Rob won a year long contest in 2008 that sent us on a St. Kitts get-a-way this past week. He worked incredibly hard to make it and was one of only a few agents to qualify after only operating his agency for 2 and a half years. I was the lucky duck who just got to tag along- and was thrilled to do that!!
We stayed at the Royal Marriot St. Kitts Resort where everything was included- it got a little crazy within the huge group of agents. It was unbelievable how well Erie took care of us- from a chartered plane to gifts in our room each night- I was in complete shock. (this is not something we would have ever experienced). We were able to go on a catamaran cruise with snorkeling, tour the capital city of Basseterre, and of course relax at the beach. We had pretty good weather- it rained one morning (but the beach was still pretty cool as the rain was pelting us!). I was more responsible than I usually am with sunscreen (remembering a Myrtle Beach vaca a few years ago-oops) so we did not burn much at all! It was about 80-85 degrees!
One of the most intriquing parts of the trip were the people of St. Kitts (Kittians). We were amazed by their talents in music, crafts, and of course trying to bamboozle Americans who look lost. Within an hour of our arrival, a trio of monkeys was plopped on Rob as a man told me to take pictures- only later to find out this was not just for kicks and giggles, but he wanted 20 bucks!! You'll see one of those "wonderful" photos in the montage- hey, we got experience right?! We stayed away from that man as best as we could the rest of our stay :)
This country has two islands-St. Kitts and Nevis- both of which have a volcano and rainforest. The landscape was breathtaking! The Kittians were very kind, but we were a bit uneasy walking around the city alone down some of the back alleys- our true ignorance revealed, I'm sure.
Being only a few days long was perfect because we were missing our K-bear quite a bit by Wed. I think she almost over the fact that we left her- she was in such good hands while we were gone- like her own vacation with both sets of grandparents. But we were happy to see that the weather here is halfway decent to get us back into the swing of March in Ohio. :)
Check out my new slippies! Ooooo!!
No time to pose, gotta go mom!
singing "la, la, la" as she runs along...
lunch break, who's in?
Watching the "lide" and trying to figure out how to get back to it. (slide) Once we slid down, she just wanted to turn around and run back up it! We have had some nasty sickness running through our house for the past week and a half. I think that we are all recovered now. Kailyn started it all with strep throat (they told me kids her age couldn't get it...well surprise, she got it- let's just say I have had a rough time with her Dr.'s office the past few weeks. That's a whole other angry mom story though.) Then she woke up with the stomach virus in the middle of the night Sunday. From there, we all pretty much got everything and have been on numerous antibiotics. I'm finally headed back to school tomorrow! (and then to an ENT to discuss my tonsils in March :( ).
Here's what we did on one of my BONUS snow days!
Now that's how you're supposed to use it!
We're just hanging out and living the life around here! There really isn't too much news or excitement to report! I had one "bonus" day so far for the cold weather- which was a nice surprise. We have found plenty to keep us busy- from chasing dust bunnies to tours on the wagon to piling up papers and crumpling them- prenty much anything that you would never imagine would be fun until you see it through the baby's eyes.
Naked baby on the loose!!!
The binky is now retired except for naptime and bedtime. She usually hands it right over.
Kailyn's new spot is Rob's chair. She pushes the ottoman over to it, climbs up, and scoots way back to sit just like daddy. As soon as Rob leaves the room, she runs over and climbs in...which cracks us up. The other day she even grabbed his hand, and started to take him into the kitchen and then ran back and got in his place. She totally knows she's being ornery too!
Yummy peach!
The cousins-
We watched old videos of Christmases and other family gatherings. It was so funny to see what everyone looked like and how we all acted.
KB and grampy playing the piano
Part of the Baldauf clan
What a wonderful holiday season we have had so far! We spent Christmas Eve day at home just relaxing (it's been so nice to just sit back and enjoy spending time with Kailyn without having to go to work). That evening we headed to my mom and dad's for our traditional Christmas Eve spaghetti dinner. Then we went to church (where Kailyn behaved beautifully- staying for the whole service instead of going to the nursery) and returned to mom and dad's to open Christmas presents. It was such a treat to have Bevan home (he surprised everyone by coming 2 days early!) and just enjoy being with everyone. Then it was home again to wait for Santa to arrive!
Great Grandma Medvedeff has a special connection with Kailyn! While she was super shy with everyone else, she kept walking right up to her GG and wanting to be picked up.
Rocking to "Wild Thing" on her new guitar. 
We headed over to her grandma and grandpa Eshbaugh's where we opened presents, ate tons of food, and played with new toys. I was very impressed that Kailyn kept with her napping and took an hour and a half nap~ this made the day much more delightful!
Kailyn and cousin Natalie helped each other open presents.
We started a new tradition of drinking pina coladas and strawberry daquiris and of course Kailyn had to try one too. Contrary to her Great Uncle Bobby's harrassment :) they were not alcoholic.
Our little family :)
Next we were off to Kailyn's grandma and grandpa Haynes' for Christmas dinner.
