DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

You will want to refer to the schedule many times throughout your trip.  This schedule helps everyone to see what is expected of them on what days by what times.  This is an action packed trip, which means (there is not alot of down time).  On tour days, the family will be leaving  the house by 5:30 a.m. in the morning.  Parents will want to take special note of this, making sure that kids get to bed at decent hours the night before.  We have people staying behind, to assist with meal preparation. 

Team effort is required by everyone, to pull a family reunion like this off successfully.  I will appreciate any hands in the kitchen, helping me to cook.  Deep breath, here we go...........

JULY 3, 2018 - Travel Day (Everyone is arriving to Belize)

2:40 p.m.
A commuter aircraft will bring you to the island.
3:00 p.m.
By 3:00 p.m. you will arrive in San Pedro, at the Tropic Air terminal.

WELCOMING COMMITTEE:  Stefany, Christina, Marcy, Nichelle, will be there to greet you with cold coconut water, a hug and a kiss. The girls will help you gather your luggage, and load it in either a golf cart or in a taxi.
3:30 p.m.
"The Family" will greet you at the house.  Jose & Miriam will help you get your luggage to your individual rooms. 
Take a moment to refresh yourself, enjoy a cold shower, take a few minutes to download. 
3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
The kids can enjoy a swim in the pool.  There will be cold island fruit punch available.
5:30 p.m.
Jose will begin getting the campfire started.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
CAMPFIRE INITIATION CEREMONY.  Everyone will be handed a bowl of Grandma Smith's Frito Pie.  There will be two tables set up (to the side) for accompanying entree's (1) for drinks (2) for side dishes to go with your Frito Pie.   The excitement level will be high, and it will be exhilarating to see everyone for the first time in 4-5 years.  After we have enjoyed our meal, we will sing a few songs together and you will then be sworn in as follows:

"I promise to enjoy my time here in Belize.  I promise to get along with everyone during this trip.  I promise to settle any disagreements quickly.  I promise to put others ahead of myself.  I promise to have fun." 
After you have been sworn in, you will receive a painted "Bear Paw" on each cheek.  You are now ready.
LET THE PARTY BEGIN!!!!
8:30  - Bedtime
Everyone can return to the pool area, for a little more swimming and relaxation.   There are no tours scheduled for tomorrow, so feel free to sleep in and recover from your full day of travel.

July 4, 2018 - Get Acquainted Day

5:00-8:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the day's activities.
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast will be available.
10:30 p.m.
Preparation for Trent's Belizean Barbecue begins.  Trent & Jose will be firing up the grill, getting the coals nice and hot. 
Mama Bear and the girls, will be in the kitchen, putting together all the fixings for the barbecue.
Any little critter's can swim in the pool and enjoy the sun.
11:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Trent & Jose will be preparing a nice Belizean Barbecue for us, and Miriam will be making her yummy tortillas.  The family can gather around the pool, enjoy the smell of barbecue, listen to some music, enjoy a swim, and spend time together.  Tables will be set up pool side, for drinks, and side entrees to go along with your barbecue.  After our barbecue, we will be taking a tour of the island.  Everyone will load up on golf carts, and we will take a spin around the island to include:  In town, up north and down south.   
7:00 -  9:00 p.m.
Dinner will be served.  Tables will be set up outside by the pool.  The family will be enjoying a "sit-down" meal together.  After dinner (if everyone is up for it), we can sing a few more songs, and the kids can end the day with a a splash in the pool.  
PARENTS TAKE NOTE:  Tonight you will need to get to bed early, as tomorrow morning we leave the house by 5:15 a.m.  We are going to the far Western edge of Belize (near the Guatemala boarder), to tour the Mayan Ruins called:  Xunantunich.  Get your beauty sleep, tomorrow will be a long day.

