Our Vacations

Check out more pictures from Jamaica by clicking here

One Love and Aloha -

We've been back for a week and I have finally found the time to journal the moments we spent with family and each other.

Jamaica was wonderful. We spent the Easter weekend on the go. But the first thing we had to take care of was getting ourselves some fish and festival. So we headed to Ft Clarence Beach and it was YUMMY!

On Sunday we had a wonderful lunch prepared by many and hosted by the Lindo household. Before diving into some delicious food we had the children blessed. Douglas did a beautiful job in leading us through prayer and words to guide us. Then he had three generations (beginning with the youngest) Courtney, Tracey and Auntie Marie give their personal wishes to Malaika and Liam. It was a special evening. Easter Monday we found ourselves all together again but this time we headed to a place that holds alot off meaning for us all. We headed up to Holywell (The Blue Mountain Range) for a picnic and hike.

For the most part the rest of our time was spent in the country at Silver Sands. For Tim his days would go something like this: Eat, swim, eat, boogie board, repeat. Liam hit the Caribbean Sea for the first time.

Leaving the kids in Jamaica was hard but we knew that they were in the best hands. As we've told everyone that was involved - they are all blessings and every parent should have the opportunity to "take off". Our support system made that possible.

Enjoy more of Hawaii by clicking here

When we arrived on Maui we were pampered by Baxter. We spent our first week at the Four Seasons Hotel in Wailea and during that week we played beach volleyball, woke up at 2am to watch the sunrise at the top of Mount Haleakala (10,025 ft) and then biked down, did a little outrigging, snorkeling and kayaking.

After our time in Wailea we headed to the remote town of Hana for one night. Winding roads (some parts just as bad as Jamaica) 50+ bridges, too many waterfalls to count and apparently something like 600 corners and turns.

Our last four days in Hawaii we took it really easy at a lovely condo at the Mahana. From our room we watched the whales (the last for the season), saw the outrigging crews racing by, the dedicated locals hit the waves to surf and the tourist burning their backs as they looked very hard for that sea turtle. We also took some time to learn how to surf (even though I did feel a little like fresh bate waiting for a wave).

I have to admit that I was ready to come back home. We enjoyed our time away but there is nothing like the smell and feel of your own bed. Plus, we missed Malaika and Liam in a BIG way.

We're Off

It's vacation time and this year we are certainly blessed. We're hitting Jamaica for two weeks with the kids. Then Tim and I head back to Seattle for 4 days and then to Hawaii for another 11 days. Crazy I know, I cannot believe I'm leaving my pickney dem in Jamaica for an extra two weeks, without ME!

We just couldn't pass up this opportunity. Tim won this trip through Baxter (3-time trip winner). His first win we took for our honeymoon and the second we couldn't go on due to me being a week away from delivering Malaika.

Our families have been wonderful to help out with the kids and all of the logistics. Will post pictures and stories when we return.

Aloha, Irie, One Love

Grapeview Cabin

Check out the pictures

We had the opportunity, two weeks ago, to head out of town to a friends cabin. Although the weather wasn't the best we really had a wonderful time relaxing. We did get to watch a lot of the Olympics, yeah Jamaica, I finally finshed the book I started reading in May (Before the Legend - The Rise of Bob Marley) and we did have a chance to go on two really nice boat rides.

Mini Vacation to Bend, OR

We took a mini vacation this past week to Portland and Bend, OR. Tim had some work to do in both locations and decided he wanted to have the family with him. Let me start out by saying that this trip certainly had it's highs and lows. The first low is that even though I took my still camera and video camera I didn't take one picture.

Wednesday was an easy trip to Vancouver, WA. Tim went to his meeting while Malaika and I hung out at a play area in the mall. After picking Tim up from the hospital we headed to our hotel in Portland for the night. Malaika had traveled so well however, she did end up with a fever that night and was just worn out.

Thursday morning Tim headed to his meeting in Salem, OR while Malaika, who was feeling much better, and I took a really nice walk along the Willamette River (Portland waterfront). Later that morning we headed to Salem to pick up Tim and head out to Bend. On our way to Bend we stopped at Suttle Lake for a swim...beautiful! On arrival to Bend we headed to our hotel and what we thought was a suite ended up being a very small room. This was not going to work but of course they didn't have anything else available. Well, that night Malaika decided that she wasn't going to be able to sleep well and she woke up around 2am for about three hours. You know what that means...no one got any sleep that night. Believe me the idea of packing up and driving 5 hours to Seattle was VERY tempting.

On Friday Tim had a fair he had to attend in the morning, poor guy he was dragging, while Malaika and I slept in and then took a nice walk around Bend. When daddy returned we went for a swim and then while daddy took a little nap Malaika and I went into the Old Mill District and spent about 2 hours at Working Wonders - their Children's Museum. Friday night was probably her best night sleep. Even though she woke up for a bottle (which never happens) she went right back down.

