Trinidad

We were so lucky to spend a couple of weeks with Grammy and Papa in Trinidad.  We were sure to only pack the necessities.

 It was such a happy reunion. We had a dance party that night to celebrate!

And the next day we had a Thanksgiving feast. I can honestly say it was the best Thanksgiving I have ever had. It was so special to be there with my parents. And with McCrae napping, we were really able to sit and enjoy one another...and the food!

 

 Enjoying leftovers just a few short hours after we cleaned up.

We spent the next couple of days prepping for the Thanksgiving feast my parents were hosting for 60 missionaries. My mom and I cooked and pulled apart 5 full turkeys. It was a lot of work, and the spread was unbelievable.

As soon as Thanksgiving was over, it was time to start decorating for Christmas. Decorating in the Caribbean doesn't quite have the same feel, but it kept us busy, and Clark Griswold happy.

McCrae loved helping Papa.

 I think this was the first time my parents had sat down in the 5 months they've been gone.

After recovering from all of the festivities, we hit the beach! Maracas Bay was gorgeous...and we had it all to ourselves.

 What a great way to spend your birthday. Happy 30th to Conner!

 

 Trinidadian Bake n' Shark. DE-licious!

A little banana cream pie for the birthday boy. This was taken after he went on visits with the missionaries. He said they were in a sketchy part of town, but he had fun reliving his missionary days. Conner flew back to Utah after staying a week. We hated to see him go.

Port of Spain Zoo.

 

Doing some yard work with Grammy.

And enjoying his reward for a job well done.

Exploring the city of Port of Spain (from the safety of our car).

The traffic is horrendous...EVERYWHERE in Trinidad. And there are KFC's on every corner.

But it sure is colorful, and the children are beautiful.

In my parents' neighborhood, there was a house that was decked out in Christmas lights. McCrae had to come and see this bear every day… multiple times.

One day Papa took us into town to see how steel pans were made. This boy played us a little number, and then let us have a try.

Grammy caught a frog! I think it was the highlight of McCrae's entire vacation.

Fun in the sun (or the kiddie pool) every day, sure wore us out!

Sinterklaas found us...even when we were on the other side of the world!

Enjoying our last ice cream party.

My dad had to leave for the airport before we even woke up. I found this note in my shoe. And I cried. Saying goodbye again was NOT fun.

My mom took us to the airport and we sobbed our eyes out. I can't believe how hard their mission is. It was such an eye-opening experience to spend some time with them while they serve in this calling. I am overwhelmed by the fact that the Church is run entirely on a volunteer basis. I can't imagine the physical and emotional tolls placed on so many faithful Latter-Day Saints who are willing to serve the Lord and consecrate all they have to the progression of His Church. I love my parents, and their example, and for being blessed as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.