Mactan Island, Philippines - pause button

Hitting PAUSE and jetting off to the Philippines for a family babymoon --- a good idea.

Time for some R&R. Sandwiched between an emotional summer plus moving house and the pending arrival of our new baby -- being intentional about spending restful time together is top priority.

fresh squeezed pineapple and mango smoothies (in the pool!?) -  yes, please!

Accessible travel is still one of my most favorite things about living in Honkers. Direct flight to a beachy resort in under 3 hours and within budget? sign me up.

Daddy's frequent work travel coming in handy --
Airport LOUNGE time with the fam is pretty swanky. *my first time*

arrival - Bear with her nose in a Kindle Book, and Bunny feeling like a travel pro

Arrival at hotels in Southeast Asia nearly always involves someone swiftly taking your bags and offering you a comfy seat while serving you cold-refreshing-hand-towels to wash up with. Whisked away on a golf-cart to our room at Plantation Bay Resort - we were met with the most delightful front-doorstep-view:

This little 3-feet-deep pool anchored a small cluster of rooms. Several of these in different variations are scattered across the grounds of Plantation Bay along with saltwater lagoons, a children's pool, waterslides, restaurants and an incredibly beautiful spa to boot. Spoiled much?

thinking of you - grandpa Jack! Know you love these flowers!!

Every effort to leave the hotel grounds in search of adventure was thwarted. It actually became ridiculous - with thunder storms moving in mere minutes before a boat departure, cancelling our trek, only to clear up within the half-hour. Being 5 months preggers, no-one wanted to risk taking us very far. With the very earth seeming to tell us we needed to BE STILL and CHILL OUT (something I don't do very willingly) -- we soaked up lots of rest and pool time. And of course - time at the small beachfront. Probably just exactly what we needed.

feeding the fish - then seeing Dad snorkle among them

 

bookworm or bar-girl ??

 A highlight - Watching our girls kayak and paddle board!! Got this.

because it's not fun if you don't get wet

- pause -
wait a minute.
linger.
breathe.
notice.
...
keep going.

Our family unit right now is pretty amazing. Two distinct and independent minded girls. Girls I'm proud of. A marriage of 16 years. A loving husband and excellent father. Living life with arms open, hearts open, and eyes wide. And always on the brink of something different because life is full of surprises and wonder. Which is felt ten-fold when you are expecting a child. Third child. Our "unit" is about to change and we don't yet know what it will be like, except that it's sure to be wild and crazy and wonderful. Plus, I turned 40 during this trip. Which is hitting me unexpectedly hard. So yes, in conclusion, a babymoon - a moment to pause before everything shifts - is a very. very. good idea.