smiles and a handshake.
Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (19)Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (11)

I was stunned to find that families have been going there for 25 years. Folks e-mail each other dates of when they’re returning. Families plan around other families they don’t otherwise see but once a year. We’ve been e-mailed by guests – now friends – about the next holiday. Unless I’m visiting friends, I never go back to the same places on Earth so I can explore new territory. So I was intrigued when the 1st family I met said they had been coming for the past 10 years. “Why??” “You’ll see,” smiled the father. By week’s end, I was looking forward to re-visiting this very special & unique place.

Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (23)

The owner, Franklyn D. Rance, for whom the FDR resort is named, says he has welcomed repeat international families for 25 years, he has watched couples come when young Moms were pregnant, and then watched their children grow up year after year, and then watched those children marry and come back annually with their own kids. I’d never heard of such a thing; it was fascinating to me.

I felt like I was back in the 60s or 70s ~ where parents of other children cared for, bandaged up, and guided with love the children in their midst. If you’re 40 and over, you’ll know that comforting feeling – a mix of common sense, “old school neighborhood,” and family amongst friends. And all the staff members knew everyone’s name, had fun with the parents, and the lifeguard swam with the kids.

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Frank was one of the original 3 partners to found “all-inclusives” 30 years ago. He and his partners built resorts throughout the Caribbean and, now retired, he enjoys his days at the FDR sitting under a palm tree with his advisors. He envisaged a Jamaica, Caribbean, wonderful folks, super staff, authentic Jamaican food, poolside office, Frank Rance & staff, nanny, all-inclusivesrelaxation haven for parents when he created the Personal Vacation Nanny service.
Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (47)

Each family is matched with a specially-trained, private nanny to follow, entertain, swim with, play with, keep safe and care for every need of your child or children so parents can completely relax – body & mind. Your personal nanny takes care of your suite as well, bedding, towels and even brings up platters of evening treats you request. 

I wasn’t into it at first. I watch my kids. I play with my kids. This is family time.

Jamaica, Caribbean, Daddy Daughter smiles, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (16)Well…guess what…there’s plenty of family time and one can always play and swim with the kids, Nanny is there to assist from 9-4. She will run back to the room if you forget your sunscreen or hat, she’ll get a drink for you at the bar and, once I was completely comfortable and knew how happy my little one was with all her new friends and their nannies, I could actually take a romantic morning walk on the beach with my husband… or a little afternoon siesta…imagine that…on a family vacation!

Jamaica, Caribbean, wonderful folks, super staff, authentic Jamaican food, pool, nanny,  vacation nanny, no stress Jamaica, Caribbean, wonderful folks, super staff, authentic Jamaican food, pool, nanny,  (8) Jamaica, Caribbean, wonderful folks, super staff, authentic Jamaican food, pool, nanny,  (4)We loved our nanny so much that we asked she bring her child to work so we could spend time with her 2 year old.  Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (57)Jamaica, Caribbean, peace, love, hand in hand, child and adult hands, wonderful folks, super staff, authentic Jamaican food, pool, nanny,  (10)We gave her a little dollie and hope she remembers us till we return. We love FDR. It’s not a mega-huge resort. It’s kid-friendly and families are welcomed back year after year with handmade signs on their door.

Jamaica, Caribbean, wonderful folks, super staff, authentic Jamaican food, Family welcome sign

Another delightful and unusual thing about this trip was that each night dinner was served in a different restaurant, or on the beach or on one of the piers throughout the resort. Location & time were listed on the chalkboard by the pool. We didn’t get that at first and went downstairs when we felt like it for dinner. Everyone was finished and going to the dance floor area for entertainment. Whoa, what happened? Families came up and said, “Hi, we missed you at dinner.”

You did??

The next night we came down between the 6:30-9:00 time for cocktails on the pier and dinner. Everyone was there.

Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (39)Children ran around & played and parents talked about their great day. Amazing! It was so delightful. So friendly. So engaging. So comforting. So not the era we’re all living in now where everyone’s consumed by their handhelds, Facebooking, texting, tweeting, blah, blah, blah. Here everyone was unplugged and relaxed – Eating together. Dancing together. Singing together. And, in Phillip’s case, entertaining us with some funky stick dance on his butt~! LOL! Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (41)

Dolphin soars in the sky, dolphin jumping, leaping, dolphin breaching, Jamaica, Caribbean, swimming,family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (20)

The trip was simply wonderful, rejuvenating & exciting. We enjoyed the resort’s glass-bottom boat, spa, our private wedding anniversary dinner with our 7 year old on the pier, Jamaica, wedding anniversary, happy anniversary, private dinner on the pier, joy, balloons, lovely evening in the Caribbean, Caribbean Seathe children’s talent show, the daily activities, the Rum treasure hunt at the bottom of the pool, board games, water trampoline, swimming with the dolphins & stingrays, snorkeling, diving and all the exciting adventures the Caribbean has to offer. 

 Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (28)Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, sea urchin

 

 

Sea star, snorkeling, giant sea star, seastar, Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacationJamaica, Caribbean, parrots, macaw, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (24)Jamaica, Caribbean, like young Elizabeth Taylor, sea urchins, friends, swimming, headband, family time, vacation, sunkissed cheeksJamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (63)
Jamaica, water trampoline, fun in the sunJamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (56)Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (58)Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (38)Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (30)Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (13)
Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (61)Jamaica, Caribbean, Relax, waiting for tour bus, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (17)Nanny, Jamaica, vacation nanny following children, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacationWalking by the shore, Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacationJamaica, Caribbean, wonderful folks, super staff, authentic Jamaican food, pool, nanny,  (12)Jamaica, Caribbean, wonderful folks, super staff, camera buff, authentic Jamaican food, pool, nanny,  (3)

Jamaica, Caribbean, wonderful folks, super staff, authentic Jamaican food, pool, handmade bracelets

Saying goodbye, hug goodbye, lifeguard & friend, Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind folks, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacationJamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (6)

The Bright SpotTM bright spot flowerIt was hard to leave Jamaica but e-mails from other families we met there have been flying in: “When are you going again?” I can tell you it will be very soon. A real pleasure and, indeed, the ultimate family experience!

Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (54)Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (53)Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (4)aJamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (34)Dancing, free dancing, dancing at the resort, Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends (2)Dancing, free dancing, dancing at the resort, Jamaica, Caribbean, Kind people, Paradise, Island, fun, friends (1)Daddy & Daughter watch sunset, sunset, Jamaican sunset, Caribbean, Paradise, Island, fun, friends, swimming, boating, family time, vacation 

Jamaica, Caribbean, Dolphin kisses, dolphin love, fun, swimming, boating, family time, vacation, dolphins, sting rays (26)


Bianca

Pumpkin Henge

Friday, October 19, 2012 by  

“Do you smell that, Mommy?” I wasn’t smelling anything, I was heading intoIndian corn, red corn, maze, Pumpkin Henge, Pumpkin picking, pumpkin patch, Halloween, October, holidays, family time, family together, friends, fun, family fun (15) Party City for a dolphin balloon, last errand of the evening, my mind racing with the day’s events. “Smell what, Honey,” I asked, clutching her little, warm hand in mine as we weaved through the busy parking lot.

“Autumn.”

Gorgeous BIG pumpkin with curly stem, Pumpkin Henge, Pumpkin picking, pumpkin patch, Halloween, October, holidays, family time, family together, friends, fun, family fun (10)I stopped immediately between the safety of parked cars and looked at her. “What do you smell?” She looked up at me and then closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “The smokey smell in the crisp air, that smokiness you smell when fireplaces crackle and leaves fall gently outside and we get costumes for Halloween and then the holidays begin!” Then she opened her eyes and smiled serenely.

