TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Sat., April 22 - and so it begins........

And here I sit, 5:30 am and already out on our balcony and watching my first cruise ship of the day sail by. It's a Carnival and looks like a biggie but from here I can't make out the name.

Our kidlets will start to arrive today. What lucky parents we are.......

The clouds are the big puffy ones - the kind that would remind me of cotton candy if only they were pink - and this morning we have gentle breezes still blowing throughout the apartment. The birds are chirping a verse of what I think must be their own Hallelujah Chorus and the water out on Mullet pond couldn't be any smoother. And the sun! That glorious feeling of it pouring down on your shoulders - I don't think there's anything that compares. This is a very good place to be in at this moment in time. And there's not one dog out there barking. Yet!!

All showered and dressed and so we wait. And of course, don't you know, the Delta JFK flight was late today. But daughter number one (who in the pecking order is really number 2......) arrived all safe and sound and after stowing her bag at the Towers, we headed off to El Zafiro for a late lunch. Two shrimp Caesars and one Greek salad and all were delicious as were the fruit punches. The owner, Nicole, was there and made our day by bringing the lovely little Bella out for a meet and greet.

We took Karen for a little mini tour since it's been seven or eight years since she was last here, and then she and her Dad walked across the golf course and out to Mullet Beach to take a few photos and selfies. Poor girl was exhausted and as if getting up at 3am wasn't bad enough, her Delta n/s out of JFK was delayed and had to take an inland route most of the way, delaying their arrival even more. But things could always be worse - they could have cancelled the flight completely.

Our very late lunch allowed us to snack for dinner and I'm sure a good nights sleep will be the first order of the evening.

And it was!!

Enjoy, sounds like a lovely day!

Glad she got there ok, albeit delayed. Hope things continue to go well and the weather cooperates.

#1 boarded and waiting to leave. Total nightmare getting to JFK today. Nasty accident at the Rockaway Blvd exit. We had to get off an on ramp and wind our way through to the airport. Then TSA didn't like my hair products and had to swipe them!!! Plane boarded early and looks like pushing off early!! See you soon!

Oh no!! Not the hair products! Safe travels and have fun.

It looks like the "Bossy" one is on her way down, I will be saying prayers for all of you. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

She's really not that way at all, Brian. Well, not very much ........ <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> but we love her and eagerly look forward to her arrival. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Do not be late at the airport! <img src="http://65.246.19.145/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

And watch out for those hair products, they are already under suspicion. <img src="http://65.246.19.145/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Pat,

Just kidding, although her siblings might agree with me a little bit. I know how special it can be for you and your husband to have all your girls together with you so I hope it all turns out to be a very wonderful time together. Enjoy a blessed time.

Thank you, Brian, and I knew you were just messin' around.

We are truly blessed in that we have two terrific daughters who brought home terrific SILs, and on top of our own kidlets, we have two almost daughters - I think of them as daughters of the heart - one of whom will also be joining us today.

Glad she made it ok, although late. Enjoy!

Pat, enjoy this special time with your daughters. You are truly blessed!

Thank you. All my kidlets are now present and accounted for. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I hope that everyone in your group enjoys the finest of weather, the best of health and the most enjoyable of stays for the rest of your vacation.

Looking forward to the rest of your reports and any photos that you share.

Enjoy.

Have fun