Jamaica - Beaches, Ocho Rios

Jason and I enjoy traveling.  We have been fortunate that our careers have given us many opportunities to travel to places we may never have visited on our own.  When we decided to start a family we knew we likely wouldn't be visiting Dubai or Sao Paolo any time soon but agreed we would continue to travel, just at a different pace.  Last year we took Colton to Aruba.  This year, we decided to visit Jamaica with the kids.  It was our first far away family vacation with the four of us.

We debated how to travel with such a large and heavy stroller.  We made the decision to check it at the Buffalo airport and pick it up in Jamaica.  This meant carrying Hollyn around the airport in her infant carrier and encouraging Colton to walk.  He ran.

Stopping for a quick breath while running through Dulles at 7:30 a.m. 

Yes, this means we were up and out of the house by 4:30 a.m.

Landed in Jamaicia, now starting our 2 hour bus ride to our resort

This was pre-nap, shortly after this photo, Colton slept soundly for over an hour

We stayed at Beaches, Ocho Rios.  The resort was built into a cliff and was equipped with 3 pools, a water park, beach, five restaurants and the Sesame Street characters.  This equals endless fun for kids.  While much of our time was spent poolside at the water park, we visited the beach several times for fun in the sand.

Keuka

We spent the second last week of August in Hammondsport on Keuka Lake. It was a relaxing week in on the water with great weather and family fun.  We took so many pictures it will take a few posts to be able to share our favorites.

Colton started pulling himself up to stand back in July -- now he is more confident than ever.  He maneuvered the big deck like a pro and was standing any time he wasn't chasing his ball.

Movin' - and 10 months old today!

"I will get that ball!"

Elizabeth checks out the view with Uncle Jason

Who needs toys when you have a bottle to play with.

Grandpa Mike found a swing and hung it up near the porch --  a Colton & Elizabeth favorite for much of the week.

Can you spot the top two teeth start to make an appearance?

Mom & me -- wine on the dock.

Up, Up, and Away (Colton's 1st flight)

Colton and I had a successful flight to Florida to visit Jason.  We were fortunate to have very friendly people sitting near us on the plane who were eager to help us along the way.  Colton was a trooper the whole flight - he slept a bit, smiled a ton and charmed everyone around us without letting out a cry!

Airport arrival and ready to go!

A friendly traveler offered to take our picture before Colton's first flight.

Testing out our shared seat - I am so excited there is a TV for me to watch!

We made it, and I am already feeling the 80 degree Florida weather!

I even got a set of Jet Blue airplane wings to commemorate my first flight.

We met my friend Alison for lunch before heading to the hotel

 We made it - Jason had Colton's crib brought to the room

Daddy... FINALLY!  After five days apart, Jason was thrilled to hold our little guy.

 A night out on the town with Mommy & Daddy