What a simple delight when we stop everything and listen to our children. When we halt our harried lives and smell the air around us. Yes, just stop and breathe. Pumpkin Henge, Pumpkin picking, pumpkin patch, Halloween, October, holidays, family time, family together, friends, fun, family fun (3)

We took the kids to a 150-year-old farm for hayrides & pumpkin picking, corn mazes and strawberry fields…forever…

 

Strawberry, fresh strawberry patch, crop of strawberries, baby strawberry, unripe strawberry, Pumpkin Henge, Pumpkin picking, pumpkin patch, Halloween, October, holidays, family time, family together, friends, fun, family fun (13)

 

 

Pumpkin patch, fun in Autumn, crisp air, sunny skies, white pumpkins, rainbow, strawberry fields, strawberries (3)   Pumpkin patch, fun in Autumn, crisp air, sunny skies, white pumpkins, rainbow, strawberry fields, strawberries (1)

Pumpkin patch, fun in Autumn, crisp air, sunny skies, white pumpkins, rainbow, strawberry fields, strawberries (2)

Pumpkins, squash, gourds, totally cute (5) Pumpkins, squash, gourds, totally cute (3)
The girls worked hard creating their very own Pumpkin Henge: Pumpkin Henge, Pumpkin picking, pumpkin patch, Halloween, October, holidays, family time, family together, friends, fun, family fun (20)

Batman Marilyn Monroe Sherry-Netherland Hotel Doubles New York CityAfter 20 years, I’m turning in my Marilyn outfit to match our daughter as “princess & queen”Costumes, matching Mommy-Daughter costumes, princess and queen, red and gold costumes, gowns, beautiful fabric as we help coordinate this year’s Fall Festival and organize the costume parade with Batman.

Oh, I do love my Batman!  Click here for more about my very own Caped Crusader: http://theletstalkmom.com/tea-talk-momversations/my-caped-crusader/

The Bright SpotTM  bright spot flower – It’s not just roses we have to slow down for, smell the Autumn, too. 🙂 Snoopy pumpkin, Snoopy, Pumpkins


Bianca

Pixie Dust & Dolphin Kisses

Monday, May 2, 2011 by  

Nothing can take the place of wonder & awe in a small child’s eyes.

Think back to a time when everything you believed in was true & sweet & simply pure magic.

3 year old as Cinderella (3 years old)

Our little one just turned 6 ~ celebrate with us in this photo journey and thank you to everyone who has sent such lovely e-mails ~ I have shared every one with her!

It all started with a trip to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: choice of gown, hair in a princess bun with shimmering pixie dust, a wand, glass slippers, and a beautiful sparkling wishing star.

Cinderella had just finished dancing with Prince Charming…Sleeping Beauty & Snow White. 

Cinderella and Prince Charming Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Cinderella  Bonnet watches stage

The Fairy Godmother greeted Little Petal and her Baby Bambi at the door.

Fairy Godmother with 6 year old                                 Following her gown presentation in the dressing room…

gown and slippers     slippers and wand and crown

Boutique spa  Boutique spa …it was time to transform into a little princess. Hair, nails, the whole royal treatment for Little Petal and her Baby Bambi – who was also sprinkled with pixie dust and given a matching crystal cheek applique.

Then it was time to meet Cinderella and have lunch with her in her castle!

6 year old meets Cinderella

   Florida 2011 (219)a

  Cinderella enjoyed meeting Baby Bambi.

Cinderella and Bambi

Snow White, Belle, Ariel and Sleeping Beauty made our little princess feel extra special, too!

Snow White

                  Florida 2011 (248)     Ariel the mermaid

Belle  Sleeping Beauty

After making a big wish on her birthday candle and a wonderful farewell hug from Cinderella,

we enjoyed the Magic Kingdom where dreams really do come true…

Hug from Cinderella

…because the next morning, Little Petal awoke to the news that her dream of swimming with dolphins was about to come true!! (For more on her incredible love of sea animals, go to the story “Harmony & Magic,” posted on November 3, 2010)

family in wetsuits We spent a beautiful day at Discovery Cove swimming with sting rays, swimming through an aviary – protected by 2 waterfalls…and Little Petal’s favorite – swimming with a very sweet dolphin named Jenny – what an amazing experience!

Swimming with the dolphin

6 year old kisses dolphin

The Bright SpotTM bright spot flower – Creating memories with your family, for in the end, all we have are our memories.


Bianca