Saturday we went for a fun family outing to Elk Lake near Mt. Bachelor. What a beautiful location. The water was cold, the sun was hot and we just had a lovely time. That night Malaika was thinking the she needed to wake up again, this time for about 2hours. What the *@#% was going on!

On Sunday we decided that we really wanted to go floating down the Deschutes River. If you are ever in Bend I think everyone should take advantage of this really relaxing and fun adventure. We had brunch, took naps and then headed out on the river. There was live music being played in the amphitheater as we floated by, lots of people watching and a great way to just chat as a family and show Malaika some really cool things. It was another rough night of sleep but we knew home was just a day away.

Although our weekend ended up being a little stressful we did enjoy our days together. We arrived home around 6:30pm on Monday evening and that night Malaika was right back into her regular routine, she slept through the night. I guess there's something to be said about your own bed or in her case - crib.

A Fun Weekend

More cabin pictures here

We're blessed to have some wonderful friends that are always happy to have Tim invite himself to their cabin. The weather wasn't perfect but we could still enjoy the company, go for walks on the beach and Malaika's first boat ride.

Pictures: Jamaica and 1st Birthday

Pictures of Jamaica and birthday

Malaika went in for her one year check up and the doctor only had wonderful things to say. He's also excited to know that he will be taking care of Baby D when he/she arrives. Malaika is 75th percentile in height and weight. She weighs 22lbs 1oz and she's 30.25 in. Apart from walking, waving, giving high 5's, showing you her tongue when you ask for it and blowing kisses she's saying bye bye, hi, ha (for hot), 'eow (for meow), mama, dada and much more. What a fun age, I wish I knew what was going on in that little head (47.7 circumfrence) or maybe not so little head of hers.

Two Weeks At Home

Malaika and I just got back from our two week trip to Jamaica. We went home to celebrate Uncle Donalds life and had the opportunity to stay and visit with family and friends. It was a wonderful time even though we missed daddy and wished he could've been with us. The family is all doing well and I will post pictures for you all at a later date.

Today Tim and I celebrate our 3rd anniversary and tomorrow Malaika will be turning one...so stay tuned there is more to come.

Quick Trip

Our final night in Miami

Malaika and I had a wonderful time in Miami this weekend. Thanks to my cousin Mari we had the opportunity to celebrate my cousin Rachele's up coming nuptials. It was a girls weekend - we got to see Elizabeth (she just moved to Trinidad and is now engaged - yeah!), we got to see my mummy (thanks to Mari - again), we got to meet Harrison (she's my little cousins baby girl - 2 months older than Malaika) and we got to have lots of fun with family and friends.

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Surprise!

Tim and I just returned from our two week trip to Miami and Jamaica. We couldn't write about it before we left because of the 4 maybe 5 people that read my blog my mother is one of them and our trip home was a surprise for her. Mummy turned 75 on February 2nd and my sisters and I planned a celebration in her honour.

We spent two days in Miami visiting with family and friends. My cousins even threw us a baby shower to celebrate the wee one. On January 25th, along with my cousin Mari and my Aunt Gem from Miami we headed to Jamaica for about 8 days. Upon our arrival we surprised mummy at her office. We told her that we were having a shower for me on the Sunday. However, we surprised her with a birthday party. Other aspects of our trip included a family trip to the beach, time spent with the neice and nephews, a tour of the Bob Marley Museum, dinner with good friends and a yup a shower for Tim and I which included more of my closest friends.

Share in the fun by checking out our pictures, click here.

Two Weeks Of Fun

Mummy and Courtney (my 11yr old neice) visited Tim and I in Seattle. It was non-stop fun. Here's what we did:

July 26th - Arrive in Seattle - Yeah, I can't wait to show them around.
July 27th - Shopping (a part of every Jamaicans trip)
July 28th - Traveled to San Juan Island, Stayed at Juniper Lane (highly recommended), Dinner at Madrona Bar and Grill in Roche Harbor
July 29th - Whale Watching with Captain Carli's Charter, visited the Lavender Farms
July 30th - Returned to Seattle, drove on the famous Chuckanut Drive
July 31st - Woodland Park Zoo with Friends and more shopping
Aug 1st - Courtney went on the climbing wall at the YMCA. Visited the beautiful Japanese Garden and discovered Pike Place Market. Dinner at the Penny's home - thank you!
Aug 2nd - Mount Rainier (Paradise). Courtney and Tim climbed to about 6400-ft and she got to hike through snow.
Aug 3rd - Mummy went shopping. Courtney and I went to Wild Waves/Enchanted Village. Dinner with our friends the Deys - always a good time.
Aug 4th - Tim, Mummy, Courtney and Simon went to Fall City to visit Mary Jo. They had lunch and rode the horse. I was at a training ALL day. We all enjoyed the Mariners Game in the evening.
Aug 5th - We headed to Olympia and spent the weekend with Donna. Marie, Paul, Courtney and Tim swam and drove the boat while Mummy and I did a little more shopping (what can I tell you).
Aug 6th - Enjoyed Eld Inlet. Walked to the cove, swam, drove the boat, taught Courntey how to go clamming, Tim swam across the inlet (about 2-miles) and had lunch with the rest of the Dugaw family. It was a fun weekend.
Aug 7th - Mount St. Helens: Mummy really enjoyed this visit. We had dinner with Paul, Marie and Claire.
Aug 8th - Goodbye Mummy and Courtney, thank you for visiting us. We had a whole lot of fun and we look forward to your next visit. We love you!

