50 GOLDEN YEARS: CELEBRATING NICKIE IN TURKS AND CAICOS (DAY 5!!)

Ahoy hoy everyone!

I am back with yet another post in the series covering our trip to Turks & caicos to celebrate Nickie’s 50^th!

Huh?

YES. We are still doing these and YES, I am fully aware it’s 2025.

What an odd question.

And this one is a good one, you guys. No doubt a-boat it.

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You wont be the same aft-er reading this post.

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I know. The puns are a lot. But don’t bow out now.

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We are going on a boat. That’s what I am saying to you now.

But I can’t think of any more boat-related puns to keep this going.

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Canoe?

Also this though.

Celebrating Nickie’s 50^th in Turks & Caicos 2024: Day 5

Day 5 began, for me at least, at 7AM. And as I stepped out onto our balcony, I could tell today was gonna be a good day.

We had a pretty epic day planned today which meant I had to get in some preemptive calorie shedding at the gym. Hence why I was up so early today.

I quickly got dressed and was at the Red Lane Spa & Salon by 7:20.

It appeared a lot of folks were much smarter than me and decided to sleep in today. On account of the gym? It was like pretty empty.

Pfft, slackers.

I got in about 3 miles and an episode and a half of The Simpsons and headed back to the room to grab a quick shower and throw on my bathing suit. And when I got out of the shower, I noticed this uber-hottie hanging out down in the gazebo in front of our balcony.

Turned out it was Nickie. Which was good. On account of she’s my wife. Rawr.

Gazebo? More like “Gazeb-OMG what a hottie.”

I went down to join her and while we were laying back and listening to the ocean do its thing, we received a few visitors.

Steph, Sophia, and Scarlett came to meet us to walk over to breakfast together.

But first, the girls played in the sand a little while Nickie and I chatted with Steph about the night before since Steph had to go mom-out and take the kids to bed early.

Nickie even showed her some videos she had taken of karaoke. It’s always an interesting experience watching videos of yourself from the drunken night before.

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Or so I’ve heard.

When Steph asked, “oh, do you have any videos of Uncle Wayne singing,” Nickie in fact did not have any videos of her extremely sensitive husband singing.

But the good thing is I am definitely NOT bitter.

Ahem. Nope.

Not bitter in the least.

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After chatting for a bit, it was time to head to breakfast and we decided to take the beach route on account of I mean.

It was hard to move too far away from this water.

 Breakfast today was at Bayside, a buffet. Here is a menu. I highly recommend clicking on that official “Breakfast Menu” offered on the Beaches website. It’s super informative if you are planning a trip.

A bunch of other members of our party ended up joining us for breakfast as well, like look guys – there’s Carrie and Gwen sitting with Nickie.

See? We have friends you guys. I don’t know why everyone is always surprised by that.

The buffet itself had your standard breakfast items – eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, hash brown. Here’s how my plate looked after a trip up to the buffet.

Everything was good though. Standard, but good. Well, except for the potatoes actually. Usually, Beaches hash browns are on point. But these were like super hard for some reason.

Also? I have no idea why my fork looks like that in the picture above. I swear we weren’t given like some sort of abnormally long forks or anything. That thing looks like Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure up there.

IYKYK. Right Mr. Breakfast???

Being a buffet, breakfast wasn’t a super long affair or anything. We probably finished up within an hour or so. And after breakfast, some of us wanted to head back to the Red Lane spa to hit their plunge pools.

Warm on the left, cold on the right.

The play was to take a full dip in the cold side and then immediately move over to the warm side. All the cool kids did it.

Including me. And including Sophia and Scarlett.

Well, to be fair, they mainly stayed on the cold side.

And to be doubly fair, they spent most of the time on the stairs. Though I do think Sophia went in up past her stomach. Which I mean. That thing was cold you guys. I wouldn’t have done it if I was little enough to say I was too little to do it.

Hey speaking of pools….

Super nice segue, right?

But yeah, speaking of pools, our next stop was the Iguanas Pool in the Caribbean Village.

And the whole gang was there. As you can see by this picture where it looks like Mikey and Sophia and rando guy are the only three people in the entire pool.

But I swear the rest of us were there. I have friends you guys.

In fact, we ended up playing some volleyball.

Like for real we played some volleyball. At first, a few of us were just sort of hitting the ball we found over by the bar back and forth but eventually a Beaches employee came over and asked if we wanted to get an actual game going.

A bunch of us played. In fact some non Goody and Goody-adjacents came over and joined as well. It was a good time with like minimal fighting.

Minimal.

