Mercedes and the Girls

Today we wandered down the road to the Ocean Club, where Daniel Craig as James Bond filmed part of Casino Royale.  Brad wanted to take a picture of himself tying his shoe like Bond does, but then felt kind of silly thinking about doing it in front of the doormen.  It, too, is a very nice place to stay--without all the ostentatious-ness of Atlantis.  Which probably explains why they chose Bond to stay at the Ocean Club, and not at Atlantis!  He is a man of class.

We wandered down the beach to swim, and it is so lovely. The water is the classic Caribbean blue, and the sands are white and clean. We were GOING to swim, but the water was cold! I waded in about knee deep, Brad a little deeper, but we were not interested in the swimming we had planned on! So back to the water slides it was.  This time, the almost vertical drop was in pitch darkness, and I didn’t scream at all! I was really surprised, though, at how my heart got going while we were waiting in line!

We were interested in finding some food that was a little more authentic (and a little cheaper!) that what was offered at the hotel, so we walked across the bridge and found a restaurant to have conch fritters and peas n’ rice.  Peas n’ rice are good.  Conch fritters?  Conch is way too rubbery for my tastes, not to mention the gristly hard bits you run into throughout.  But I tried them, and Brad did too!  Tonight we went to dinner with one of Brad’s coworkers and his wife, which was fun.  Afterwards, there was a free concert with a soprano, tenor, and bass singing in one of the lobbies, with the aquarium in the background.  A very nice last evening.  Today was Mac’s birthday, so we called her during the day and wished her Happy Birthday.  We’ll celebrate a little more when we get home!

The girls at home celebrated today without us!  Grandma made cupcakes with them--all three of them helped.  Mac put tons of candles in her cupcake, which made Leiden upset.  Leiden didn't think Mac should put any more than 4 candles in.  I suppose it does go against the laws of Birthday. 

Leiden gave Mac a new Fancy Nancy book, and was kind enough to read it to her. 

Grandma broke out presents, as well.  Both Mac and Mimi got goggles (Mac is so excited), water shoes, a shirt, and hair clips.  Grandma reported that Leiden was a little out of sorts about all the gifts going to what seemed like everyone but her.  Telling her that in May she'll be the one to get presents didn't seem to help a whole lot.

Hopefully the goggles will encourage faces in the water--we seem to be entering a phase where water on her face is undesirable. 

 

This evening the girls enjoyed some playtime and then some down time after jammies were on. 

 

Happy Birthday, sweet Mac!  We'll see you soon!