Barbados Boo Bug.

Well, this is going to be a long, long update, Because we had a long, long break in the Caribbean. Not just anywhere. Seven years ago, we went to Turtle Beach on our honeymoon. And two weeks ago, we set out for the same resort with our six year old daughter.

Not only was it Lily's first flight, it was a long haul. But she handled it like an absolute pro.

Eight and a half hours from Gatwick, it was cocktails on arrival.

Then straight down to the beach.

From the beach to the pool. 

And back to the beach. This is the life.

Years ago, Mummy and Daddy wrote a similar message on the very same beach.

This was the main open air dining hall.

And right next to it was a good old fashioned play area.

The other dining area is called The Waterfront - for obvious reasons.

One of Lily's favourite things was jumping over the waves being held up by Mummy and Daddy. Whilst we couldn't take a photo because we were all in the sea, Lily made this illustration.

Oh yes, whatever's comfortable.

The food was wonderful. Daddy particularly loved the Caribbean buffet nights.

There was entertainment every evening. And Lily was always up strutting her stuff.

One day, we had a spectacular five minute downpour.

But as soon as it was over, the sun dried everything up like it never happened. And also, a group of baby turtles emerged out of the damp sand.

Lily had a bit of a holiday romance with young Harvey.

All those late nights crept up on her, mind.

As a special treat, we booked an excursion on a catamaran to snorkel with the turtles.

The crew told us we always had to keep a hand on anything we didn't want to lose to the wind. Because 'if it blows, it goes.'

We really did swim with turtles and got so close Lily could even stroke one. Lily got the hang of putting her face under the water with her mask and saw 'stripy fish, turtles and a lot of bottoms.'

We took some photos on an waterproof disposable camera. But while we wait to get those developed, here's a dramatic reconstruction.

Monday night was 'Movies Under the Stars', with an open air screening complete with hot dogs and Coca Cola.

We built and entire family of turtles in the sand.

And as another special treat, we enjoyed a room service picnic one evening.

It was the most amazing family holiday we could have wished for.

Lily had everything she needed for the return journey.

And yet again, handled the flight like a seasoned traveller.

Here's a little four minute video that gives a hint of our wonderful adventures.

(And for comparison...)