It has been years since I have posted here, but I have never stopped reading this forum along with St. John and Grand Cayman forums daily.
First, bravo to your parents for organizing a family trip. And, to you, for taking the time to post a trip report. Your gratitude, your enthusiasm, and your wonderful pictures flew off the page. We have made many trips to the BVI's back before Peter Island and Briar Creek resorts were destroyed.
Midsouth, the best advice I could give you is to continue family trips. At least one a year, even if it is in the states. You will never regret it. Spend your money with them now. Your grandchildren will have wonderful memories of grandma and grandpa and the trips they had with you. I'll tell you why.
We had two daughters. They added 4 grandchildren (31 to 37 now), and the grandchildren added 4 partners. We have 2 great-grandson ages 9 and 11. So a total of 16. We started taking family trips in 1988 when our first granddaughter was born. We stayed in the states in the beginning and then started international. The grandchildren's favorite trip to this day is Costa Rica.
The trips have made us a very close family. This year we are going back to Longboat Key by Sarasota, Florida. Our lodging is in an inexpensive looking Motel 8, but it is quiet, directly on a beautiful beach, and all units have kitchens with grills by the pool.
My son-in- laws had a name for the trips "the mother-in-law trip". I planned, paid, and surprised them where and when we were going. Planning has changed in the last 10 years since I am now 85.
I made my last Caribbean solo trip last April to Grand Cayman. Except for the Barrier Reef at Rum point, the coral made me cry. We went to the islands to snorkel. The water, the beach, and the clouds always spoke to my spirit and soul. I am grateful for the memories.
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