Punta Cana

There are no words to describe how much we all loved this vacation.  Between splitting time at the pool, playing in the ocean, boogie boarding, spa trips, golf outing and tons of good food, there was never a dull moment yet it was incredibly relaxing.

Here we are walking to dinner.  One of the few pictures with all of us included.

Mexican night

The boys and I started our day early and we headed out for a bike ride.  We rode around the entire resort which was huge.  Our biggest find was a pond with flamingos inside.  We were totally enthralled and even took video so that we could remember their movements and noises.

After breakfast, they found a flock of ewes.

Beach fun.

So as of mid-week, Connor started feeling bad.  A terrible fever and cough became his new companions.  Thankfully, I had brought all sorts of supplies to make him feel better.  Unfortunately, we didn't foresee it turning into pneumonia which is what he was diagnosed with when we got home.  I am sorry buddy.  I don't know how you did it all vacation but you kept having fun and smiling.  I love you for how incredibly tough you are and I am sorry you were so sick. 

Daddy boogie boarding

Rode the wave all the way in

See what I mean about smiles.  

Happy 75th Birthday Papa!  

The Italian restaurant was amazing and we managed to get the special waterfront table.  

Everyday we managed to have so much fun that I am just going to include some of our pictures.

On our last full day, the boys went out golfing and the girls hit the spa.  Emily had a manicure, pedicure and her hair braided.  To say, we had a happy girl on our hands is an understatement.  The boys played nine holes and had an amazing time.  How fun!

A visit to the turtle habitat

Trampoline park

Look at Em in the upper left hand corner of the picture and G coming down from his flip.

The lifeguard showed us how to make cool designs in the sand.  Kids were thoroughly entertained.

Thank you for the most amazing trip Daddy.  I know we all have memories that we will never forget.

Punta Cana Birthday Surprise

During the hotel research, we realized that the family concierge will setup the room to celebrate a kids birthday.  Since Connor's birthday was just a few days ago, we asked for them to set up a celebration and it didn't disappoint. 

Garrett and Emily knew about the surprise and it was hard for them to keep quiet.  They were so excited for Connor. 

The bathtub filled with bubbles and balloons was a huge hit. 

Nothing beats that smile. 

So many laughs.  

What an awesome time.  The kids definitely won't forget this surprise complete with presents, cake, cookies and balloons everywhere . 

Punta Cana Arrival

Daddy is taking us to the Dominican Republic and we are so excited.  Daddy went all out and when we arrived to the Paradisus we were not disappointed.  Our two bedroom suite was 1400 square feet of gorgeous, luxurious room.  We were all thrilled. 

Emily quickly claimed the second master bedroom.  Can you even find her in this king size bed?

We spent so much time at the pool and loved when the hotel staff brought out obstacle courses and water fun. Garrett was one of the first kids to run through it. 

Emily was quick to follow.  Connor told me that if he did it that I had to jump into the pool with him.  Of course, I followed through and jumped in with him.  

The kids loved having our own personal cabana to relax. 

And joke around.  

And pretend to be perfect Angels. 

Look who stopped by to visit. 

Birds made themselves very comfortable.  

How adorable.  

Only two days into vacation and we are already having the best time. 

Papa for a week - wait what!

I didn't think I would ever say this but Papa stayed with us for an entire week.  Of course, Papa came to celebrate Connor's 10th birthday with us and we were so excited that he stayed to help for a week.  We kept Papa busy fixing things around the house and the kids kept him busy playing.  We were so incredibly busy that we didn't even take photos.  What was I thinking?  However, Emily took care of that by using the selfie stick to take photos of everyone one evening.

Make your best pose - cheese.

Emily caught Papa while he was busy playing indoor tennis with the boys.

Who else could get Grandma to actually be in a photo.

Papa, you are supposed to look up.  

Hey Daddy!!

Thank you for staying with us Papa!  We had a blast and I know the kids loved having your attention for a whole week.  

Double Digits Today!

Happy 10th Birthday to our beautiful (inside and out) boy .  I love the fact that you are getting older and wiser but you still make time for your parents.  Always a hug, smile and a quick look to make us feel so loved.  Thank you for being so special and for making us feel like we are doing an okay job.  

They all love to celebrate with each other.  After dinner at Connor's favorite restaurant Fujiama, it was time to open presents.

Now time for dessert and ice cream cake.  

You are so handsome.

Happy 10th Birthday!