That was some vacation!

In a word, it was Grrrreat! Photos are downloading and must be sorted, filed, captioned, and cataloged. Stay tuned for those.

Club Med Punta Cana - the place is made for families. It was the perfect choice for 8 adults, 2 five year olds, and a one year old. Between the pool, beach, two bars, kids club, baby club, wiffle ball, archery, bocce, tennis, sailing, snorkling, swimming, ATV tours, massages, facials, and pedicures there was something for all of us. And short of exercise classes, we did it all. If there are kids in your family and you're looking for a vacation spot, go to this resort.

Beyond the sun, surf, and other fun it was a valuable experience for FiG. It was a week full of new textures, smells, tastes, sights, and sounds. She had her first French pastry, drank long-life milk, spent time with adults of color, heard French, English, and Spanish every day, explored the new world of a swimming pool, and made peace with the sand. I enjoyed watching her play with her cousins and begin to recognize her family beyond A-Mo and me.

For me, it was relaxing. Sure, there were moments of anxiety and stress - we were on vacation, not on another planet! But there's something about palm trees that makes my stress melt away. It started when I first saw the palms from the airplane window. I have said that I could live in a place with palm trees. Maybe it's best to keep them for retreats instead of having them everyday though. I like knowing that there are places I can go where the mere sight of them makes me feel calmer.

My parents and older brother and his family made this vacation possible for all of us. Thank you. We loved it. Can we go again next February?