Day 10 - The End in Sight

Scott was up last night with sinus pressure... thankfully the first time since we’ve arrived.  So I tried to do one last clean up this morning and hit the floors one more time.  Its amazing home much dust and debris moves around with the cardboard and drywall dust from construction.

We did a quick breakfast before Uncle Roger and Aunt Gretchen arrived about 10:00 am.  We spent some time getting caught up and showing Uncle Roger the spaces and then relented to Sammy’s requests to get outside.  We took a long walk on the beach, heading south and made it all the way to the inlet.

When we got back to the condo, Steve and Melissa announced they were finished.  I cannot believe it!  Scott sat down to discuss the final numbers with them so the Ademas, kids and I headed out to give them some privacy and grabbed some lunch at the hotel.

Thankfully the conversation didn’t last long and Scott was able to join us for the meal.

After we made it back, we all took a little rest time.  Its the first time I’ve seen Scott sit down in a comfortable chair since we arrived. Even Coco found a spot to relax.

We made cookies and Cabbage and Sausage for dinner and after eating decided to play at the pool (Uncle Roger and kids) and rest in the hot tub (Aunt Gretchen, Scott and I).  We were home again just after 9:00 pm so after showers, called it a day!

Steve and Melissa are mostly wrapped up now.  Its been fun getting to know them better this last week and we’re going to miss them.  But I am so thankful that the work is done!  Scott willl have a few projects that he’ll finish during his next visit but the condo is ready!

It was a fabulous day!  The first day that Scott had some down time and the first inklings that we are on vacation.  I’m so thankful for Scott and his skill set and perseverance.  What an incredible job he’s done finishing this condo!  I cannot wait to make even more memories here.  <3

Warmth and Waves - Day 7

It was another beautiful day!  We relaxed all morning... the kids were content watching movies and playing their iPads while the adults enjoyed the view from the verandah.  Scott made eggs for breakfast again while the kids and I did Bible.  

Eventually we made it out to the pool area.  It was close to 12:00 noon and Sammy was a little upset so we decided to grab some snacks from the restaurant.  Sammy had her favorite while the rest of us split some quesadillas under the shade pavilion.  As the week goes on, and my memory of Spanish improves, and its gotten much easier to communicate with the wait staff.

We have really enjoyed these round sitting areas around the pool.  They look like hot tubs but are exactly the same temp as the pool (which is really warm).  

Scott and Tyler spent some time playing in the sand by the ocean while I played with Sammy in the pool.  When they came back, Sammy took over playing with Daddy and the whole pool area echoed with her laughter.

Scott, the kids and I headed up to the condo a little after 2.  Our faces peeled today and the fresh layer of skin is really tender so I didn't want to risk getting another sunburn.  The kids did their own thing while Scott and I relaxed in the living room and enjoyed some quiet conversation.

I made snacks to hold us over but Tyler preferred some M&Ms.  From the kitchen I heard, "Oh No!"  When I asked what was the matter, he had that same look on his face and believe it or not, he had lost another tooth!  Wow!  You cannot make this stuff up!

JC and Mary stayed out most of the afternoon and when they returned it was close to supper time.  We haven't eaten off site much on this trip so we decided to do so tonight.  Sammy asked if we could go to the restaurant that had dancing last year.  So we did.

It was a wonderful meal.  The wait staff again was super accommodating and the food tasted great.  We got back to the condo around 8:00 pm and started our movie night... Megamind.

After that, I made Sammy a chocolate shake.  She was VERY excited to have one again and I was very proud of my creativity in pulling it off.  Until Scott pointed out the blender that's sitting on the counter.  Oh well... it was made with love and I'm sure she will love it regardless :)

We tucked the kids in bed and then headed out to the verandah for our ice cream.  But we didn't stay long.  The power kept flicking on and off and had the kids worried so I came in to be closer to them.  We all decided it was best to call it a night and were asleep before 11.

When asked what their favorite part has been so far:

• Tyler - the experience of swimming so fast with my flippers
• Sammy - the pool and french fries

Ditto - Day 4

This morning our wake up was quite similar to yesterday.  Sammy up early.  The rest of us slowly emerged and by 9:00 am all of us were out on the verandah enjoying the morning breezes.  Since Sammy had been up so long already, she had already eaten breakfast.  Tyler was hoping to go to Guila's, a favorite restaurant from last year, so the guys headed out in search of pancakes while the girls stayed back at the condo for toast and coffee.  I shared a Ted Talk video with Mary while Sammy watch her iPad.  We just needed a relaxing morning.

Eventually Sammy and I headed down to the pool and gave Mary some time to relax on the verandah.  It was around 10:00 am when we finally got in the water.  Imagine our surprise when we saw the guys sitting at the pool side restaurant finishing their breakfast.  Apparently Guila's was closed and so they walked all over looking for an open breakfast... exploring further out than we had so far.  They found NOTHING open so they came back to the condo for breakfast.  It was a long, hot walk but Tyler made it!

