After a full week, it was time to say goodbye to Turks and Caicos. We ate an early lunch at the resort before taking the shuttle to the airport. We were all sad to leave!
The airport in Turks was crazy busy! There was 1 main sitting area, as everyone boarded their planes on the tarmac. We waited for about 3 hours and ended up getting delayed about 45 min. When we booked our flights home, we only had about an hour between our connecting flights in Fort Lauderdale. I was already nervous about how short that time was and now with being delayed, that time got even shorter.
We finally arrived in Fort Lauderdale and of course our luggage was some of the last to come out. Then we had to get in the customs line. The Gists got through the line much quicker and went on to the gate to let them know we were on our way. We were still in customs when they said they were about to start the last boarding group. I was starting to get concerned now that we weren't going to make it. . which would mean staying the night in Ft. Lauderdale since there was no other flight out to Dallas after ours.
We FINALLY got through customs and went to security. Thankfully this line was short, but just our luck, Shawn got held up. He told me and the kids to go. Right about this time, we hear "Baxter, party of 4, this is your last boarding call." The kids and I start running and we make it to the gate at last. I forgot to mention our gate ended up being on the complete opposite end from security. I really didn't want to leave without Shawn, so I told the gate agent he got held up, but I had his boarding pass. They said they would wait and I was really hoping they would! The kids and I boarded and we all found seats. Em sat by herself, but thanks to a kind lady, Evan and I were able to sit together. As I turned around to sit down, I saw Shawn on board. Thank goodness! I was so sweaty from our adventure, but we all made it and I couldn't have been happier. The flight home was non-eventful and we landed in Dallas around 8:00. We stopped to have a quick dinner with the Gists before heading home. I was glad to be home!
Overall, we had an amazing trip. We loved both the resort and the island! I would love to go back at some point. This was our first time at an all inclusive and I must say, I liked it. It was nice ordering drinks without having to pay for each one and ordering whatever we wanted for meals without worrying about the cost and getting up at the end of the meal without waiting on a check. There was so many activities at the resort too that kept everyone busy. The kids loved the beach, the waterpark, the pools, etc. The only downside was that since everything was already paid for, we hardly left to explore the island. I'd love to go back and see more of Turks and Caicos. If we go back, I'd like to do a split stay and stay at Beaches for a few days and a different hotel for a few more days that would make us get out more. I was hesitant at the beginning to spend the amount of money we did, but gosh, I'm so glad we did. We all had such a great time!!
