Runaway Bay and 4th of July Weekend

Adam and I decided to go on a little mini vacation for 4th of July Weekend. After a lot of research and some phone calls to find out about last minute availability, we went to the Jewel Runaway Bay, which is an all-inclusive resort that isn't crazy expensive like Beaches, and allows babies. We had a good time and Olivia napped on the beach and got lots of smiles from the staff. It was a great resort because even though they were fully booked, it never felt crowded and it always seemed like the beach and restaurants were empty!

Here are some photos! Olivia enjoyed the beach and water, until a wave splashed her in the face. Poor girl!

Our room wasn't ready, so we ate at the outdoor buffet restaurant

Not a bad view from our table!

Olivia thought this whole bed was for her! 

Normally we wouldn't get a room with a view, but this is what they had available. In the end, it was worth it because we spent Olivia's naptimes in the room, so it was nice to enjoy the view on the balcony while she slept.

Looking out from our balcony- the Caribbean sea (dark spots are the coral), and a small swimming pool

Olivia in her 4th of July outfit, enjoying the shade on the beach

Naptime! See what I mean about it being nice that we had a view to watch while she slept?

Awake, happy, and ready to go to the 4th of July BBQ!

We first took a stroll about- visited the infinity pool as the sun started to set

Nice, quiet spot on the beach

The resort had a special "4th of July" bbq, with bbq chicken, ribs, and pork.

Olivia enjoying the people watching- her head wasn't staying still! :)

Breakfast the next morning at the a la carte restaurant- see what I mean by it feeling like we were the only people at the resort? 

Olivia hamming it up with the waitstaff

My banana and cocoa pancakes with bacon and hashbrown (sadly it was a patty and not fresh shredded potatoes, but I can't really complain! all was included with the rate of the hotel, including room service!)

Taking a walk- the most strollering we have been able to do in Jamaica!

Swimtime! All lathered up with sunblock and ready to go!

But first, play with mama's dress

Cheese!!

Into the Carribean with daddy!

She loooooved the sea breeze!

She giggled every time the water came up around her (until it splashed her face)

All tuckered out- she took a nice long nap in the shade of some palm trees while Adam snorkeled

See what I mean? It's like nobody else was here!

Lunch- empty again!

Afternoon- only one other person at the small lounge pool by our room

Last day- morning beachtime after breakfast!

While Olivia napped, I relaxed on the balcony with a cup of coffee

A wedding was getting set up on our last day

We sat by the sand after we checked out- the resort said we were welcome to stay as long as we wanted after we checked out of the room- we stuck around for lunch before hitting the road.

Olivia was so sweaty and tuckered out- perfect for the air conditioned car ride home!

For any potential visitors- we can come here if you want to enjoy a "resort" experience but not feel crowded! Our neighbor recommended this place and I'm glad we checked it out! No fireworks but hey, they treated us to a bbq!