We stopped playing at close to 11:30 and swam over to quench our sportsmen’s thirsts at the pool bar.

Steph and Soph were in.

And me? I ordered.

This.

I don’t know what it is. Mai Tai?

Your Tai?

I dunno.

I know. I am like award winning blogger material.

Sophia got REALLY used to sitting at bars on this trip.

I bet it was hard to break her of that when she got home. Hm, I wonder if they make like a Little Tikes pub-themed playset for kids. You know, like those play kitchens or supermarkets? Like Baby’s First Bar or whatever. Like with taps and little plastic bottles of vodka and fake vomit and teddy bear bouncers with severe rage issues.

So cute.

We also played this game where we (me, Owen, or Mia) sat on a bar stool and the girls would come up behind you and scare you and you had to pretend they REALLY scared you and fall into the pool in a super dramatic fashion.

I love games that involve super dramatic fashions.

Like this game.

Those fashions were both dramatic AND outrageous.

At around 11:30, we were thinking lunch-ish thoughts.

So we put in an order at Bella Napoli for ALL the pizza. Quick note – the pizza at Bella Napoli is good stuff but it usually takes a little bit to cook. When we put our order in, she told us it would be about 45 minutes. Which wasn’t a surprise. We were ready for them.

What was a surprise is that then, for some reason even though Bella Napoli is at the Iguanas pool, we walked over to the other Caribbean Village pool, Cascades, knowing full well we would have to come back here to get the pizza before bringing it back over to the Cascades pool.

Why would we do such a thing?

I dunno. Stupidity?

Welp, this rum and coke at the Cascades pool bar helped.

Plus, I mean…look how much fun.

At around 12:15, Owen, Myles, Hannah, and I walked all the way back over to the Bella Napoli (again, at the OTHER pool) to get our pizzas.

And it was good we all went over there because oof, we got a lot of pizza you guys.

Yup. 10 pizzas. Who did we think we were? The McCallisters?

We sat at the pool for a little bit, enjoying our pizzas. And they were also serving tacos, burgers, and hot dogs at the pool as well. In fact, Tony ended up getting a burger and declared it one of the best burgers he’s ever eaten?  

Seemed a bold claim but eh. I’ll let him have it.

OK, wow – I can’t believe it took me 5 pages at 11-point font in Microsoft Word to get to this point but here we are. At 1:00? We. Had. Plans.

I had chartered a 5-hour catamaran for everyone for today through Grace Bay Watersports to take us out for a fun day on the water and see the sunset.

The plan was to meet the boat down by the dock.

Now, I should mention there was some trepidation from some members of our party about the whole boating situation. It was a little windy out there with some rain threatening so the water was a little rough, at least near the beach.

It didn’t help that the boat was bobbing pretty severely as we were all trying to climb the ladder to hop aboard.

The boat looked super fun though – there was a slide going off the stern and they had bean bags set up all around the bow.

Right? Stern and bow? I totally did not just look that up.

D’oh.

After we boarded, the crew (who were fantastic btw) gave us our safety instructions and let us know what to expect for the day. I also met with them to let them know the itinerary Nickie was hoping for. They looked it over and said it all looked doable. I also connected my phone to the Bluetooth to ensure we had the right music for our 5-hour tour.

Our 5-hour tour.

This is Scott. He’s half mole person.

In their instructions, the crew also let us know that if we needed soft drinks, water, beer, or rum punch to just let them know.

I let them know.

So yeah. OK.

Like I said, the water was a bit rough out there. And as we ventured further away from the resort, the Pittmans and the Michigan Goodys were kind of rethinking the whole situation.

This became even more of a rethink once Scarlett threw up on Mikey.

While they were sitting here.

Even Myles was thinking about getting off the boat.

We talked to the crew about the possibility of bringing some folks back and they said it wouldn’t make much sense to go all the way back to Beaches and that, instead, we could pull off at another resort where whoever wanted to head back could grab a cab.

The crew members also let us know the water would most likely calm as we got more out in the open ocean since the water closest to shore would be the roughest.

They also said that one of the stops on Nickie’s itinerary was on the way so it might make sense to stop there first and let some folks get some air, catch their breath.

Made sense.

So, first stop? Iguana Island.

We pulled up to the shore and were immediately greeted by this dude.

And soon, a few of his friends came to join.

As we were walking down the dock, Nickie and I realized this was a completely different Iguana Island from the one we visited before with the Falzones. You can read about THAT Iguana Island here.

This island looked much smaller and had more of a structured path you walked.

This one also had a little house with exhibits and what not.

