Visitors: Uncle Logan & Jessica

Sunday night around 10 pm our time/ 7pm back home time,  I get this text from my brother Logan asking if Jessica and him could come visit February 11-24th. We don’t have much on the go, so anything works for us. Then I realize it was the 9th, so he'd be coming in like 2 days. Best count down ever. We are so excited for this last minute trip. My mind started to turn with excitment, and thinking about everything I needed to get done to be ready (caught up on laundry, which I only did 4 days ago and get groceries). Even thought there was only two days, I still had to make the fun picture count downs that I text to our visitors who are coming.

Both kids were already sleeping, so I had to wait till morning to tell them. It kinda felt like Christmas, we weren't planning on seeing Uncle Logan till December when we came home, so this was a nice surprise... Morning came and I told Lincoln the great news. Lincoln's response was "we'll how long?" meaning how many days do we need to count down until Uncle Logan comes? Only one more sleep! Lincoln loved that. He talked all day about Uncle coming to visit. Lincoln is asking if he can excerise with Uncle Logan by the pool (thats what he did the last time he visited us in October). "Then uncle will pull himself up to the roof like a monkey"  (meaning Uncle does chin-ups on the gazebo by the pool).

We were able to go to Maho Beach to watch their airplane to come on. It was pretty fun for Lincoln to see their plane fly over us as it comes into St. Maarten. All day Lincoln was on a high, almost like a sugar high. He was just a buzzing with excitement. It was great to see Uncle Logan and Jessica as they walked through the sliding doors after they got their luggage at the air port. Lincoln is at the age where he understands everything thats happening, so he was so excited. Which made it so much more fun and exciting for me, seeing Lincoln get excited. It was a nice last minute trip. Short count down are way better... But I will take any count down to visitors we can get.

Our Chevy Spark was packed full with their luggage and we all fit. Good thing it was only a 10 minute drive home as it was a bit tight.

They loved the warm temps. Right now its high 20’s and the feel like temp is 38-39 most days. So very comfortable and warm. But it still cools off nice at night to around 25, with a nice island breeze. My brother says its cooler then October when he came last time, almost a perfect tempature.

FIRST NIGHT (Feb 11 Tuesday): got settled, went for a drive around the hill towards town then walked along Great Bay beach where you can see the cruise ships docked and early to bed, they were tired from the long trip (13+ hours- 2 flights) to get here. Wish there was one direct flight to get here…. Jessica lived in Mexico for a year and she says there are some similarities and some differences here to Mexico.

DAY 1 (Feb 12 Wednesday): Fort Luois, Marigot Market, Mullet Beach. 

Logan and Jessica did a work-out but the pool, the kids and I played at the pool ( Lincoln still amazes me with how well he is doing with swimming. He is only 3, its crazy!). 

Then we went to Fort Louis. The Fort was great we had to park further down the hills so we had to hike a bit further then usual. Another fun time at the Fort. Plus we got a little bit wet on our way back to the car so we had to hide under some trees. 

We then got to check out a Catholic Church on our way down. There was a painting on the wall of Jesus, it’s interesting to see Jesus with brown skin. 

Then off to the Marigot Market just a few blocks away. The Market was fun and hot. Lots of neat things to see. We stopped by the Coconut Man Hut for some Pina Coladas then hit Sarafina’s (French Bakery) for a late Lunch. Both kids fell asleep on the way home. So we carried them inside so they could continue to nap. Logan and Jessica hit the pool while the kids had their cat-naps, then we headed to the Mullet Bay beach quick before dinner.  

Mullet Bay beach was very calm and the water was very clear. Lacey was able to try her puddle jumper in the ocean, we’ve just been letting her get use to it in the pool so it was fun to let her try it in the ocean and float with the waves. Uncle Logan and Jessica were able to go out for Dinner to Jimbo’s ( Mexican Restaurant). They took our car and didn’t get lost! With my brother being here once before he has learned his way around the island a bit, so it was nice for them to out for a evening without my crazy kids and I. They also hit the Garden Market on the way home to grab a few groceries. They realized how some things are cheaper then back home and how some thing are more. We had a great first day together. We are glad they were able to come visit..... Lacey say Uncle and Jess.

DAY 2 (Feb 13 Thursday): Lazy morning, Boardwalk, Pool, Causeway Bridge.

