Guam Made Even Better!

Lucky for us, Grandma and Grandpa were able to stay for ten days.  We thoroughly enjoyed showing them Guam and tried to give them a taste of our life here.  Everything from our church and ridiculously priced grocery stores to beautiful beaches and the wonders of the underwater world.  Inarajan pools were a big hit and the kids always have a good time there.  We are hoping Bugs will get the courage to jump off the high dive (for lack of a better description) before we leave.  For now, he is content to be a cheerleader.  He was a little disappointed when Grandma lost her courage and backed out.  To her credit, she did climb up to the view point- no easy task.

Can you see why I love it here?

Isaac working on his back flip.  A picture from the other directions showing the throng of Japanese tourists watching him would have been even better.

Grandpa taking the plunge.

Bugs building his courage jumping off the side.

Living on the southern part of the island, we don't often venture to the northern part.   There is a beautiful, long beach up there called Ritidian.  Having Grandma and Grandpa here was the perfect excuse to head up there and check it out.  Many of the beaches here are narrow, not much sand.  Before coming to Guam the beaches we frequented were the Oregon beaches where the is sand is plentiful.  Ritidian reminded us of the beaches back home, except for the fact it is April and 85 degrees.   Anyway, there was lots of sand and miles of beautiful beaches to comb.  We'll be back.

View of Ritidian from above.

Grandma and Grandpa enjoying the beach.

Addie working on her handstand.  She says it is harder when the water won't hold still.

Bugs sent back to retrieve the snorkel gear.

 Initially we had planned to show Grandma and Grandpa a lot of the WWII sites here on Guam.  As it turned out, we spent our time learning to crochet, working on sewing projects and school tutoring, but those are good things to do when grandparents visit so it wasn't all bad.  We will have to make it to the historical sites another time.  Our last stop with Abe's folks was the Asan Beach overlook.  This beach was one of the major war battle sites and offers great perspective.  I guess this view will have to do for now.

Asan Bay overlook

David loved playing shadow to Grandpa, the other David Smith, while they were here.  He was a little upset to learn he didn't get to sleep with him every night, but was happy to have a few naps together.  When it was time to say good-bye, Bugs even ran inside and gave Grandpa his highly prized "square" (blanket) to take for when they couldn't nap together.  Grandpa offered him his islander hat.  I think these two have many happy reunions in the future. 

David Smith X 2

Before I sign off I have to share good news--Addie saw a sea turtle!!  She has been on a quest since we got here and we just haven't been out snorkeling as much lately.  We went out on Saturday and while we were watching all the fish, I was thinking how wonderful it is to be able to show her all this when she started making noise (imagine talking with your mouth duck-taped shut... yeah that is what is sounds like).  Right below us was a sea turtle, we were both so excited.  Sierra got to see one with Abe a few weeks ago, so we are all set.   Addie's next quest- dolphins!