Turks and Caicos

After almost three years in the making, we finally made it on our 2020 spring break.  Ever since honeymooning in Turks and Caicos in 2008 and returning in 2010 when I was pregnant with Nolan, we had planned on revisiting with our kids at some point.  It was surreal to revisit our favorite places with three kids in tow.

We traveled with our friends, the Rogers, and the kids had a blast vacationing with buddies.  It was the first time we have vacationed with another family and it went pretty smoothly.  We definitely had some meltdowns but all in all there were better good times than bad and I think we fit as much pool and beach into our days as possible.

We would love to go back with the kids again as Turks and Caicos holds a special place in our hearts.  Hopefully it won't be another eleven years before we do so :)

International travelers. 

The kids all did really well on the planes and Nolan was excited to be able to sit with friends on the flight instead of his family.

We flew in a day before our home was ready so we stayed a night in a hotel.  One of the two rooms was ready when we arrived so we dropped all our bags into the one room and headed to the beach for lunch.  It was so nice to sit, relax, grab some food and have some drinks as the excitement for the start of our trip was real.

Party in her underwear.  Her pants go wet so she danced around like this for awhile.

The first night we were there we ventured over to where Eric and I stayed both times we traveled to Turks and Caicos.  It used to be called the Turks and Caicos Club but switched over to an all adult resort called the Beach House several years ago.  Unfortunately, they closed their doors in September for renovations but we were still able to see it and walk up the boardwalk for some pictures.  It was a cool moment even though the kids didn't understand the importance and I'm so happy we were able to take them over there.  I hope our little hotel will always be there for us to check out and revisit memories when we go to Turks.

I was only a few weeks pregnant with Nolan the last time we were there.  Look at him now.  So crazy.

After checking out the hotel, we headed to Somewhere for dinner and then home as it had been a really long day of travel and fun.

The next morning we got up and ventured out for some breakfast.  We found a donut shop and a cute little breakfast area where everyone was able to find something to eat and then we went back to the hotel pool for a bit before packing up again to head to our vacation home.

The house was great and had plenty of space for everyone.  The kids ran around so excited to be there.  The pool was amazing and the beach was just across the street.  We had groceries delivered and were shocked at the size of the avocados!!

                         

                       

                       

That first day in the house was filled with pool time and checking out the beach.  We stayed in for dinner that night and grilled.  Jean was all over that and loves being in the kitchen so I let her take the lead as I don't love it as much on vacation.  Quinn was in heaven and the two of them whipped up dinner and enjoyed some special drinks together.

                        

The kids all needed down time throughout the trip.  The boys chose iPads mostly and Quinn even picked to do some math worksheets by the pool one day.  Mairin, took weird selfies.

Just another day at the beach, frozen drinks and all.

We walked across the street to Las Brisas the next night.  It wasn't my favorite restaurant but it was outside and it was convenient.  The dads snuck in a photoshoot on the rooftop and got some good pics as well.

The next day was probably everyone's favorite day as we jumped on a boat charter from 9-1.  We caught the boat a little before 9:00 and were one of the first families on the boat so we then had to wait for the rest to be picked up but it turned out okay as were got the pick of the best seats and were introduced to our new favorite song "Stress" which is pretty funny and was sung many times after the boat trip ended.  

After everyone was picked up, we headed out for some snorkeling which all the boys tried but the water was pretty rough so Nolan came in quickly with a sick stomach.  

After the snorkeling, we boated around and looked for turtles and dolphins for a bit.  They served rum punch, chips, and wraps as we drove over to Half Moon Bay to jump out and explore the area.

After Half Moon Bay, we went to another location to jump off the diving board and go down the slide.  I don't have any pictures of this, just video, but this part was a lot of fun.  Mairin went down the slide with Eric, Nolan and I tried the diving board and Quinn preferred to stay on the boat.  It was a blast and I think we would all agree that another hour or two on the boat would have been welcomed.

Our wonderful crew with the kids.

Back in the pool after a day on the boat.

We stayed in and ordered pizza after the boat since everyone was pretty tired.

Another morning at this gorgeous pool.

Daily adventure with Eric.

The water on the beach where we stayed was so pretty.  Warm, clear, and shallow, it was perfect for the kids.  The paddle board was a big hit and running around in the shallow water.

Our driver for the week, Ira, was so wonderful.  He was so reliable, friendly, and helpful, we couldn't have asked for a better experience not having a car of our own.  He even went above and beyond and got the boys a football player's autograph that he happened to be driving during the week as well.  They were so ecstatic when he arrived one evening with the autographs.

Omar's Beach Hut.

Bugaloos.  This place had a really cool setting and was next to Omar's so we ventured over after dinner and it was a blast.  The kids got dessert or daiquiris, the adults got a drink and the staff let the kids take control of the music and danced around with all of them as we were practically the only people there.

More beach.

                          

We met another family from Powell down at the other end of the island for dinner on Thursday night.  The kids all played and it was a relaxing beach setting.  Fun to see even more friends from home as well.  This was the Rogers last night as they flew home one day earlier than us.  After they left on Friday morning, the vibe was different and the kids had a hard time.  They were sad to see their friends go but it was also nice to have one day just the five of us.  We spent it at the pool and beach and then headed back over to Grace Bay where we used to stay so the boys could do some snorkeling and we could pack as much beach into the last hours of our trip as possible.

                        

Last night.  The kids all kinda shuffled around all week to take turns in this cool bunk bed room but our three never got the change to be in there together so they all bunked up and looked really cute.

It was such a great trip for so many reasons but mostly because Eric and I fell in love with the island on our honeymoon and continue to go back.  Lots of memories have been made there and it's a permanent fixture in our Holick family story.