Back to life, back to reality

We just got home from one very fun, relaxing, and memorable vacation to Jamaica. We went with our friends the Meltons and Allens, who both have girls the same age as Ellery. Needless to say, Ellery is now wondering where her "sisters" are as well as why we can't go swimming right after breakfast or to the beach for lunch. I have about 200 pictures from the week, but here are just a few of the highlights:

our little beach girl

This was Ellery's 1st week of pigtails...it's like her hair grew overnight while we were vacationing

the three little musketeers Ellery, Madikate, and Ella

I think this might be my favorite place on earth!

Ellery and Nathan hanging out at the tree bar where the bartender whipped up fruit smoothies for the girls

Nathan and Ellery just lounging by the beach

Ellery's 1st view of the ocean

Ellery and MK: little beach bums

Girl talk

Ella is so used to Ellery giving her kisses that she automatically leans in for them

We laugh that Ellery is the "mother hen" of the group. This picture makes me laugh because it looks as if MK is saying, "Shhhh..don't tell on me Ellery!!"

No trip is complete without a little toddler wrestling

the girls on a night out... where were the little girls?...see next picture

Sweet ladies Irene and Hillary not only whipped us up an incredible breakfast each morning...they also babysat for us a couple of nights so that the adults could enjoy a dinner out.

Sand castle building

Our view!!

Ellery's 1st lesson in throwing rocks

On the way home...all three wearing their new Jamaica outfits

Walking out to the plane...after Nathan took this picture she starting running. A future pilot??

And my favorite picture of all...can we do it again next year??