July 5, 2018 - Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

5:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the day's activities. 
5:15 a.m.
Everyone leaves the house to go to the boat terminal.  Some are staying behind to help with meal preparation.
6:00 a.m.
The boat leaves for the mainland.
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The boat arrives in Belize City at 7:30 a.m.  Marc (our tour guide) will be there to pick us up at the boat terminal.  Here we will get into a (15) passenger van, headed for the Belizean Western border.  Today we will be touring the Mayan ruins by the name of Xunantunich.  Upon arriving to area, we will all be asked to get out of the vehicle, and board a hand cranked ferry, which will take us to the other side of the river.  Once the van has disembarked the ferry, you will all be asked to get back on the van and we will be taken to the parks entrance.  Here Marc will escort us on our tour, explaining Mayan culture, history and answering questions.  You will get to climb to the top of the main ruin structure.  Here you will be able to overlook much of the Belizean rainforest, even into Guatemala.   A box lunch will be provided at the picnic area for us by our tour guide.  Once we have finished our tour, we will go through the same process to get across the river.  The van will then take us back to Belize City, to the exact same boat terminal - we were at earlier this morning. 
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Boat ride back to the island.  This is a 1-1/2 hour boat ride, it can be tiring, especially at the end of the day.  Try to find a way to relax, bring headphones for music, or just try and rest.
7:30 to Bedtime
We arrive back to the house, where there will be a series of crock-pot meals waiting for us.  Again, another "sit-down" pool side meal together.  We will end our day with a little music, a cold drink, and a nice relaxing swim in the pool (for those who chose to swim).  Tomorrow is "Photo Day".  You can sleep in and recover from the day's activities.  Breakfast will be served between 8-9:00 a.m.   Tomorrow is "Primp Day", so you'll get to spend the day showering, curling your hair, and doing your make-up. 

July 6, 2018 - Professional Photographer Day "Family Group Pictures"

6:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the day's activities.
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast will be available.
10:00 - 3:00 p.m.
This is the time, you will want to spend primping.  Take a shower, do your hair, fix your make-up, iron your clothing, put on your best.  I am asking that everyone wear a white shirts, and blue jeans for the group pictures.   
NOON
Lunch will be available in the kitchen.  Feel free to load up a plate and take it back to your rooms, while you primp.
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
We are going to the Banyan Bay Resort, to take our group pictures on the beach.  Pablo Garcia (our professional photographer) will be there assisting us with this process.  We will start by taking the big group photo first.  Then individual families can break off and have individual family pictures taken.  We are allowing a two hour window for this, so deep breath, just enjoy.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
We will be eating dinner in the restaurant located at the same resort we are taking pictures at.  We have a table reserved for us on the patio, along the water's edge.  There will be patio lighting, and a guitar player to set the mood for a very relaxing evening.   
8:30 to Bedtime
There are no tours planned for tomorrow, so enjoy your evening.  Tomorrow is "Anniversary Day" for Jill & Ian. 

July 7, 2018 - Anniversary Day

5:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the day's activities.
8:00-9:00 a.m.
Breakfast will be available.
11:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Market Day at Mahogany Bay Village.  The kids and I will be overseeing a booth at this event, (our mission) to sell cookbooks.   Lunch will be delivered to us.
3:00 p.m.
Mama Bear (and any critters who want to help), will be in the kitchen preparing food for the up & coming days.
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
The anniversary couple will be enjoying a private dinner (just the two of them), at Jyoto's Japanese Sushi Restaurant (don't eat dessert, the kids have dessert for you back at the house).
8:00 to Bedtime
When Ian & Jill arrive back at the house, the kids have a special program prepared for their parents.  We will be enjoying the time together, along with a special anniversary cake that has been prepared.  
PARENTS TAKE NOTE:  Tonight you will need to get to bed early, as tomorrow morning we leave the house by 5:15 a.m.  We are going into the interior of Belize, to tour the Mayan Ruins by the name of:  Lamani

July 8, 2018 - Lamani Mayan Ruins

4:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the day's activities.
5:15 a.m.
Everyone leaves the house to go to the boat terminal.  Some are staying behind to help with meal preparation.
6:00 a.m.
The boat leaves for the mainland.
7:30 - 4:30 p.m.
The boat arrives in Belize City at 7:30 a.m.  Marc (our tour guide) will be there to pick us up at the boat terminal.  Here we will get into a (15) passenger van, headed for interior of the Belizean rainforest jungle.  Today we will be touring the Lamani  Mayan Ruins.  While there, we will get to tour the on-site museum, and enjoy a box lunch at the picnic area.  Once we have finished our tour, the van will take us back to Belize City, to the exact same boat terminal - we were at earlier this morning. 
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Boat ride back to the island.  This is a 1-1/2 hour boat ride, it can be tiring, especially at the end of the day.  Try to find a way to relax, bring headphones for music, or just try and rest.
7:30 to Bedtime
We arrive back to the house, where there will be a series of crock-pot meals waiting for us.  Again, another "sit-down" pool side meal together.  We will end our day with a little music, a cold drink, and a nice relaxing swim in the pool (for those who chose to swim).
SPECIAL NOTE FOR THOSE GOING TO THE BLUE HOLE:  For those leaving for the Blue Hole in the morning.  You will need to leave the house about 5:15 a.m.  Your boat leaves the dock at 6:00 a.m.  Get to bed early, you will want to be well rested and prepared to enjoy this adventure.   Remember to bring sunscreen.

