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!

Meeting Grandma & Grandpa in Albuquerque!

Adam was going to DC for a weeklong training, so we decided that it might not be a bad time to also take a trip to New Mexico. Olivia hadn't met Grandma Margaret and Grandpa David yet, so it was an exciting and fun trip!

We were a little scared about how Olivia would do on the airplane, since she had been fussing a lot when it was time for bed, and she hadn't slept in our arms since her newborn days. However, she did awesome on the flights (other than a mini meltdown getting her diaper changed on the plane- she did not enjoy being on her back while the plane was moving). She gave lots of smiles to everyone and slept a good amount- I guess the airplane white noise helps!

Our first week in Albuquerque was FREEZING!! I was shivering and I think Olivia wasn't sure what to make of the chilly temperatures. Luckily it passed and the second week was nice and warm. During our time in Albuquerque, we went on walks in the stroller around the neighborhood, in shopping centers, and at the mall. We had a ham, a turkey, and lots of delicious New Mexican food! I also ate as many berries as I could handle (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) and drank coffee with real half & half! The little things that we had been missing in our few months in Jamaica.

 

Getting spoiled being held for her naps- she wouldn't nap in the pack 'n play (probably she felt like she would miss out on the excitement happening in the rest of the house!)

Super excited! Strawberries for 99 cents per package! What!!?? 

Aunt Dorothy came by for a visit and joined us on a shopping trip to Target where Olivia got oodles of attention while I picked up teething tablets and saline drops!

I wasn't sure how Olivia would do with Cuba, but she didn't seem scared by her at all, and Cuba was so good with Olivia (though I think Olivia's crying freaked her out a bit!)

What an ordeal to get this little girl to sleep! I guess unfamiliar places can mess a little one up, huh?

So so happy to be with Grandma and Grandpa!

Enjoying the views from the back porch (air balloons in the early morning)

Who gets to hold her next?

Reunited with daddy! Adam missed her while he was in DC!

See? She was spoiled! Getting cuddly nap time with grandpa. Look at those chubby little legs!

Morning walks in the stroller around the neighborhood. The first week it was too cold, but by the time Adam came, it warmed up and we had to get out there early.

Went to El Charritos for some New Mexican food with Aunty Dorothy & Uncle Michael

Adam's stuff sopapilla drowning in red & green chile

Button buster! Best steakfingers (doused with a mix of red chile and their hot sauce, yum!)

Olivia is inheriting the elephant quilt that once belonged to Adam and made by his grandma

During this trip, Olivia started rolling on her belly when we put her down for bed. I was a little worried, but she wouldn't stay on her back!

 Enjoying a little bit of desert before heading back to Jamaica

Happy little girl on the plane! She had a fabulous time in NM! We miss everyone already! :(