We just took it easy in the morning, filled our tire up with air and grab a few things at the store. Then just after lunch we went to the Boardwalk. It is always so hot there whenever we go. It was pretty busy  as there was 4 cruise ships were docked. We walked a tone. 

Good thing I had help, as Lincoln road his bike for a bit. Then I had to juggle the bike, 2 kids and the stoller all at the same time. Lacey likes to just run off or she likes to beheld and wants all my attention or just scream. She is sure a challenge at times. Lincoln wants to to either ride his bike, walk with us or go in the stroller. I do have my chariot stroller here but it doesn’t fit in our car all to well, so I have a umbrella stroller I got here. It does it’s job but I sure miss my nice stroller back home. The umbrella stroller can’t be pushed with just one hand. So it can makes things a bit more difficult. 

Lincoln loves having Uncle Logan here. He always wants to be right beside him or doing something with him, he has competion with Jessica. Lincoln also approves of Uncles Logan friend.

After the Boardwalk we came home and Lincoln went to the pool with Uncle Logan and Jessica The Logan and Jessica went for a run from our complex to the new Cause Way bridge.

DAY 3 (Feb 14 Friday): Maho beach, Boardwalk.

Friday Logan and Jessica got to take our car and explore the island on their own a bit. It is Valenitne’s day so I figure they would like to have some fun without us. They went to Maho Beach to watch the planes come in, then they headed to Boardwalk to hit a Crepe restaurant they saw the day before for some lunch and hit a few more stores. Then they went out for dinner to Bamboo, which is a sushi restaurant in Maho Village. From their pictures they took it looked like they had a lot of fun and they got lots of sun. They were a bit pink/red by the end of the day.

Nana Harker had send a Valentine's gift for Lincoln and Lacey with Uncle Logan so they got to open their gifts... Lincoln, Lacey and I just took it easy, we went to the pool in the morning with our friends then we came got dressed and went to visit Josh at school.

 Josh is the treasure for the student counsel so he had to help out at the bake sale they were putting on today at noon hour. So it was a prefect reason to go visit and buy some treats. Everyone loves seeing the kids at the school, kids were happy to get some treats and see dad for a few minutes…. Josh is studying like made for his block exams on Monday and Tuesday so no Valentines fun for us. I got to spend my night with Lincoln watching movies.

DAY 4 (Feb 15 Saturday): Bakery, Little Bay Beach, Carousel.

We got to go visit our local bakery then went to Little Bay Beach. Little Bay beach is actually a resort beach. All beaches here are public so your allowed to go to any beach even if the resort is right there. The resort is called Little Divi Resort. Lincoln wasn't feeling to well so we just sat on the grass near the beach in the shade and he had a nap and Lacey just played around with me.

Lacey enjoying life.

Lincoln taking a nap under the palm tree in the shade.


Logan and Jessica went snorkeling.


We then hit the Carousel that evening. Josh was even able to come get some gelato with us, then back to his books.

DAY 5 ( Feb 16 Sunday) Church, ZeeBest, CupeCoy, Low Lands, Marigot.

We went to church and let Logan and Jessica got to explore the island on their own. They went to Zee Best restaurant, then they drove up through Cupe Coy, to long bay and plum bay, then onto Marigot and ending up in St Peter’s which is around the hill ending into Philipsburg. They found a neat craft and art shop along the way. They then went to Marigot in the evening and watched a parade and grabbed some pizza.

DAY 6 ( Feb 17 Monday): Simpson Bay Beach
 Took it easy, then went to Simpson bay beach in the afternoon. I love going to the beach even though we are always covered in sand when we get home even though you think you washed it all off. Im always finding sand in the house and on the kids. In the evening Logan and Jessica took  a walk along the beach.

Day 7 ( Feb 18 Tuesday): Shell Island
  Logan went for a run, the kids and I went for a walk with the kids in the morning. Lacey has actually had a very sore bum so we stopped by the pharmacy to get some bum cream. We can actually only get baby bum cream at the pharmacy, not at a grocery store. Then we went to get some groceries, fridge is stocked :) Josh was finally done his block exams today, happy dance. Im always so ready for block exams to be done and I know Josh is too.  The week before blocks we really don’t see Josh at all other then 10 mins while he is grabbing supper and such. Since block exams were done we actually got to spend some time with him.... And this marks our half way mark of island life, 10 more months to go.


On our way to shell island, which is on the west side of the island.