July 9, 2018 - Blue Hole Snorkel & Cupcake Decorating Classes

5:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the day's activities.
5:15 a.m.
Those going to the Blue Hole leave the house.
6:00 a.m.
The boat leaves the dock for the "Famous Blue Hole"  This is a (3) hour boat ride.  You will receive a continental breakfast, lunch and drinks during this trip.  The boat returns back to the island at 5:30 p.m.
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast will be available - to those staying behind.
9:30 to 1:00 p.m.
Kids can enjoy swimming at the pool.
NOON
Lunch will be available pool side for everyone who has stayed behind.
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Lauren will be conducting a cupcake decorating classes.  All the kids will get to decorate their own cupcakes, with none-other than the "Cupcake Queen" herself.  During this time (as well), I will be preparing a Pina Colada Poke Cake and a Oreo Sheet Cake - for family dinners coming up in the next few days.
5:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Boat returns from Blue Hole.  Family arrives back to the house.
7:00 to Bedtime
A sit-down dinner pool side, with patio lights and music.  We will end our day with a little music, a cold drink, and a nice relaxing swim in the pool (for those who chose to swim).   We're looking forward to hearing from those who went to the Blue Hole, how their day went.  Each person who went, can put their pictures up on the television screen (blue tooth), for the rest of the family to see.
PARENTS TAKE NOTE:  Tomorrow is going to be another long day, so you'll want to get to bed early.  We will be traveling into the Belizean rainforest to zip line among the tree tops (85 feet in the air).  Following this adventure, will be a nice sit-down lunch at the Cave Branch Lodge facility, where you will then be asked to select your inner tube, to float down a river through a series of caves.  It's going to be an exciting day, so get to bed early.

July 10, 2018 - Zip Lining & Cave Tubing

5:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the day's activities.
5:15 a.m.
Everyone leaves the house to go to the boat terminal.  Some are staying behind to help with meal preparation.
6:00 a.m.
The boat leaves for the mainland.
7:30 - 4:30 p.m.
The boat arrives in Belize City at 7:30 a.m.  Marc (our tour guide) will be there to pick us up at the boat terminal.  Here we will get into a (15) passenger van, headed for interior of the Belizean rainforest jungle.  Today we will be zip lining through the jungle tree tops (85 feet in the air).  This is such an exhilarating adventure, to say the least.  Christina did it when she was 6 years old and loved it.  Each person will be tied down, to a series of metal cables the entire time (so it's literally impossible for anyone to fall). 

After this tour has ended, we will be going to the Cave Branch Lodge facility, to enjoy a nice "sit-down" lunch (lunch is included in this tour).  After lunch we will be taken to an area, where we will be given an inner tube, a headlamp, and a life vest.  Now is the time to put your swim shoes on.  We will then take a short walk through the jungle to the waters edge, here you will get into your inner tube and commence your journey down the river - through a series of caves.  You will find the water to be very calm, there are no high rapids to worry about.  The guide carries a dry pack, so if you have a camera that need to be protected (now is the time to put these items in his dry pack).  At one point, you will be asked to stop, turn off your head lamps and enjoy the complete darkness, as it was in the Mayan world thousands of years ago. 

Once the tour has ended, you will return to the exact spot where you received your inner tubes, head lamps and life vests to return these items.  The van will then take us back to Belize City, to the exact same boat terminal  - we were at earlier this morning. 
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Boat ride back to the island.  This is a 1-1/2 hour boat ride, it can be tiring, especially at the end of the day.  Try to find a way to relax, bring headphones for music, or just try and rest.
7:30 to Bedtime
We arrive back to the house, where there will be a series of crock-pot meals waiting for us.  Again, another "sit-down" pool side meal together.  We will end our day with a little music, a cold drink, and a nice relaxing swim in the pool (for those who chose to swim).  Tomorrow we do not have a tour planned, until early afternoon.  So you will have the opportunity to sleep in and recover from the pace of the last few days.  Tomorrow you kids will get the opportunity, to swim with sharks. 

