One of the things I love most about traveling is the immense learning opportunities that arise. Not only about other cultures, but about our own abilities and even our limitations. This holiday has been no exception. Our family has learned so much…mainly that we suck at wake boarding, paddle boarding, crab racing, and sunset fishing. Of all the activities sunset fishing has to be the worse. Not only do we have no patience, but turns out some of us are actually afraid of live fish! It would have been an epic fail, except for the staff whom I suspect felt sorry for us and “threaded the needle” so to speak in order to give us a semblance of success. It doesn’t matter though. All our failures gave us lots of opportunities to laugh at one another, and enjoy the experience of being “collectively bad” together.
Sunset fishing and we are ready to catch the “big one.”
Sunset fishing is a misnomer. The fish don’t actually bite until dark. But going out early gives us an excuse to enjoy the sun and sea.
And luxuriate in the spectacular sunset atop our boat.
Brian and I in a moment of pure relaxation. This is harder than it looks when you have three kids
In a moment of quiet, Brian and Paige revel in the peacefulness of the sun slowly descending into the sea.
And then it’s fishing time. At first Olivia is very excited.
Before long though, everyone realizes fishing is actually boring. That’s Grace reading her Kindle and Paige fast asleep sitting up.
The staff get a bite and let Olivia reel it in, but seeing the fish close up scares her, and she nearly drops her first catch.
However, Olivia quickly gets the hang of it, and before long becomes an expert fisherman. That’s a white snapper by the way.
And before anyone comments, YES! I did go sunset fishing in my traveling dress. I think it’s obvious I’ve never been fishing before. How would I know what to wear? But it’s fine-laugh it up. All my family definitely did!
Earlier in the day the girls and I go on a wake-boarding lesson. I am only there for emotional support.
The girls however, can’t wait to try their hand at this fun and “new to them” adrenaline inducing sport.
They are actually terrible. At one point, I ask, “Are my girls the worst students you’ve ever had?” The instructor smiles, but refuses to answer.
But you know “Murphys never quit!” And eventually…it happens. Success!
A very fun afternoon full of frustration and failure that ends in triumph!
Paddle boarding is another story. Amazingly enough, I turn out to be the best paddle boarder in the family. And except for the fact that I can’t stop, start, steer, turn or control my speed in any way…I am a natural.
Then it’s Crab Race time and now you know where the girls get their fierce competitive spirit. Yes, that’s Brian with his game face on ready to annihilate his competitors…aka, his children.
Paige trying to pump her crab up with a pep talk and last minute coaching.
Olivia is confident her crab will win. But we don’t. We even lose in the Loser Round.
But it doesn’t matter. We have such a fun day just playing…
Laughing…
Loving…
And enjoying…
Each other!