We took the 5 mins walk through thigh high water. We were there just for a few minutes and it starts to pour rain on us. I’ve never felt this cold since being here on the island. We were all cold with the ocean breeze blowing and the rain coming down on us. I knew if it was going to keep rainy I was going to take the kids back cause they were pretty cold and I felt bad for them as there was no where to go hide them from the rain and wind. Luckly the rain did stop and we started to warm up. Looking for shells was so much fun. It’s the best place to find shells on the island. We came back with a back pack full of shells for Logan and Jessica to take home. Fun times !

DAY 8 (Feb 19 Wednesday): Marigot shops and Maho Beach.

 Uncle Logan and Jessica got their workout done in the morning by the pool side while we played in the pool. I love how Lacey says pool, its so cute. Then at nap time the two love birds headed to Marigot to check out a store that caught Jessica’s eye, and then went to "Top Carrot". They also got their sunset pictures.

DAY 9 (Feb 20 Thursday): Maho Beach, Zip-lining.

In the afternoon we got to go Zip-lining. It was a date afternoon for Josh and I as, Claire ( a wife on anther med. student) was able to watch our kiddos for us. We all had a great time and it was so much fun.

DAY 10 (Feb 21 Friday): Fort Amsterdam, pool, beach picnic, and Fire balls on the beach.

Lacey loves puddles, but who doesn't.


 When we were at Fort Amsterdam we saw a pirate boat sail by.


 It's always fun at Fort Amsterdam. Everytime we go to the Forts he want to find the treasure like he did with Papa Stewart.



Fire Ball at KimSha Beach.

DAY 11 ( Feb 22 Saturday) Pinel island day trip.

We all had lots of fun in the sun. It was a hot one. Lacey even decided it would be okay to have a nap under the palm tree with dad. Thats a first, this girl never takes a nap other then in her bed.


After Pinel island we when to KimSha Beach and had dinner at Buccaneer Beach Bar. We got to watch these guys wear these backpacks that are hooked to these little boats. With the water pressure they got a fun ride in the air. Looked fun.

     

DAY 12 ( Feb 23 Sunday) Church/ Boardwalk, children’s parade, beach run and night swim.

Lincoln sure had lots of fun with uncle Logan while he was visiting, he asks for him back all the time.


The childern's parade was in Marigot. It was suppose to start at 2pm. But I knew with island time nothing ever starts on time. We showed up at 3:30pm and it was just starting.


It was fun to see. Their costume were very bright and colorful.


The parade music was loud. Almost too loud.


 Parades on the island move so slow.


They even had some children cartoons.
 Glad we were able to caught the parade it was fun to watch.

Day 13 ( Feb 24 Monday) Pic Paradis, McDonald’s/ playcenter, Unitque world, afternoon swim. 

Pic paradis.


My little fish. He got one last swim in with uncle Logan before we had to drop them off at the airport.

Goodbyes were hard.  It’s hard for me but even harder to see the kid have a hard time. Lincoln was reaching for them as they walked away. He didn’t want them to leave.

We loved having this opportunity to spend time with Logan and Jessica. I love seeing my brother happy. He deserves it…. Jessica and I actually graduated together. We didn’t know each other to well as we graduated with 200 some students. So it’s fun getting to know her better.
The kids loved spending time with Uncle Logan.

The house feels pretty quite now that they are gone. Visitors make us realize how much we miss our family back home.

--- Letter C and Letter D ---
Lincoln and I were still able to do a letter each week at Lacey's nap time while our visitors were here.

Letter C - We also made a paper car and catipillar.


Letter D


Painting with Lincoln's dinosaurs. Dino foot prints.

University Of St. Eustatius School Of Medicine

Here's a look at what student life is like for Josh and what he gets to see each day being a medical student in a Caribbean University. Student life isn't easy thats for sure.  Long days of studying, little family time and lots of stress. He's lucky if he sees the beach once a month. I just thought I would show you all a look into the school life as well.

The University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine (ESEOM) is known as a premier Caribbean medical university along with having small class sizes and one of the best Clinical Medicine programs in the region.

Unique among Caribbean medical schools, we know our students by name, not by their student ID number. With a low 10:1 student-teacher ratio, professors’ doors are always open for assistance. Every student has an opportunity to participate in group study, or find a space for quiet, self study time.

