We got home on 8/28 from this year’s vacation in Roatan and launched into a busy couple weeks. A highlight was Henry’s baby dedication at our LA church on Sunday 9/8. My family and Josh’s mom came which was special. We were missing Aunt Becky because she had caught the sickness we’d been fighting. And of course our hearts were sad as we remembered Nathan’s baby dedication in the same place, but how Granddad wasn’t here this time for Henry’s.

We’ve been blessed to be getting lots of work done, getting last details finalized for our upcoming trip, and making progress on the house build. So so thankful for the Lord moving that along this month!

Also, there has been a noticeable change in the weather, and I am THRILLED😍. Loving being outside more already!!

Here’s a smattering of pictures 😃. Remember you can click on each one to see it bigger :).

Day 3 | Monday

Date: August 12-19, 2023.
Location: Roatan – a beautiful island in the Caribbean, off the coast of Honduras.
Our little family and some of Josh’s family enjoyed a beautiful vacation in this lovely place, full of new experiences for Nathan and me. I’m so happy to be documenting this trip. We made so many incredible memories.

Day 1 | We flew down with Josh’s mom and sister on a beautiful Saturday. We were up at about 4 in the morning, and flew out of Mobile around 7. Nathan did really well on the flight. Got to our layover in Atlanta, which thankfully was pretty long. Gave us time to get food and rest. Nathan had tons of energy, and I’m so glad we brought his favorite ball, it was perfect for keeping him occupied. Josh and Nathan were able to get some rest and I tried to for a bit but it didn’t work lol. Our second and longest flight went better than I expected – Nathan made friends per usual who helped keep him entertained. Grandma held him and let him look out the window which was also amazing so I could have my lap to myself for a bit.

The descent into Roatan was one of the most gorgeous things I think I have ever experienced. Flying so low over and landing right beside the incredible, beautiful green + blue waters and beaches and palm trees and mountain, was just ethereal!! I didn’t have a window seat, but Nathan’s friends across the aisle a row back had moved, so for the landing I moved us over there and I am so glad I did! I only wish I had grabbed my phone too so I could have captured that beauty.

Now to go through customs, get our car, meet up with Josh’s brother and nephew, and finally head to our place. We waited in line in customs for like an hour and a half – it was hot and sticky and our bags were heavy and we were all tired. Nathan was exhausted. He finally fell asleep, but then he was extra heavy. We finally got through and got all our luggage and Josh went to get the rental car. That also took awhile, but finally we could unload and sit in some air conditioning. Eventually Will and Noel arrived and we and all our luggage were packed in like sardines lol. It was about a 30 minute drive to the house, and we were all hungry, but we made it, and I was so happy and relieved when we finally pulled in the driveway.

The views!! Breathtaking. After all the formalities were taken care of with the property people, we were finally able to pick rooms and crash. Then after some rest, we went to eat supper at a neat Mexican restaurant. Grocery shopping was next, and we were surprised & delighted by a modern, healthier store that had a very large and fabulous variety of groceries. It felt so good to get back to the house, put away the food, change, and get in the pool. We were now officially in vacation mode!

Day 2 | Waking up in such a gorgeous place on a Sunday morning was exhilarating. We ate breakfast and then watched a sermon and sang a hymn. Then we packed lunch, changed, and headed outside to relax by the water. Down the hill from the pool was our private beach area and just above it, a picnic area and hammocks. Later we switched to the pool. In the evening some of the guys went for groceries, and then it was time for supper, and ice cream by the pool! Our little family ended the night with a delightful ride in the golf cart. Devotions and bedtime followed, with excitement for the marvelous adventures we would have the next day!

Stay tuned for part 2, it will be amazing!
~Alyssa

Hey everybody! It’s Alyssa, and I’m so excited to have this blog up and running! It’s taken way too long for me to do this but it will be amazing to have recaps of all the crazy + amazing adventures Josh and I, and now Nathan too, have had (and will continue to have, Lord willing) together. I wanted a way to be able to have pictures in one place to share with our friends and family and – drumroll! 🥁 🥳 Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to subscribe to see all the fun!