Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Vieques trip Part 1

Our "Spring Break" destination this year was Vieques, Puerto Rico.  Planning for the trip began back in late July last year after a weekend spent with the Mathern's.  I think we may have actually invited ourselves along on their annual trip to the island (which we consider the Mathern's Island since they own land there). 
 Lance was the trip planning master which included booking flights, lodging, rental vehicle and excursions as well as a fabulous PowerPoint presentation showing highlights of the island.  And like a true planner, he kept all pertinent information housed in his trusty magic green folder.
 So we truly were able to just pack our bags and board the flight, knowing Lance had everything under control.  We had a 5 1/2 hr direct flight from Minneapolis to San Juan, Puerto Rico early Saturday, March 10th.  Steve was only one of us 4 who was able to sleep on the long flight while the rest of us made fun of him because we were super jealous of his mad-sleeping-skills.
 A quick 20 minute, puddle-jumper flight in the afternoon and the Mathern's island was in view.
We stayed the next week in this fabulous three bedroom Hilltop Hacienda, just outside of Isabel II, with views of the Atlantic ocean

 from the large veranda.
 This is the bedroom that Steve & I stayed in.  The windows were left open during the day to catch the ocean breeze, but we quickly learned that at night it was better to close the windows due to some barking battles some of the local dogs got into.
I loved that we could still hear and see the ocean from our room.  Saturday the 10th was pretty much a travel day for us.  We arrived in Vieques around 4:30 PM, but by the time we got our bright blue jeep and got checked in at the Hilltop, we were ready for a late supper (at Coconuts) and good night sleep.

March 11th, was our first official beach day.  After getting provisions at the grocery store, we got in about 5 hours at Orchid beach (aka Playa La Plata).  The soft sugar sand was amazing and the sound of the surf (on the Caribbean side of the island) was calm and relaxing. The mixed clouds kept us from getting very toasted, much to the disappointment of Denise & me.  Lance and Steve got in some snorkeling and spotted a stingray in between time on the sand.

Nothing beats a relaxing beach day like Bushwackers at a local restaurant in Esperanza called Bananas.  "Bushwacker down!" Our waitress, Tami from Wisconsin, was da bomb and kept treating us to extras.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Celebrating Steve

on his 29th 43rd birthday!  Steve got to indulge his sweet tooth with some homemade double chocolate brownies, Butterfingers (his favorite candy bar) & a delicious dessert at Bello's. A painted paperweight rock, compliments of Kippy, with his motorcycle gang inscribed on it and an iphone made his ibirthday complete. We all had fun spoiling our favorite "man guy" on his special day!



Thursday, March 22, 2012

7 is HEAVEN

This little boy has our hearts since the second he arrived, on March 22, 2005.  His bright blue eyes, his mischievous smile & his amazing sense of humor are just some of the things that make our nephew so special.  We are constantly quoting this "ONE-GUY" in our daily lives and can't want to see him to wish him happy birthday in person in a couple weeks.















We know Abby is your "FAVORITE" and has been since you were a little toddler, just remember we all LOVE you.



Even when you show us your "ANGRY" face!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

A very memorable wedding

We got to welcome a new member to our family this past weekend when Chad Carlson married our niece, Megan.  It was a beautiful wedding with a wonderful reception and fun dance.  Truly an amazing celebration.

Such a gorgeous couple and their love really shines and touches all those around them.

Proof that I should never take pictures after 2:00 AM.... blah!  Still a very memorable wedding even if we got very sleep deprived.