Ambergris Caye with Grandma Bonnie

When we first started telling folks that we were moving to Belize we were told about this beautiful paradise where the daily temperatures range between 85 and 90 and where the skies are blue but the water is even bluer! Where palm trees wave in the sea breeze and where you live in flip flops. Well we finally were able to visit that part of Belize! It was absolutely beautiful!

'Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, and the main destination for travellers to this western Caribbean nation. San Pedro is the only town on the island. Ambergris Caye has been the hub of Belizean area maritime trade for centuries. Fishing, coconuts, and chicle were historic means of islanders support, but the last thirty years have led to a large growth in both the Belize dive and scuba trade, and ecotourism.'

We were blessed to stay for four days in a very nice resort which Grandma Bonnie was able to secure with her time share group. Our family was blessed to stay in a lovely 2 bedroom apartment with a pretty view of the gorgeous ocean. The highlight of the vacation was the trip to the reef in a glass bottom boat where we visited Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Grady and I were able to snorkle with the children with the sharks and rays as well as explore the coral reef amidst the colorful fish and creatures. Our favorite was the sea turtle who we saw grazing on the sea floor and also the 200 pound grouper who opened his huge mouth and lunged toward Grant! Having the glass bottom was such an amazing blessing also.. the little girls and Grandma were able to view some of the sights without getting wet! :) Thank you Grandma for treating us to a lovely time ♥

Amanda and Ashley

Rye-Bo



The little girls could have stayed all 4 days at the beach digging!



Grady catches the big one!



Grant flies the kite grandma bought him







We spent a bit of time at this beach- it was somewhat private and also very clean



The funniest thing- San Pedro town is filled with Pit Bulls! But we determined that they are definitely nicer Pit Bulls than in the U.S. On two separate occasions, Grant had a Pit Bull following him. Both of them adopted him and stuck to him like glue. Now I can see why the Pit Bull has a following of loyal owners. These were some sweet dogs!

Amanda is feeling a lot better, praise the Lord!

A local boy runs down the beach

Another friendly Pit Bull beach dog

Someone is growing up!

Grace and I in the golf cart



There are only a few motorized vehicles on Ambergris Caye. The common mode of transportation is via bike and golf cart.


We used to think that photos like this had been photo shopped!







Grandma with the older children















We stayed on the third floor of this complex

Here the glass bottomed boat is waiting for us to board

Grace was very excited to go on a boat! We were concerned she would be scared with the glass bottom and the loud motor but really she did great!

San Pedro Town from the sea. We didn't know this color of blue even existed!

..or this color of blue

Grandma Bonnie

Here the boys look through the glass bottom. The entire bay which is between the shore and the reef ranges between 6-20 feet so you could see through the clear water to the bottom.

Here we see a 3 foot long nurse shark. The children and Daddy snorkled with a school of these as well as sea rays! Sure wish we had some under water photos.. hmm maybe I can borrow a few from Google....

We saw a Sea Turtle just like this one, grazing on the sea floor

Blue Tangs were everywhere among the coral

The Sting Rays were unbelievable! SO pretty!

This young man, Samuel became our wonderful friend on the trip. We had quite a few conversations with him. Please pray for him and his family.. and that he would draw closer and closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus!

Goodbye Ambergris Caye!

As the sun set and we sailed away on the ferry which took us from the Cayes back to Belize City, we saw a group of dolphins, playing in the wake of the ferry. I wish I could have caught it with the camera.. What a blessed time together, enjoying the creation which God has created.