Since they already had a tab open, I ordered up some french fries for Sammy and we all waited for them to arrive.  In the meantime, Mary and Sammy and I all joined the guys at the table.

Next we headed over to our spot on the beach and climbed into some beach chairs.  Tyler and Sammy played in the water while Scott and I enjoyed the tranquil breeze.  We bought a very expensive pineapple from a woman selling on the beaches... but I'm sure it'll be worth it.  It took checking three wallets before we found a $5 bill to pay.  JC and Mary quick ran up to get changed into their suits and Scott and I had some snacks and bought some jewelry from another vendor.

We all had too much sun yesterday so we tried to stay in the shade but the water was calling.  Mary and I spent some time under the palm trees in our loungers and eventually found a great spot in the small seating area within the infinity pool.  We could keep an eye on Sammy, talk and stay cool all at the same time!  Fabulous!

We headed back up to the room again around 2:00 pm.  We were tired and probably had gotten a little more sun that our sore bodies needed but there weren't complaints!

The afternoon today was pretty similar to yesterday.  Mary and I read on the verandah, Sammy took some alone time in her room while all the boys watched a movie.  We prepped a plate of crackers, cheese and pineapple to help hold us over to supper time.  Once the movie was over the guys migrated out to the verandah where Tyler spurred us all on for a game of Uno.  It was so FUN!  Oh boy, did we laugh!  After three rounds, it was after 5:00 pm, so we decided to head out for supper.

We headed down the street to El Meson, a nice restaurant that we really enjoyed last year... the menus are translated to English, they have A/C and their wait staff really do go out of their way for you.   Our waiter started out by saying he knew a little bit of English, I said I knew a little bit of Spanish and that we would be alright!  He was a great server.  Another Spanish-speaking waiter approached the table as we were praying.  He waited for us to finished, said Amen, served the meal, and then spoke a blessing over our table in Spanish.  It was a great meal.  Scott's fish alone was a masterpiece!

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A few extra stories about dinner... when it was time to order our drinks, Sammy first asked for a chocolate shake (as she does), "No", then a chocolate milk "No", you could visibly see her getting frustrated.  Without missing a beat she says very seriously "You really need to practice your English".  Ahh!  Scott and I both quickly corrected her that they didn't need to learn anything and we all had a good laugh but wow was I glad he couldn't translate that!  Sometimes autism turns off the filter completely.  Ugh.

The next dinner story happened mid-way through the meal.  Tyler had ordered the Deditos de Pollo Frito con papas fritas (chicken strips and fries).  I assumed he was enjoying the meal since he hadn't complained when all of a sudden, he let out a half-shout and completely stopped frozen.  We all looked at him and asked what was going on.  To hear him tell the story, he says he bit down on something hard and quick pulled it out assuming it was chicken batter.  His mind was racing trying to figure out what it could be when his tongue slid over the place where a tooth used to be.  The thing he removed from his mouth, was a tooth!  He handled it really well and after calming Sammy down (who apparently doesn't like it when Tyler loses teeth either) we took pictures and celebrated!  I'm not sure what it is but it does seem like every time we leave the country our kids teeth seem to jump right out of their heads!

After dinner we headed west (away from our condo) to a supermarket the guys had found on their walk earlier.  It was dark, the sun was completely down and still 82*.  We grabbed a few extra groceries and then headed back to the condo.  This was a great find and I'm sure we will use it more often in the future!  The store we generally visit is more like a party store where this has a much better selection of grocery items.

As soon as we made it back, Sammy asked if we could all play Uno... and no one could say no to that sweet request.  So we all sat in the dining room for three rounds of Uno.  We all laughed so hard as we teased and were surprised at the kids reactions.

Sammy decided to move on to the computer while the rest of us played a round of Skip-Bo.  The game lasted quite a long time so Sammy started a movie in her room.  Tyler would eventually join her to finish.

The adults grabbed a bowl of ice cream and headed out to the verandah to unwind after the day.  The conversation was great and we even had a little discussion to answer some questions I had from my devotions.

It was 10:30 pm when the kids' movie finished.  We had incorrectly assumed they had fallen asleep already.  So we tucked them in and we all headed to bed as well.

I know is sounds crazy, but we are all exhausted.  When you look at what we accomplish or how little we actually do, its hard to believe, but the fresh air and sun certainly take their toll.  Its all good stuff but we sure sleep well.  Looking forward to a repeat tomorrow!

Here Comes The Sun - Day 3

It was early when Sammy woke up... apparently this relaxing-sleep-in kind of trip isn't quite her style.  But she was gracious and kept herself busy til 8:00 am.   After showering and devotions, the rest of the house started making their ascent.  We decided to just eat breakfast in our condo today... a hodge-podge of cold cereal, toast, applesauce, Pringles and yogurt.  I know its not crazy healthy but hey, its vacation!

We spent a little time out on the verandah before heading out to the beach.  And no kidding, its as gorgeous as we remembered!

