Simpson Bay, Windsor Castle, and Maho.

Day 7: Our last day, waaaaa. The week went by fast but we had so much fun and I was able to show them most of the places on my list.
We hadn't checked out Simpson Bay and since we used to live there Orlean wanted to check out the beach. I forgot how beautiful this beach was. I was all beached out, yes you can get sick of the beach, and didn't wear my suit or put them on the kids, but that didn't stop Krysten. I was almost tempted to go in.

Tom and Or were able to ride some decent sized waves, I think Orlean even took Krysten out with one.

Orlean was looking on the internet and past visitors to the Island raved about "Hilma's Windsor Castle" so we had to check it out. I have driven past her little food camper a thousand times but never noticed it. She has been in the same spot with no renovations for 20 years now. She makes a mean fish sandwich and of course Johnny cakes on the side. We enjoyed a yummy lunch.

Tom's favourite drink of the trip was "Ting", we went through a flat and a half. He even smuggled one home. I still think he has it, must be saving it for a rainy or snowy day;)

A few pictures of the outside of our apartments and the road we live on.

A quick stop at the blue mall in CupeCoy and one last stop at Maho to watch some more planes come in before we head to the Airport.

We had so much fun, thanks for coming to visit. The kids were crying for you guys to come back and we are all looking forward to seeing you all and the rest of the family in August.

Church and Pic Paradis

Day 6: Every Sunday we go to church at the Philipsburg Branch from 9-12. It's a 3 minute drive up the road from where we live.We have about 60 members in attendance each Sunday, our chapel is starting to overflow, and by the year 2018 they are hoping to have a stake. There have already been 5 baptisms this year. I am currently teaching sunday school and Monty is the second councillor in the Elders Quorum. If you don't know what a calling is, go here www.lds.org or ask me:)

Our awesome Branch.

While Monty had to study and Eli was napping, the rest of us went up to see the views from Pic Paradis on the French side.

Shell Island, Plum Bay and Long Bay...

Day 5: We headed out to Shell Island on the French side. You walk across knee deep water, for me at least it's knee deep, and explore the little island. We have found the best shells on this island, hence the name, shell island.

One of our goals for the 12 months that we will be living in St. Maarten is to visit all 36 beaches. We have seen 20, only 4 months to see the remaining 16, can we do it? Below is Plum Bay, also located on the French side. In the middle left picture you can see Donald Trumps property, which retails at a whopping 20 million dollars. We found plum bay to be very secluded and a bit rocky for the kids. Monty Snorkelled, but the visibility was limited that afternoon.

About a ten minute drive past Plum Bay is Long Bay (Baie Longue) one of the islands longest beaches it is located in the lowlands and is the first beach on the French side after leaving the dutch side.. This beach was beautiful, with its white sand, and "long" strips of beach to walk on. We also found it to be very quiet.

Pinel Island

Day 4: This was the kids and I third time going to Pinel Island or Islet Pinel. We love this little day trip. You take a 10 dollar including return (kids are free),  5 minute boat trip across to the secluded island. The first boat leaves at 10am and the last one leaves the island at 4pm for the day. There are two restaurants on the island, they are quite pricey so we always pack our own lunch.
We start our day with finding one of the only shaded spots to drop our stuff off, then head over to feed the pack of Iguanas. This little island offers 360 degrees views of some of the other islands such as St. Barths and Tintamarre, the beach on the back offers great shells, small hikes and some ok snorkelling.

As you can see it's a long, fun day and by the time we are heading home in the car the kids are out!

Mullet Bay and the Carousel

Day three: We headed out to Mullet Bay in the morning, this is one of my favourite beaches for its white sand and pristine waters. 

We ended the day with some delicious gelato and a carousel ride. Orlean said the gelato was as good as it was in Italy;) 

Ft. Louis, Marigot, and Maho beach...

Ready for the sun!

Ft. Louis

As most of you know St. Maarten is half dutch and the other half is french. On our second day we ventured to the French side for some great views, shopping and yummy treats.

The marketplace is open 7 days a weeks, but Wednesday and Saturdays are their busy days where more tents are set up. You can get almost any type of St. Maarten souvenirs, fresh fruit/produce, fish and spices.

We enjoyed some yummy crepes and cheese croissants at the infamous "Sarafinas".

Since Monty had just written a block exam he was able to take some time off to show his family some fun. He took them to Maho beach to see the planes come in, get sand blasted and enjoy a swim.

Boardwalk, Divi Little Bay and Fort Amsterdam

I decided to show them the boardwalk first thing in the morning as to avoid the heat, what I have since learned is that  unless it is night time, the boardwalk is always hot. Carrying a 35 pound 3 year old didn't help either.

Uncle Tom was able to capture some great pictures while they were visiting, thank you for sharing!

Below is looking onto Great Bay in Philipsburg, and front street.

The Roman Catholic church on the Boardwalk and St. Martin statue.

From top left: Courthouse, Oranje school, old methodist church, an old house on Front Street.

We love going to the boardwalk and looking at the cruise ships.

I love the colours of the Caribbean, these boats were sitting just off the beginning of the boardwalk. Old street was neat to walk through, we found some treasures at one of their shops.

Once Monty was done class he was able to join us for a quick evening swim at Divi Little Bay.

Just to the west of Divi Little Bay is Fort Amsterdam, a short hike to the top and the view was amazing!