the Van Dam 'ventures: Boxing Day...

Today's Boxing Day consisted of rest, relaxing, sun, snorkeling and boat rides. We spent the day at Managaha, the island just west of Saipan. Mr. Camacho, a father of one of my students offered to take us there with his boat. We met him at the Palms and off we went! So much better and faster than the ferry!

Once on the island we found a shelter spot, lathered up sunscreen and headed to the busy side of the beach to snorkel. We saw some awesome fish, schools of them. After the first session of snorkeling we headed in for lunch and napping and then more snorkeling. Some of us napped in hammocks and on the beach while others collected more seashells. During the last snorkeling session Beth was lucky enough to see an octopus crawling along the ocean floor. Her scream woke me up from my nap! ;)

It was a great day at the island, but didn't end there. Once we showered up back here, we followed Pastor and Sandy over to Wolf and Tokie Mojica's house. They had invited the staff and some church members over for a day-after Christmas dinner. It was incredible food, an even more incredible house and some great conversations. I think the family really enjoyed meeting and talking with all the people we have come to love and call family here! :)

And now here we are, watching Jake's new Christmas present: The Dark Knight!

We are so blessed to have family here with us. We are all really enjoying our time and loving showing them our island and new home! We can't wait to have more come and visit...

:)
Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. We spent Christmas day at church, opening gifts, eating a chicken dinner from a bakery on the back deck, snorkeling behind us at Sugar Dock, driving around Garapan, drinks at the Hyatt happy hour and dinner at Tasty's Restaurant! Such a great day and filled with laughter and love with some great awesome people. I love Tim, Jana, Jake, Beth and Becca and love that I am a part of their family! Thank you for coming here and helping make our first Christmas away an incredible Christmas so far.

Enjoying planning your New Year and relaxing for the rest of your vacations!

Love,

J & J