Check out the 382 pictures: Album 1, Album 2, Album 3

It Was A Hot One

Thank God for the water and thank God for friends like Tim and Marianne. This was one weekend you didn't want to be anywhere, but near the water. With temperatures in the high 90's Tim and I enjoyed two wonderful days in Allyn.

Take a look at the pictures, it says it all.

I Love and Miss My Friends

The Jamaican Crew

Tim and I had a fantastic time in Dayton, Ohio this weekend and if it wasn't for Sion's wedding, I probably wouldn't have seen this place my dear friend calls home.

It was a joining of two familes that are from two different worlds. It was a reunion of friends that have know each other for over two decades. It was a meeting of new friends. It was an invasion on Ohio by probably the most diverse group of people - Jamaicans, Australians, Brits, the south, east coasters, the NW - we were from all over the globe. With the Appleton Rum and Red Stripe Beer flowing, this session lasted the entire weekend.

Pictures Galore... Album 1, Album 2

The Jamaica Trip Continues...

On Monday morning Tim and I headed down to Negril. I'd never been to the place we were staying at so we were a little worried. However, Catcha Falling Star ended up being wonderful. Our first evening in Negril we swam in the beautiful Caribbean Sea, had dinner from a roadside diner and drank wine under the stars. We were in heaven.

On our second day we decided to go snorkeling. I must admit that I got a little bored and I drove Tim crazy. After some Ackee and Saltfish for breakfast, we headed into town to look for a game of beach volleyball, we came up empty. Instead we got into a minor fender bender. So, we ate lunch at Cosmos, bought some local art and then headed back to our abode. Tim spent the evening jumping off the cliffs, I read my book. That evening we ate at the Rockhouse then relaxed in our patio hammock listening to a concert at Ricks Cafe (4 doors away).

The next day we lazed around, read and played cards. We were having the time of our lives doing whatever WE wanted to do.

Thursday morning we headed to the south coast to stay one night at Jakes in St. Elizabeth. Although we were not as happy with our room, the place is a great little hide away. Their restaurant Jack Sprat (near to the beach) played some really good music so that's where we would spend most of our time.

Heading back into Kingston, the following day, we stopped at Lovers Leap and we ate lunch at Little Ochi. Our final weekend in Jamaica was spent with the family. We even had an opportunity to take the kids to Dunns River Falls, we did have fun.

So that's our vacation, it was a time we both deserved and we both enjoyed.
Mi cay wait fi go back home.
For more pictures check out Shutterfly.

The Food...The Workouts

Steamed Garlic Crab, Jerked Shrimp and Bammy

Tim constantly reminds himself how much he loves the food in Jamaica, it is all good and let's just say that our workouts did not exceed the amount of good food we ate. So needless to say we did eat well and we did put on a little weight.

I know I have a triathlon that I'm working towards, so I will share with you my limited time of training. I did a total of 4 workouts while on vacation, my initial plan for my 14 days on the island was to do at least 8, so I was 50% there. I did a 1600m swim, and three runs that were 3-plus miles. I cannot lie it's been a while since I have run in heat like that. I truly missed that amount of sweat running down my face, my back and my arms. I do wish I had done a few more workouts but the hammock just kept on calling my name.

Tomorrow I will share with you our wonderful getaway in Negril at Catcha Falling Star.

Home Sweet Home

Courtney the Performer

Luke the Sports Star

Stuart the Star Baller

I've decided that with the amount of pictures and information I have to share about our trip I'm not going to overwhelm you all at once, so I will give it to you in pieces.

I arrived in Jamaica 4 days before Tim and that time was spent with my family. I had the opportunity to watch my two nephews, Stuart and Luke, play football and on Sunday I went to watch my niece do her synchronize swimming. When Tim arrived late Sunday evening we had ourselves some good Jamaican food (more to come) and a quiet evening with mummy.