So I mean it was educational. I knew taking all the kids out of school was the right decision.

And it felt like there were a ton of iguanas. And these iguanas had zero issues with coming right up to us.

But yeah, much smaller than the other Iguana Island. I think we made it through the entire thing in about 20 minutes.

When we got on the boat, I got the music going again, starting off with a request from Sophia for “Shake it Off.”

And then, those thinking about getting off the boat had a decision to make. Did they want us to head over to land so they could grab a cab or stay on the boat.

Myles decided to stay.

The Michigan Goodys made the decision to disembark.

That left the Pittmans. And it was really all up to Scarlett. Sophia wanted to stay so that meant at least one Pittman parent would remain behind as well.

But, as Taylor Swift talked about people thinking she stays out too late or has nothing in her brains, Scarlett rallied and said she wanted to stay.

She…ahem…

Shook it off.

I know.

I’m not proud of it.

But yeah, what a rally. She pulled a Billy Bob.

The crew called a cab for the Michigan Goodys and we made our way over to shore to say our goodbyes. Which was a bummer. Not exactly what I was expecting today but I get it and obviously didn’t want anyone to stay if they weren’t comfortable.

And while we were sad to say goodbye to them, we’d be seeing them later.

Back out we went.

Our next stop was to get a look at the La Famille shipwreck, a shipwreck that stuck itself in these shallow waters in 2004 during Hurricane Frances. And while when we first learned of this shipwreck, the plan was for some of us to jump off of it into the ocean, it has since become pretty dangerous due to decay.

Still though, it was a cool sight.

We anchored near here for a little while so we could swim and make use of the waterslide. Which Larissa was, unsurprisingly, first to do.

As you can see, the slide went off the top deck.

Super fun stuff.

Well, most of us thought it was fun. Sophia also gave it a try and, like, wasn’t the biggest fan. I mean, maybe it ended in tears but it began with a smile.

Which quickly turned to tears. Still though, good on her for giving it a try.

The crew also said we could jump off the top deck, which a few of us did. Including Mia!

So much fun though. The music was playing, the beers and rum punch were flowing, and I don’t know…it just felt like such a core memory kind of situation. I kind of want to go back to that moment right now.

There was no way this could get any bette…

Oh damn.

Sandwiches.

They put out some sandwiches and bags of chips for us as well.

Best day ever? I mean, probz squad?

The crew also dove for some conch while we were anchored and brought a few on to clean for us.

Oh, they also served some chips and salsa. Which Sophia became real good friends with.

Today was kind of turning out to be pretty awesome you guys. The crew was also right – the water became much calmer as we got out into deeper ocean.

Or I mean. We got more drunker?

One of the two.

As we were cruising around, I started taking requests for music from the crowd in between playing my specially curated playlist. Which kind of resulted in like 8 consecutive plays of Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” per Sophia’s request.

Scarlett partied herself exhausted.

Which was a shame. On account of the party was legit about to get started in a big way. Because our next stop? It was Noah’s Ark.

Noah’s Ark is this floating bar that also, for some reason, has like a floating trampoline park kind of thing next to it?

But as we pulled up, we knew this was gonna be a situation. The music was bumping and there were multiple boats parked there, with girls dancing on the front, people whirling around in jetskis. It was like we pulled up to a music video.

The bar was crowded with boats so the boat pulled off to the side and let us off in the waist-high water to walk on over. They would pull back around and meet us at the bar when we were done.

The walk took us through the trampoline park section.

Tony, overtaken by the multiple rum punches music, went all Coyote Ugly.

And I mean, he drew a crowd you guys. Of course he did. I couldn’t stop watching myself.

Fun Tony is really the best.

Tony had a really good time today you guys. I mean, look, we ALL had a good time, drink-wise.

But I say this only to say that today birthed a new favorite phrase for all of us, Sophia especially.

“One more for Tony!!”

I have taken it to mean, “let’s keep the party going!” I hope it catches on. It’s a sentiment we can all get behind.

When I got up into the actual bar, the wild just kept coming. To my left? People getting in on a hookah. To my right? A healthy amount of twerking. In the air? Music that was required the parents of young children in our group to issue a stern “don’t repeat any of these words” warning to their kids.

I took drink orders, including those of our crew, and bellied up to the bar.

I got myself a Tequila Sunrise.

As I sat there enjoying my drink, I watched these guys work very hard to get up on this trampoline.

The rest of the time in the bar is kind of a blur. Like I said, there was a lot going on. I am pretty sure Tony and I were twerking on the dance floor at one point.

