The Wedding Festivities Continue - Island Hopping

Gepher and I had been counting down the days for the wedding and the festivities leading up to the big day.  Once Meredith, David, Aubrey, and John arrived we knew what we had been dreaming about and hoping for was almost here.  We wanted to spend as much time before the big day together as a family making memories and letting the family get to know its newest member!

David and Dad share the same birthday (three days before the wedding).  Island hopping was the perfect way to celebrate a double birthday.  The family along with some good family friends from the US and members of the wedding party loaded up on a banca boat to spend the day on the water!!

    

The excitement for the day began before the anchor was even raised on the banca boat.  Because the water was too shallow close to the shore for the boat to dock, we were "ferried" out in small banca boats.  Dad wanted to make sure everyone along with the stuff made it to the boat safely; therefore, he along with Melcho (our driver) decided to take the last boat.  Just about the time they reached the boat, Dad and Melchor were sitting just enough off balance to make the little boat flip!!  We heard a huge splash and saw Dad with his arm above the water holding the camera.  He may have gone under, but he saved the camera and his glasses from getting wet or lost.  We all teased Dad that he was so anxious to "swim withe fish" that he had to take a dive before getting on the boat!

    

The first stop on the day's adventure was to a marine sactuary for snorkeling.  The current was strong, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the fishes.  We swam with Nemo, Parrot fish, Tuna, and other georgous fish.  You definitely felt as if you were swimming in God's big aquarium with His beautiful creation.  Because the current was so strong, it took a lot more swimming to get back to the boat.  There were a few in the group that were definitely thankful for life jackets and the boat crew.  After a hard swim back to the boat, everyone was ready to sail on down the sea to the next stop...sandy beach and lunch!

     

Nothing will erase the diffcult swim back to the boat at the marine sanctuary than a beautiful sandy beach and a delicious lunch.  The water was calm and just the perfect temperature for floating, swiming, and just enjoying the beauty of the beach.  Everyone enjoyed the fun as we soaked in the sun and splashed in the crystal blue waters.

     

As all good things must come to an end, so did our day of Island Hopping.  The waves were rough coming back to Cebu.  It was as if we were riding the "White Water Canyon" at King's Island.  As we went up and down with every wave, the laughter and squeals could be heard all over the boat.  It was a perfect day to celebrate two birthdays and an upcoming big day!!