April 21-15, Nassau, Bahamas~Atlantis

Several weeks ago Trish invited us to join them on a family trip to the Bahamas.  We were both pleasantly surprised when Andy agreed to join us.  Ed and Peg stopped by our house on the 21st at 4:30 am and we drove together to the airport for our 5:50 flight with a layover in Baltimore where we were joined by Trish, Chad, Luke & Lily for the second leg of our journey. The flight from Baltimore to Nassau is only 2 hours and 15 minutes which is about Andy's limit for sitting in one spot.  It was quite a long walk from the tarmack to customs so he was worn out by the time we made it to the limo that Chad had waiting for us as we left the airport.

Our Limo to Atlantis

The fountain in front of the Royal Towers where we stayed

Behind our hotel

I, of course, thought of Sharon as I passed the many waterfalls on grounds.

We spent most days at the Aquaventure Water park enjoying the multiple pools, winding lazy river and water slides alternating time at the beach which was only steps away from most of the pools.

I took these photos on a morning walk before the park opened

The Cove hotel where Trish and Chad stayed

Entering the lazy river

riding the river elevator to the next level

Sand Art at the beach

More sand art. 

On Sunday we went to Dolphin Cay (pronounced "key") for a Sea Lion Encounter. This was Trish and Chad's treat for the Grandparents and kids!

Meet Sebastian

Ed got a special kiss!

The most important part of our trip, according to Mr. B, was our meal plan!  We opted to buy into the meal plan which gave you choices at restaurants on the Paradise Resort and I would highly recommend it if you decide to go.  You got a breakfast and dinner but we had a breakfast buffet and ate so much that we never needed lunch and we went to dinner early, around 6, to avoid the crowds.  Dinner included an appetizer or salad, entree and a dessert.  Trust me, if you didn't have a meal plan and looked at the prices listed on the menu you would not eat until you got back to the states!  Our 5 day meal plan paid for itself in 3 days and we tried things we otherwise would never even think about. One of my favorites was Seafire Restaurant down on the wharf.  The breakfast buffet at Poiseidon's Table in our hotel was great as well.

Playing a little music down on the wharf

Even Pop Pop joined in!

Sunday evening we cancelled our reservations at Olive's.  We had eaten there on the first evening and the service was really slow, "Island time", and we wanted to make it to the beach for the sunset.  We instead had the dinner buffet.  We spent the evening on the beach.  Unfortunately, as sunset got closer the clouds rolled in so the sunset wasn't as pretty as we had imagined.  But it was a great way to end our trip.

What a wonderful way to spend an evening!