The University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine provides students with high-speed wireless Internet access. Lucky, I'm jealous as our internet at our home is slow. Classes at the university are taught in English. Classrooms are fully air-conditioned, this is why Josh still hasn't adjusted to the heat as he practically lives in a refridgerator. 

The Clinical Program of the University of Sint Eustatius (what we will be doing after we are on St Maarten) offers a wide range of rotation opportunities. Instead of rotating in a single hospital or clinical group, USESOM students rotate at over 60 clinical sites throughout the U.S. Students can elect to rotate in a specific geographical location, or choose multiple sites across the country.

ISLAND LIFE - The island of St. Maarten is approximately 33 square miles in size.  USESOM is located on the Dutch side, which comprises nearly 40% of the island geography and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea.  The French side is to the North and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean

Language - The official languages of St. Maarten are Dutch and English.  French and English are officially spoken on the French side of the island (St. Martin). You will also hear a lot of Spanishsh

Weather - Like the other islands in the Caribbean, Saint-Martin has a tropical climate.  The average annual temperature is 27°C, peaking at around 32°C. Temperatures rarely dip below 20°C.  But with the feel like temp. it can feel between 40-50°C. The temperature on St. Martin is stable and benefits from the trade winds.  There is no rainy season as such and the showers are rather short.

Time Zone - St. Maarten is within the Atlantic time zone (-4 UTC).  During the Spring, Summer and Fall months, when the United States observes Daylight Savings Time (DST), St. Maarten’s time zone is in sync with the U.S.’s East Coast (Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)).  During Standard Time (November – March), the Atlantic time zone stays ahead one hour while most countries “fall back” one hour.  Hence, North America is behind St. Maarten by one hour during this period.... In the spring/ summer months we are 2 hours ahead of back home and in the fall/winter months we are 3 hours ahead of back home.

PHONE - Dialing to/from St. Maarten is similar to calling to/from the United States.  In late 2012, St. Maarten joined the North American Numbering Plan and now uses the Country Code “1″.  The local Area Code is “721″.  For example, to call the local phone number for USESOM Administration, dial 1-721-xxx-xxxx.

The University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine.

A look at a classroom.

And the students in a lecture (all wearing their bright green scrubs)

The Anatomy Lab

In the Anatomy lab they have plasticized bodies and a lot of other cool stuff that Lincoln loves to look at when he comes to visit dad.

  Hands on learning.

Here's a fews view of the University from the Simpson bay lagoon dock.

 This is the street that the University is located on.

This is the Medial Center students get an opportunity to do rounds at in St Maarten in their 5th term. Josh will do his rounds in September- December.

Here's some pictures to show you what the hospital looks like here.

Front Entrance

This is looking out from the hospital across the street.

The rest of the pictures are more pictures of the island and what it looks like here.

This picture above in Simpson Bay.

 The Yacht Club- Isle De Sol is the main place that Yachts are docked in the Lagoon.

Yachts docked at the Simpson Bay Lagoon

Local House

Cruise Ships

A view from the View point on the road going around the hill into town. On the left is Simpson BAy and on the right is Cole bay, where we live and the University is.

We get to view some amazing sunsets here.

I love all the different tropical plants they have here.

Valentines- Never Loved You More

When it was just the two of us I loved going on long walks, moving nights at home. Our late night runs, fun camping adventures and spontaneous dinner dates. I loved sleeping in, and making ourselves breakfast. You'd give me flowers. On saturdays we would go to the grocery store and meander up and down the aisles, then just do what ever. Our family was just you and I, and I loved it.

Now things are a little different. You've been by my side through the ups and downs of two pregnancies and deliveries. There's no more sleeping in, and a night out takes a lot of prep and planning but don't really exist with this med student life. Our love notes are scribbled on post it notes or text messages. We both experience hard long days being apart or not seeing each other much.

I was thinking about what romance means to me now, and a few moments came to mind- watching you play with the kids while I clean up dinner. See you play with the kids under the sheets in the morning with the kids. Seeing you try to do Lacey's hair some mornings when I haven't got around to it. Being surprised by a clean kitchen when you need to study. These things mean everything to me.

Our life has changed a lot and I've never loved you more.

I’m glad you settled for me.

Your my favourite person to lay nexted to as I fall asleep.

You are my best friend.

Thanks for all you do for me and the kids, it's all greatly appreciated/

Love you always.

Heres some Valentine Card from us