Bon Bini

Bon Bini, meaning "Welcome" in Papiamento the language of Aruba, welcome to my post about our terrific vacation. This was our second trip to this “one particular harbor” (side note: Buffett Day is a week away), with the purpose being to attend a college friend’s wedding. It was stunning! How could it not be, seeing as it was held on the beach of a tropical island at sunset with flamingos in the background? Since I took 452 photos and 1 video, I’ll just show you a few quick highlights.

the hotel beach- Renaissance Island

the best spot on the island, in my 0pinion

Flamingos, very tame, at our beach

the waterslide at Senor Frog's bar

yes, you go down the slide at a bar, in your clothes or undies

JMU girls

the north shore- very pretty and with extra large waves due to the hurricane

On our final night we ate at the Flying Fish Bone. This is an amazing restaurant, and not just for the great seafood, but because you can eat at a table in the water. Yup, you eat dinner with your feet (and ankles) in the ocean. Oh, and there is a wonderful view of the sunset.

Beach Time

Tomorrow we are heading to Aruba for a friend’s wedding. I’m so excited! We were there almost 2 years ago for our honeymoon-so I have a list of activities and restaurants I want to revisit.

But mostly I just want to lay on the beach.

Since the couple didn’t register I was able to be creative with their wedding gift. In addition to a personalized blanket , I ordered this awesome name sign for the wonderful etsy seller, savoiefairephoto. They (and I) adore this sign!! The seller was great to work with- fast and good commutation.

Oh, and I also made a monogrammed candle- more about how I did it after I return from my tropical break.

Off to work on my tan- see ya later!

Hairy Issue

Next weekend we will be attending a wedding on a tropical island (=hot), to which we have to ride a boat (=wind) to reach. My issue is, what do i do with my hair?! I feel pretty sure it needs to be pulled up. However, I'm not great at doing much beyond a ponytail, which doesn't nice enough for a wedding. I need help!

clip art

Addendum and Travel News

John so enjoyed driving the boat on during our little sailing adventure, he has now decided he wants to own a boat. I'd just like to get the house thing settled.

In other news, we are taking off for the Windy City in the morning! Be back in a week! :)

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4th of July

To celebrate July 4^th, we took an extended long weekend to the Roanoke area of southwestern Virginia to visit John's family. While there we spent a day on the warm waters of Smith Mountain Lake. We rented a little motorboat; it was Chester's first boating experience. He loved it! After all it is a combination of his two favorite activities- swimming and riding in the car with windows down and sunroof open! Even with sunburn, it was a wonderful day!

It is fitting that tonight is the Closing Ceremony of the Olympics- it is also the closing of my summer. Tomorrow I go back to work- I really don’t want to go. I am very sad (and more than a bit stressed) about starting another year. returning from our honeymoon
At least I had a super fun birthday weekend or as John named it “Lee-Lee Gras”. On Friday, I got to see Momma Mia- very funny but not as good as the play, go to Ikea, and eat mozzarella sticks. Chester got a new stuffed indoor soccer ball- he is very excited about it!
Saturday we went to Rehoboth Beach (DE), I got to test out my birthday gift from John. (Chester got me flowers) Rehoboth was pretty nice- we had a great time! The water was perfect- great temp and good waves! After leaving the beach- we had a great seafood dinner at Jake’s. We bought some saltwater taffy and fudge for the 3 hour ride home. It was a long day but a perfect end to my birthday weekend!

The fun is over today. Normal Sunday activities (grocery shopping, cleaning) and reading IEPs, have taken up most of the day. However, I did make some infused oils. One is rosemary fresh from our garden, and the other is garlic. I can’t wait to try them out! Any recipe ideas?

I’m going to try to enter tomorrow- calm and with a smile. Wish me luck!