July 11, 2018 - Hol Chan Marine Park & Shark Ray Alley

5:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the day's activities.
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast will be available.
9:30 - Noon
This morning is considered "down time".  Feel free to sit around the pool, sun bathe, take a ride into town and look around (Just be back by noon).  We need to eat, and then suit up for our next adventure.
NOON
Lunch will be available.
1:15 p.m.
Everyone will be leaving the house, some will be staying behind to assist with meal preparation.
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
The boat leaves the dock for the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.  This is a private family charter, so our family will be the only ones on the boat.  When we arrive to the park, you will be asked to put on your life vest, and snorkeling equipment.  The guide will take those who want to participate, on a snorkeling tour of the Marine Park.  This is an amazing sight to see.  It helps you to appreciate, than an entirely different world exists in the waters below you.  Once you have completed the snorkeling circle, you be asked to get back in the boat.  Our next stop, is Shark Ray Alley. 

As the boat approaches, you will start to see dark shadows below the waters surface (these are the sharks).  When the sharks hear the boat engines approaching, they begin to congregate in the waters.  This can be a little nerve racking at first, but once you see the guide get in the water and start petting sharks, your fears will soon disappear.  If the guide is able to, he will pull a shark close to him, and allow the kids to pet him.  The skin is very thick, rubbery, and rough to the touch.  Much like the feeling of rubbery sandpaper.  If you put your head into the water below your boat, you will suddenly realize that you are completely surrounded by sharks.  Your first thought may be to panic, but I can assure you, this will be one of the highlights of your entire trip. 

Because Shark Ray Alley is such an amazing family adventure in Belize, I am dedicating a cookbook to my grandson (Jaymin Turley), entitled "Swimming with Sharks".    This cookbook will be full of delicious recipes that children love.
5:30 p.m.
We will be arriving back to the house, feel tree to enjoy a quick swim, a drink by the pool and relax.  Dinner will be coming up shortly.
6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
We arrive back to the house, where there is a series of crock-pot meals waiting for us.  Once again, we enjoy another "sit-down" pool side meal together.  We will end our day with a little music, a cold drink, and a nice relaxing swim in the pool (for those who chose to swim).  Take time to refresh and recover.
7:30 to Bedtime
PARENTS TAKE NOTE:  Tomorrow is going to be the highlight of your trip.  It is the most extreme adventure offered in Belize.  You are literally going to swim above water into a cave.  You will then spend the next two hours exploring the cave, climbing rocks, ladders, and viewing ancient ceremonial sites, to include pottery left behind by the Mayan people.  You'll want to get to bed early for this one.  Mama Bear saved some of the most exciting tours for the end of your trip, so we can finish with a bang. 

July 12, 2018 - ATM Cave Exploration

4:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the days activities.
5:15 a.m.
Everyone leaves the house to go to the boat terminal.  Some are staying behind to help with meal preparation.
6:00 a.m.
Boat leaves for the mainland.
7:30 - 4:30 p.m.
The boat arrives in Belize City at 7:30 a.m.  Marc (our tour guide) will be there to pick us up at the boat terminal.  Here you will get into a (15) passenger van, headed for interior of the Belizean rainforest jungle.  Today we will be exploring the ATM Cave.  This is the most adventurous tour offered in Belize.  Lauren did this tour when she was five (5) years old and loved it.  After you have completed a tour of the interior of the cave, you will exit the cave the same way you entered it (by swimming back to the waters edge).  There will be a box lunch waiting for everyone at the ATM Campsite.  Once we have finished our tour, the van will take us back to Belize City, to the exact same boat terminal - we were at earlier this morning. 
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Boat ride back to the island.  This is a 1-1/2 hour boat ride, it can be tiring, especially at the end of the day.  Try to find a way to relax, bring headphones for music, or just try and rest.
7:30 to Bedtime
We arrive back to the house, where there is a series of crock-pot meals waiting for us.  Again, another "sit-down" pool side meal together.  We will end our day with a little music, a cold drink, and a nice relaxing swim in the pool (for those who chose to swim).  Take time to refresh and recover.
PARENTS TAKE NOTE:  Tomorrow is the last tour of the trip.  Being that this is our last adventures together, I have chosen an nice relaxing tour, a day sail on a catamaran to a neighboring island.  Be sure to bring sunscreen for this one.  We board our boat at 8:00 a.m. 

