"One Love, One Heart" Our Trip to Jamaica, 2009

We stayed at FDR Resort in Runaway Bay from June 2–9, 2009. It was truly a family vacation. The unique feature about this resort each family has their own "vacation nanny" throughout their stay.  The nanny also stocks your fridge with yummy snacks and delicious drinks, cleans your room, and is generally helpful, for example, signing your kids up for activities. My kids 4, 9, and 13 were kept busy from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm everyday either with our terrific nanny, Terian.. Oh do we miss her! 

 The kids participated in almost all of the activities being held at the resort. Most of these activities my kids joined in were arts & crafts, fishing, shell collecting, crab racing, goat racing, beach games, talent shows, fashion shows, tie-dyeing, snorkeling, nightly disco for kiddies, evening movie, playground time, glass bottom boat rides, tennis lessons, treasure hunts, daily scavenger hunts (mostly dad & Anthony would play), and so much more. There will be lots of nannies playing with kids in the resort, which means your kids nanny are always watched by the other nannies, parents, etc. We really felt at ease. Our 13 and 9 year old would be playing by the bay with other kids, sometimes till midnight. I and my husband felt very safe at this resort. All the staff members knew our names, and made us feel like we are one BIG family. Love them!!!

One of their most popular attractions in Jamaica is the World famous Dunn's River Falls (Yes!!!) It’s that time to go climb the beautiful falls with the whole family including our (4 year old) and our wonderful nanny Terian, of course. We also had our chance to choose a personal guide recommended by our Vacation Nanny Terian (felt like our family in fact)  a moment after discussing with our 4-year-old Thomas,  turned to announce, “Yes, he’s climbing up the falls!” And to our amazement, and with his wonderful assistance, He climbed half ways up to the fall and was taken off to go play at the beach with our nanny Terian. Afterwards Thomas was really upset with Terian for taking him off the fall. We just wanted to play it safe and didn’t want to see him get hurt, at least he could say he climbed half ways, right?? There was also a family with us who had a 3 year old that was able to climb all the way to the finish. (Good Job kiddo!)

  
 Oh did I mention  through out all this stuff going on my little Thomas was going through a terrible cough and a stuffy nose? Thomas is a tough kid and I am so proud of him for hanging in there. The day before our departure, the FDR staff and our amazing nanny Terian had arranged a magical fourth birthday for my cute little Thomas. All the kids at the resort had been invited to the birthday and we had all sung Happy Birthday to him. He got gifts, cake, and played many games with everyone! He even got to stab the cake numerous times!! (He didn’t do it intentionally; he wasn’t sure how to cut the cake). So much fun! 

Saying goodbye can be very difficult. Close friendships do not happen everyday. We made a special bond with everyone at the resort, ranging from the staff (Bosco, Curtis, Daniel, Sandra, Terian, and so many more!) to other hotel guests who have become friends. I cannot put in words what a nice, caring, respectful, and down to Earth man Mr. Franklin (the hotel owner).

 He greeted us and also took a picture with us during our family photo shoot on the beach. There is one other person who has made a huge impact on my kids and me: Terian, our wonderful, beloved, sweet, caring, and beautiful nanny. Till this day we keep in touch by e-mail; a bond that will never be broken between us. I hope to return some day and see all the people that had made a touching difference in my kids’ lives, and mine.

                                       

                                                       

           

      

If you’ve been to the FDR or any other resorts in Jamaica, I would love for you to share your story in the comments below?