The Island of Antigua

We decided to spend spring break this year on the island of Antigua. It is an island in the Caribbean and part of the West Indies.

I snapped hundreds of photos on this trip. These are just a few of the highlights.

The kids were excited to fly on an airplane. This was AJ’s first flight. Vanessa was especially happy about flying and took this photo mid flight on our way to Miami.

As we boarded the flight in Miami going to Antigua, Vanessa caught the attention of the head flight attendant. She asked if Vanessa was the youngest child in our family. When we told her that Vanessa was indeed the youngest, she asked if that meant she was the boss of the family which we agreed was an accurate assumption. The flight attendant then said that she had a special “job” for Vanessa to do in order to put her to work.

She first had Vanessa sit in the pilot’s seat while she waited for her instructions.

Vanessa chatted with the copilot for a few minutes while we waited for the rest of the passengers on the plane to board.

Before we took off, the flight attendant had Vanessa introduce herself and welcome everyone on the flight and to Antigua on behalf of the crew.  

When Vanessa finished and as we proceeded back to our seats everyone clapped and smiled at her. I think she felt for a moment what it is like to be a celebrity.  The flight attendant brought her back cookies and snacks from first class during the flight. Vanessa felt it was a great start to the vacation. Savanah was a bit jealous.

Before we left home, I told Vanessa to pack an “entertainment” bag to use on the airplane flight. She packed a bag full of her favorite stuffed animals. She was horrified when the flight instructions included  the instructions to leave behind your carry on bag in case of an emergency. Vanessa decided next time she would carry less important items just in case there ever was an reason she had to leave them behind.

Later in the flight, we had to fill out an Antiguan customs form for each person. With a family of seven, that is not an easy task. It was supposed to be in black or blue ink.  All we had with us was my orange or purple markers. They let the purple pass but not the orange.  

Savanah was happy when she saw the island out of the airplane window. I was happy to have those blasted forms finally finished.

We stayed at the St. James Club Resort. It is on the other side of the island from the capital city of St. Johns. I liked the fact that we were far away from the city center and as we rode in the taxi from the airport, it really seemed that we were in the middle of nowhere. The resort is all-inclusive so it had everything that we needed and more. It really was a home away from home.

When we arrived at the resort we were so happy to see the beach so close to our room. This is the few from the porch of our room.

The kids changed as quickly as possible and headed out to start building sand castles.

Savanah wanted to get buried in the sand.

AJ attempted to create the perfectly round sand ball.

He and Ethan analyzed it to see if it would dry enough to not fall apart as it aged. (It eventually fell apart).

Vanessa put on her goggles and went on a shell finding expedition.

This is what she came back with.

Esteban enjoyed the warm water of the Atlantic ocean.

This beach became my happy place. This was my view for most of spring break, sand on my toes, sun in the air, and my kids playing in the distance. I loved every minute of it!!

My sister Laurann joined us shortly after we arrived at the resort. We invited her along back when we first made plans and we were so happy that she chose to join us.

 We had a fun filled first day and that was only the beginning.