Never Too Late.....

Life has been so incredibly busy that I haven't had any time to blog since we got back from Saipan in March, but it was such a great trip that it must be blogged about, and..... it's never too late!  You may have already seen these daily overviews on Facebook, but I wanted to post them here as well for those who haven't seen them.....

Day 1: Island Tour

As tradition goes, it was essential to give Matt a quick introductory tour of some of the major tourist spots.  It was so great to be back home!!

Day 2: Ladder Beach & dinner at Mitsue's with the Shearers, Piersons, and Staffords

The island was pretty quiet mid-week and we often had entire beaches to ourselves!

Day 3: Managaha!  My favourite place on earth.....

We spent the morning on Managaha, although I could've spent all day & camped over night!!  It's such a beautiful place - so peaceful and relaxing.  In the afternoon, we hiked down to Bird Island and hung out there for a bit.

Day 4 & 5: The Opening Ceremonies & Dedication of the new Saipan SDA school.

It was such a special privilege to be back on island for this special weekend and to see the new location.  I hope and pray that the school continues to grow and prosper!

Day 5 (afternoon): Wireless Ridge hike & sunset from Mt. Topachau

After church & potluck at the school for the dedication service, we headed out to Wireless Ridge to explore.  It was such a beautiful day, perfect for a romp through the tall island grass.  From there we headed over to Topachau to watch the sunset.  It was the perfect way to spend our 3 month anniversary!

Day 6: Diving at Lau Lau Bay & Ava's 1st birthday!!

It's too bad that we only managed to squeeze one dive in, but it was good to at least get out there and be in the underwater world again!  In the afternoon, we got to help little Ava celebrate her 1st birthday!!  It was good to see lots of familiar faces there!

Day 7: In the morning, we headed back over to the new school (the first official day of school on the new campus) to see some of the students and get a whole tour.  After lunch we hiked down to see the Old Man by the Sea - we had the whole place to ourselves!!  We ended the day by watching the sunset from 360 restaurant.

Day 8 found us at San Juan beach, Magnet beach, Sugar King park, the old Japanese bell, the lighthouse, and then volleyball at Micro beach with the kids.  It was great to see them and play like old times!!

Day 9 took us down to Forbidden Island and out to the hidden Forbidden Cave.  That evening we enjoyed the best Thai food in the world (at their new Garapan location) - Spicy Thai.  It was good to see Jean too!!

Day 10: Mandi Asian Spa!!!  Always a must for any trip to Saipan!!  It was nice to spend the afternoon with just the girls!  That's also when Bev told me she was expecting baby #2!!!  :)

Day 11: Bill & SJ had some time off on Friday so they took us to the blow-holes (I had never been down there) & to swim in the Grotto.  It was pretty rough, thus not an enjoyable experience.  Snorkling at Pau Pau was a lot calmer & we were sad to have to leave so soon, but we had a picnic planned with Bev & family.  Kuya John came too! 

Day 12: After church, we hiked to the waterfalls - another place I'd never been!!  It was nice hanging out with the Staffords, Shearers, Joeie & Virle, and some others from church.  We ended our last day in Saipan by watching the sunset from Fisherman's Wharf.

It was such a great trip, adding more sweet memories to the many previous ones!!