Eventually, our boat found a space in front of the bar. We all climbed onto the boat with our drinks and hung out for a bit as the sun started to get low.

I distinctly remember two things from those moments docked at Noah’s Ark.

One – Myles was definitely feeling it at that point as he treated us to letting us know he knew every word of every song they played at Noah’s Ark.

And two -Sophia completely enthralled with the entire scene at Noah’s Ark, unable to take her eyes off it even as we started to pull away.

The rest of the journey would essentially be the trip back to Beaches, but we took our time. I put the music back on and it was hard not to look around at where we were and who we were with and feel just incredibly lucky to live these lives we live and know these people we know.

Oh so.

When I booked this charter, I had mentioned to Grace Bay that we were celebrating Nickie’s birthday today. And when we first boarded, one of the crew members let me know they had a bottle of champagne for us as a surprise. Which was exciting.

However, I had no idea what we were in store for.

As we were making our way back, that same crew member pulled me aside and asked me to get a “happy birthday” song ready on my phone. He grabbed the bottle of champagne and pointed to me as he walked up on Nickie.

Then he proceeded to shake the bottle and pop it open to give Nickie a champagne bath. Of which I have zero pictures or video.

I am the absolute worst.

It kind of looked like this though.

But it was kind of amazing. And it led into us playing Nickie’s designated birthday song – “Dancing in the Moonlight” – along with other songs at the highest volume possible as we all sang along on the return trip.

And soon enough, the sun started to officially set.

And we were back at Beaches a little after 6:30PM.

What an incredible day though. I can’t recommend Grace Bay Watersports enough if you are visiting Turks & Caicos and looking for a charter. The boat itself was exactly what we were looking for and the crew was awesome.

I only wish the Michigan Goodys could have stayed on. Womp.

When we got back to the resort, we still had the matter of dinner to attend to. So the plan was for all of us to head back to our rooms to get ready and meet at Bobby Dee’s for a casual dinner.

Nickie and I got ready quickly and stopped in at Turtle’s, the bar off the Carribbean Village lobby, for a quick pre-dinner cocktail.

Look how pretty we are.

We then headed over to Bobby Dee’s. Bobby Dee’s is a 50’s style diner situation that serves things like burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, fries, ice cream. Also? Gwen and Matilda are there.

I mean, not all the time. I don’t want you going in there and being disappointed there’s no Gwen and Matilda when you visit. I mean, there might be. What are we if we don’t have hope.

The Pittmans were also there. Again, not a guarantee they will be when you go.

I went for the Spicy BBQ Burger (BBQ glazed burger patty, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion ring, pepper jack cheese), a hot dog, and a side of fries.

Eating light tonight.

I do remember really liking the burger. Which, you know. Could have been the burger. Could have been the rum punches. But I remember the experience of eating it was pleasant.

I sat with Gwen and Matilda a bit, asked them about their day and their lives in general. Matilda informed me she was going to be DJing her upcoming dance at school. Which obviously was a mistake telling me that on account of I gave her far too many music suggestions.

I hope Madonna made an appearance, but I haven’t followed up.

And being I was on a strict diet tonight obviously, I also joined some others in line for ice cream after finishing my burger.

And hot dog.

And fries.

It was a long day, you guys.

I ended up going with a strawberry shake.

According to timestamps and DEFINITELY NOT my memory (again, rum punches), we spent about an hour at Bobby Dee’s, talking about the trip and life in general, knowing we were facing down our last full day together tomorrow.

Which was so sad.

I mean look at Myles. He’s heartbroken.

Well, he’s a “crying on the inside” kind of guy.

Tony also became like BFFs with Scarlett and Sophia that night.

In fact, after we had finished up at Bobby Dee’s, we all walked over to the bar in the Italian Village for a drink. And as we were walking over, Sophia added another Tony-ism to her repertoire – “Walk like Tony.”

I don’t have it on video or anything, but it basically kind of looks like leading with your head, legs kind of apart as you walk, arms bent and moving with each stride very purposefully. Like, kind of mix between Popeye and a cowboy? But you know, jovial.

Like this clown kind of.

That one btw. Walking like Tony? That one has stuck.

Oh so right yeah – so we walked over to the Italian Village bar for a quick drink before heading in. I think I ended up ordering a Crown on the rocks, maybe?  

And that was kind of it for Day 5, you guys. A pretty epic one, no?

And as I mentioned, we have one more full day left before we leave. So I think that will probably equate to one more blog post before we finish this whole thing off.

So yeah, Until Day 6 y’all.

See you guys then

Last post – Day 4!