July 13, 2018 - Catamaran Day Sail to Caye Caulker

4:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the days activities.
7:15 a.m.
Everyone leaves the house to go to the boat terminal.  Some are staying behind to help with meal preparation.
8:00 a.m.
The boat leaves the dock for our day sail to Caye Caulker.
NOON
The boat arrives at Caye Caulker island.  We will be allowed to disembark the boat, and roam the sandy streets of this small little island.  Here, we will be able to choose any restaurant of our choice, to enjoy a nice leisurely lunch together.  After a couple of hours, we will get back on the catamaran and head back to Ambergris Caye (San Pedro).  We will be arriving back to the island by 4:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
Mama Bear will be back in the kitchen cooking, preparing for the "Campfire Farewell Ceremony".
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
CAMPFIRE FAREWELL CEREMONY.  Everyone will be handed skewers to cook over the flames.  There will be two tables set up for accompanying entree's (1) for drinks (2) for side dishes to go with your Hawaiian Pineapple skewers.    While everyone is eating, the "Farewell Ceremony" commences.  We will start by going around the group, asking each one to relate (in their own words), what the highlights of the trip were for them.  As dinner plates are taken away, each person will be asked to stand up, and go around the group.  This is the time to say your good-byes.  It is also the time to thank your parents, who went through a lot to get you here.  No doubt this will be tearful moment for everyone, perhaps not a dry eye in the house.  As you stand before each family member, you will be asked to tell them what you appreciated about them.  This is the time to offer your gift, and a farewell hug.  In closing, we will sing a couple of songs together as a family (followed by one big group hug - as a symbol of unity).     
8:30 to Bedtime
Everyone will be asked to retire to the pool area.  We will have cold refreshments and a campfire ceremony cake.  Enjoy the rest of the evening, swimming, relaxing, listening to music and enjoying each others company.  You don't have go anywhere tomorrow (if you don't want to), so feel free to stay up late and sleep in. 

July 14, 2018 - Laundry, Packing & Souvenir Day

This is the last day of your trip, the day before you leave to fly back home.  I have deliberating scheduled this a down day.  Spend it sleeping in, packing, resting, swimming in the pool, come to breakfast in your pajamas.  This is a day, moms can do laundry before going back home, and it is also a day to take the kids "window shopping" (in downtown San Pedro), for souvenirs.  By now, we've all said our good-byes, some are moving in and out of tears as the day progresses (which is to be expected). 

It will be hard parting, but take courage (if everyone is willing), we can do this again in July of 2020. 
6:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the days activities.
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast will be available.
9:30 - 12:00 p.m.
Window shopping in downtown San Pedro.
NOON
Lunch will be available pool side (if you want).  Some may choose to go out for lunch, and that's okay too.
12:00 to 5:30 p.m.
Free time to do whatever you want.  If there was anything you wanted to see on the island, a store you wanted to go back to (now is the time to do it).  The most important thing about today, is simply to relax.  We want you going home refreshed and invigorated from your time spent here. 
3:00 p.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen preparing food for dinner.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Again, we have a series of crock-pot meals waiting for us, and another "sit-down" pool side meal together.  This will be our last dinner together, so enjoy the music, the laughter, a cold beverage, and a swim.  Most important, relax, and enjoy "the blessing of family".  The memories you created on this trip for your children, will last a life time.  The stories they tell others, will continue for years to come.  Know that with all my heart I love you. I send you away tomorrow with a heavy heart (but I will not focus on the negative), I will cherish every memory of the time spent together.  Thank you for coming to see me, and making this a priority in your life.  It certainly meant alot to me.  I love each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart. 
8:30 to Bedtime
Spend the rest of your evening sitting by the pool, relaxing and enjoying each others company.

July 15, 2018 - Travel Day (Everyone goes back Home)

6:00 a.m.
Mama Bear will be in the kitchen early, preparing food for the days activities.
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast will be available.
9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Last minute packing, weighing bags.  Remember no liquids in your carry on.
11:15 a.m.
Everyone leaves the house for the Tropic Air terminal.
12:00 p.m.
Your plane leaves from the island to the Belize International Airport.
12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Checking in at the airport, going through security, waiting for your flight to leave.
2:30 p.m.
Your plane leaves Belize, headed back to the United States of America.
4:00 p.m.
Mama Bear collapses on the couch, with a martini in both hands.