We were out from 9:30 am until around 2:30 pm.  It is a blur of snorkeling in the ocean, sitting on the chairs at the beach, swimming in the pool, and so much more!  It was a great way to spend the day.  We bought some fresh bananas from a woman walking on the beach and even found a large crab up by the pool!   There isn't a ton to share other than to let the pictures paint the picture...

 

Lots of smiles and lots of sun!

We headed in mid-afternoon for some rest time.  The guys watched a movie.  Mary rested and read a book and I worked to catch up our blog while on the verandah.  

We needed to stop by the security desk for bracelets so we left a little early for supper.  We stopped at Mama Mia Restaurante, an Italian restaurant, across the street from our condo complex.  They were so accommodating!  They moved a fan directly in front of our table, tilted the TV in our direction and found American programming to watch.  

 

We all enjoyed our meal and then hit the party store and pharmacy for some much needed supplies (laundry soap and ice cream).

The kids requested one more swim in the pool, so we headed out for a dip.  The water felt wonderful to cool our sunburned skin.  

We wrapped up around 7:30 pm, just after dark and decided to tuck the kids in for a movie in bed.  They are snuggled in watching Honey I Shrunk the Kids, each with a bowl of ice cream.  Life is good!

Us adults are headed back out to the verandah for a relaxing evening!  I'm sure we'll soon have our bowl of ice cream as well.

The temp today was in the low 90s again.  After dark, the thermometer still reads 80*.  The ocean is warm, the pool is warmer and we are loving every moment!

We are all tired from a relaxing day in the sun!  Looking forward to tomorrow!

Rest and Relaxation After the Sand Dune - Day 18

We stayed in our jammies until 10:00 am... I LOVE VACATION!

About that time, the kids and I headed out to the beach while Mary stayed inside to keep reading her book.  There is still a ban on swimming so we enjoyed playing in the sand dune again.

Afterwards, we headed up to check on the status of the pools and I was THRILLED to see the hot tub had been refilled.  The water felt wonderful and sitting in the breeze this morning.

After getting cleaned up, we had pigs in a blanket for lunch and rested the afternoon away.  It felt SO good!  I did Bible with the kids and then we ate Italian Chicken that had been cooking in the crockpot all day.

We decided to walk the Apache Pier and go crab hunting since the water seemed lower today but just as we got dressed to go out, I noticed some rain clouds coming in.  We changed plans and decided to watch Mulan instead.  The kids Face-timed with Dad for a bit and then headed to bed.

Another relaxing day... perfect vacation!

Downtown Disney and RAIN

In an attempt to allow the kids to sleep in this morning, we didn't schedule ANYTHING until a 1:30 pm lunch at Downtown Disney.  We figured we would do some exploring there and let the kids each pick out their souvenir.  But, like clockwork, Sammy was up at 7:45 am so we had a relaxed morning. watched a Disney movie and then got ready to go.

We arrived around 11:15 am and set out for some shopping before lunch.  Not even 20 yards from the bus stop, I noticed Sammy's backpack was gone.  Right away she knew it was still on the bus (which had already departed for the next stop).  We decided to part ways... Scott and Tyler went on to the Lego Store to shop while Sammy and I headed back to the bus stop in search of her backpack.

Just to be clear, there is NO monetary value to her bag but it did hold all of her crushed pennies and every precious autograph she got from all her character friends this week.

So we checked with the bus stop, sent out a message to the other drivers, and submitted our claim to the lost and found office.  No luck so far but they encouraged me to continue on with our plans for the day so Sammy and I started shopping.

It wasn't long before she was DONE shopping.  We were close to another bus stop so headed back to our room to get the stroller.  When we were on our way back, it started to rain.

We got off back off the bus just moments before our lunch reservation, so I had to walk quickly to make it in time... in the pouring rain!

When we arrived at the House of Blues, Tyler and Scott were waiting.  They had avoided the worst of the rain.  We got right in to a table and settled in for the meal.  But the air conditioning vent was directly above our table and it was FREEZING.  Sammy started to whine / cry because she was so cold so I decided to head out to buy a sweatshirt to warm her up.

By now there was 3-4 inches of standing water on the sidewalks... literally flowing OVER your food as you walk.  I shared an umbrella with a stranger and made it to the store in time to buy the last two beach towels... already sold out of sweatshirts, ponchos, umbrellas, etc.  So we ate our dinner wrapped in beach towels.  When it was time to leave, we wrapped each kid in the towel and then put a shopping bag over each of them to act as a poncho.  Back out into the rain but this time we grabbed a cab to avoid the long walk back to the bus.

Warm showers were definitely in order!  So we cleaned up, warmed up and had a relaxing few hours in the hotel.  The skies started to clear so we headed out for a walk to dinner at our resort.

Once we got back to our room, we watched Little Mermaid and found Tangled on TV.  We got the kids in bed at a decent time and I started to pack.

It was a different kinda day... but still LOTS of fun!  Tyler did buy a new Lego set and Sammy found an assortment of 5 princesses.  We never did find that backpack but we are hoping it turns up.