"Sooooo?? How did it go?".

 

Where to begin?  I'm sure the hundreds of uploaded photos would likely tell the tale....  Both James and I have just returned from one of the most adventurous weeks of our married lives!  For starters, James really enjoyed his first plane ride- EVER (in case I haven't mentioned that for the millionth time).  Still, it was a long flight, even longer seeming if you're as long-legged and uncomfortable as he was.  The weather was sensational and the resort- Beautiful; in a picture perfect, tropical sort of way.  Palm trees galore and blue ocean as far as the eye could see.  What didn't we do?  We swam, snorkeled, danced, dined, siesta'd, lounged pool-side, played volleyball, bartered, held monkeys, dodged giant iguana's, explored, attended theatre shows, rejected offers to compete in the Miss Barcelo Pageant (funny story, that one... ;), went tubing, frolicked on the beach, etc.  I'll tell you what I didn't do-- COOK!  And it was freakin' awesome!  Not having to worry about what to make for dinner for a whole week rated high on the relaxation list (until this point, I had not realized my intense animosity towards meal planning).  And the best part, no tears.  Knowing the kids were in good hands helped ease the longing you would think we'd be suffering, being so far for so many days, away from the kids.  And what more, I really, truly am happy to be home.  I feel refreshed and rejuvinated.  I never have liked January... but this, I could get used to!               

Riviera Maya, HERE WE COME!

I can already hear the morracas, feel the sun and taste the margar-itas.

Our destination-The Barcelo Maya Beach Resort, Mexico.  Seven days, all inclusive.  Need I say much more.  Tomorrow is the date of departure and today is my usual last-minute scramble to get things done.  At the top of this list: get passports (cutting that one close), removing unwanted body hair via waxing (Aaaggh, Kelly Clarkson!!), browning my buns, rigorous flip-flop hunt, at-home pedi and a random trip to Walmart for anything we may have forgotten or convinced ourselves we need.  Three things I know for sure: 1. I'm going to take a phenomenal amount of pictures (my memory card is in for an assault).  2. I'm going to get teary, if not down-right sobbing, at least once thinking about Aaron and Ava.  And 3. James is going to have the time of his life (and me too, of course!) being it's his first time traveling on a plane or even going on a long distance vacation.  I'm pretty excited about getting to experience this with him, flying anxiety and all!  Adios Amigos!

  http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en-GB/Holidays/MapaMayaResort.htm     

Seven Hills- Not for the Faint of Heart

 

Also not for overbearing, over-protective, OCD-suffering mothers like myself, either.  Our first time tobogganing this year, we immediatly tackled the deathtrap exhilarating land known as Seven Hills.  I'm certainly no 'extreme sports lovin' type of gal, strictly due to the overwhelming anxiety and concern I harbor regarding the risk of injury.  So, it comes as no surprise to me that, naturally, knowing my fear for their overall safe-being, my kids would love this sort of thing.  They, and James, quite enjoyed themselves and I myself even ventured down the hill a time or two, not wanting to suggest the label of 'party pooper'.  We had fun.....  Good, scary fun ;-)!   

Congrats to the Newly Weds, Mr. & Mrs. Shepert!

We couragously attended Mike and Jolene's wedding this weekend.  I say 'couragously' being that the weather consisted of one major blizzard lasting a whole two days, beginning Friday and finally wrapping up sometime early Sunday morning.  The roads were pretty shady as we headed out bright and squirrely (actually, not very bright at all.  Dark, very dark.) Saturday morning, but, I had an agenda as make-up extraordinaire for the bridal party and I wasn't about to let them down.  Slowly but surely we made the trip safely and arrived right on time at Andre and Amy's lovely home (my first time seeing their new house!).  The whole morning went smoothly and the bridal party looked fabulous.  I've always enjoyed taking part in the bridal party's morning activities, of the few weddings I've been put to the task of make-up.  There's an excitement in the air with the hair, make-up and gathering of sisters, moms and best friends.  It's a great thing to be a part of.  Jolene looked exceptionally beautiful and Mike, extremely dashing.  The ceremony was touching, the dinner, tasty, and the highlight of the night summed-up in two words: Dance Party.  Naturally, we all let our hair down, cut loose and ripped-up the dance floor like we were born to shake what our mother's gave us.  Definitely one of the most fun weddings we've ever attended!  And the accomodations were nothing short of accomodating.  When one stays at Chateau Noel, upon waking to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, you can expect to be greeted with a 'Good Morning Sunshine!', sausage McMuffins and good-hearted laughter between all, reminicing about the past night's events.  Andre is the host with the most and, of course, Amy, the hostess with the most-ess.

I have to add, as you've probably noticed, the photos telling the tale of this magical weekend are missing.  Thanks to my dumbfounding forgetfulness, the only thing I managed to leave behind this weekend was, of course, the camera.  Thankfully, it should be arriving here today via none other than the happy couple themselves, Mike and Jolene!  So stay tuned friends!