Home and gone again

The perfect beach in Tobago

I'm home. Tobago was amazing - gorgeous beaches, undeveloped coastlines, rain forests, coral reefs, mangroves, incredibly friendly people, delicious Creole food, I even saw a giant leatherback turtle lay her eggs on the beach. I was amazed that only 50,000 people inhabit the island - less than the population of Fredericton! My meetings went really well (yes, I was there for work) and I have a much better idea of the work I'll be doing in Jamaica in the Fall. I can't wait to soon call the Caribbean my home.

But, even as I was swimming in the warm ocean and watching a sea turtle hide beneath a rock under my feet, I missed home. The first night away was tough for me and for my boys. Caleb tried desperately to get Alan to go back to the airport and hop on a plane to find mommy. But, after that first night, Alan and Cale had a really great time together. The plan was for Alan to take Cale to Fredericton the following morning, but they ended up enjoying their one-on-one time so much that they spent a few extra days in Halifax. It makes me so happy to know that I have such a capable, hands-on and super fun husband.

And I arrived just in time for Mother's Day. I was spoiled with wonderful breakfasts and dinners (complete with washed dishes), canoeing, hiking, tennis and sunshine. I must say, this is quickly becoming my favorite holiday. Birthdays are nice, but I feel like I've actually earned Mother's Day - I deserve to be spoiled! We packed as much family fun into the weekend as we could as Alan left this morning to tour in Australia for a month. I'm glad we have an adaptable son who doesn't seem to mind the constant travel in our lives. We'll both miss dad, but this is our last extended time apart before the Fall. Before we know it the summer will be here and we'll be spending our weekends at music festivals or camping together, packing in lots more family fun.