Fall Clean-up at Grandma McAdams

We spent Saturday morning helping Grandma McAdams get her yard ready for the winter. Well, Ben, Grandma, Jeremy, Rachel and the Pack's did the work. Our brood busied themselves by eating the remaining grapes on the vine, playing on the tree-swing, climbing trees, jumping on the trampoline, playing with cousins, and generally enjoying the beautiful Fall morning.

Carving Pumpkins

James and Kate had a blast "scooping out the guts". Robert curiously explored the pumpkin lids with his mouth and got a taste of the guts. Ben and I finished the job. The whole family enjoyed the finish products!

New York City

Tacked on the end of our vacation was a quick stop in NYC. We arrived late Saturday afternoon and left early this morning (Wednesday). The excuse for the detour and delay in getting home was so that I could attend a conference on intellectual property licensing for work on Monday and Tuesday. I did attend the conference, but, of course, the best part of the detour/delay was the chance to visit the city, friends, and our favorite eateries (Ben to Saigon Grill and Naples 45. Julie to Pinkberry, Cosi, and Pio Pio). We had a fabulously busy few days. (I only wish I had remembered to take more pictures.)

Pio Pio - someone please help me find the secret sauce in SLC.

New York Hospital. Where Kate and James were born.

The End.

Seven glorious days in the Caribbean came to an end Saturday morning. A few final shots and thoughts are below.

Top row: Amie, Isaac, Matthew

Bottom row: Laurel, Ian, Ben, Julie, and Ethan
The boat: Santa Cruz Blues
The location: Beef Island, Tortola

Ben being dragged behind the boat.

Julie being dragged - just for the thrill.

A quick and crazy storm on the sea.

Jerk chicken pizza at Pussers (horrible name for a restaurant).

St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands

After a long sail from Virgin Gorda, we docked in US territory at St. Croix. A lovely stroll through Fort Christainsvaern, a dip in a pool, window shopping, and a nice meal together. Overall, a very nice and relaxing day. The group on the steps of The Government House of the United States Virgin Islands.

The pictures in the slide show below were all taken at Fort Christainsvaern.

Finally, the cuisine for the evening, featured by Rum Runners.

The picture of the crab below is for Kate. It's Bruce's cousin from the Caribbean. He asked that you say hello to Bruce from him.

The Baths at Virgin Gorda

A volcano that never erupted resulted in crazy, huge (some are three stories high) rocks lining part of the shoreline of Virgin Gorda. It's called The Baths. We hiked and waded our way along a very cool trail and swam and snorkeled in the area. We ate super yummy coconut chicken sandwiches for lunch at a restaurant called the Top of the Baths that was a short hike from the beach. A fun, fun day.

An evening at Virgin Gorda

Sunset at the Mine Shaft Cafe on Virgin Gorda.

The Mine Shaft Cafe for dinner.

Amie cooked yummy Banana's Foster for dessert.