Day 4: Bahamas 🇧🇸

Our family decided to do a family beach day excursion. We were up early and ready to get off the ship to enjoy a day on the white sandy beaches and clear blue waters of the Bahamas. 

A smaller boat took us to our own "private " island (and by private they mean you and the other 150 people who chose a similar excursion... so not super private but still). It was exciting to be in the Bahamas. We knew we were super touristy and this day I just didn't care. 

I love these shots because you can see the Cruise ships all docked behind us. And the crystal blue waters. It was quite a site!

After about a 20 minute boat ride we arrived at our not so private private island. It was just what you'd picture. White sand beaches, beautiful waters, beach music blaring a little more loudly than I'd pictured in my minds eye, and those 150 other people. No locals were on this beach as you could only get there by boat, so just us tourists and those that work there, where a lunch of four chicken fingers and 3 water bottles only costs a mere $40😱. But we were in paradise. I suppose that's the price one pays. 

There was a nice pool to dip in as well. Unfortunately, Alex had a stomach bug that started about the time we got off the boat and by the time we reached the island he was throwing up. He threw up pretty much the entire time we were on our excursion, but he was a pretty good trooper through it all. Poor guy. We still enjoyed the beautiful view and I just sat and held my little guy. By the end he was feeling better and was ready to play in the pool. 

Then before we knew it it was time to head back. I think we got on the island around 10:30 and by 2 we needed to leave. The time really flew by, and I thought we would have maybe another hour. But we did have about 30 minutes to explore Nasau a little and get a few souvenirs before heading back to the ship.

Then it was time to head back towards Charleston. That evening we enjoyed the beautiful views from the ship and Shaun and I took advantage of the kid camps to enjoy an evening out.

These views constantly took my breath away. God is amazing. His hand is in all creation. The see, so beautiful and serene, can also be dangerous and threatening. It humbled me being out on the vast ocean, realizing how little I am, and my worries and problems, and yet knowing He cares for me all the same. It almost felt irreverent to be out on the see with so many people drinking, gambling, and partying. I know people go on vacation to escape the real world, but I guess as much as I wanted to relax and unwind (as much as you can with three kids at least), I also want my soul to commune with nature. I find that truly restorative. Maybe I'm just an old soul, but that's what I loved most. Sitting out on a quiet side deck, talking with family, and taking in this amazing view.

And there you have it. Day 4 of our vacation drew to a close.