Dominican Republic

Russ and I just spent 6 glorious days in beautiful, sunny Dominican Republic for our friends Kevin and Jenny's wedding. It was so much fun! We stayed at the Punta Cana Excellence all-inclusive resort. They had great food, drinks, activities, pools, etc. Our first travel day was Mr. Russ's birthday. I made him wear a Happy Birthday Boy ribbon on his back-pack. I'll be such an embarassing mother some day! We quickly adapted to the heat by enjoying Banana Mamas, Coco Locos, Presidentes, Sammy Sosas, Pina Coladas, etc.

Jenny and Kevin had a gorgeous beach side wedding. Jenny was of course a beautiful bride and the setting was amazing! We then enjoyed a cocktail hour by the pool and then onto the reception. The food and drinks continued until we decided to head to the disco. We danced it up and a couple of people decided to participate in a beverage contest. Many years of practicing paid off!

Russ and I tried to enjoy some of the activities that the resort tried to offer such as a scuba diving lesson in the pool and kayaking. I have to say that I felt a little bit like shark bate floating over the ocean, looking down! Russ was happy playing lots of poolside volleyball with the group and the girls mostly enjoyed laying on their mats soaking up the rays. We would have to take breaks and float down to the poolside bar for a refreshing beverage every now and then.

On our last night, we all hung out in Kevin and Jenny's amazing suite playing card games and dancing around to the I-Pod. We ate one more breakfast at Toscana in the morning and then started our trip back to the real world. Customs took so long that we missed our next flight back to KC. The worst part is that our plane was sitting there but the doors were already closed! They said they couldn't open them for the approximately 13 of us that had missed the flight. So, we thankfully got onto the 10:40pm flight by waiting stand-by. We made it home by 2am minus one of our bags. Most people left the airport without any of ther bags! Oh well, the price you pay for traveling. Just teaches you to go with the flow!

Thank you Jenny and Kevin for inviting us, we had a blast! Congrats and best of luck to you in the future! You truly are a great couple!

Birthday and Father's Day

Yesterday we celebrated Russ's upcoming birthday and Father's Day for my dad and Russ's dad. We had both families over for dinner and gifts. Here's Russ blowing out his candles. Looks like he's really into it! It always good to spend time with family and enjoy some good food! Thank you dads for everything you do.. we love you!

Yet another wedding.....

This last Friday Russ and I made a 9 hour treck down the Louisville, Kentucky for my friend Sandy's wedding. NOTE: there is a time change in Kentucky. We had no idea! We got checked into our hotel and thought we had about an hour to get ready. I just happened to look at the clock on the bedside table which said 5:53pm. I took my cellphone out which said the same thing. The wedding was at 6:30pm! We quickly changed our clothes and rushed to the wedding. They had just started when we got there. Sandy was beautiful and the reception was awesome. We didn't know anyone else besides the bride but sat with a great couple. They had been married 38 years and were still crazy in love. Hope we are like that!

For those of you who don't know, Sandy and I did the World Service Corps together about 8 years ago in Korea. We have stayed in touch all these years and she was in our wedding. She is a great friend and I am vert happy for her and James!

Russ and I ate at a cute little breakfast place called Toast and then started our drive back to Kansas City. It was a whirlwind of a trip but worth if for a great friend. I always try and tell myself to do for others as I would want done for myself.

Amanda and Chuck's Big Day!

This last Friday I had the honor of participating in Chuck and Amanda's wedding. Amanda of course was a beautiful bride and the reception was so much fun. It was at the Arts Incubator in the Crossroads district in Kansas City. It also was First Friday so it was alot of fun with all of the people and the great weather. Of course us CMH workers cut a rug on the dance floor! We all wish Chuck and Amanda the best!

Family Trip

This last week I traveled with my parents and Kat to Ohio and then onto Virginia. We went to pick up my Grandma so she would be able to come with us to my cousin's graduation. My grandma lives near a very large Amish community. So, Saturday we spent most of our day exploring the shops and sites of Amish country. They have this great little place where you can sample cheeses. They have upgraded a bit and now you can do some wine tasting. Here's my dad and I trying some wine.

We then drove onto Virginia where we did some sight seeing such as Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson and UVA. There is alot of history and beautiful land out there! We celebrated our cousin Melanie's graduation and went out for a nice Italian dinner afterwards. Before we left the next day we had a nice family brunch at our aunt Elaine's house.

We appreciated all of the hospitality and it was nice to see everyone again. We don't get to see this side of the family very often due to distance. We are all very proud of Melanie for graduating and now starting her college adventures!

Sad News

I received news yesterday that a long time friend and neighbor passed away due to a blood clot to his brainstem. He was only 53 years old. He was a husband, father and grandfather. I have many great memories of Randy and his family. Especially him as our childhood soccer coach for BVAC and playing old school nintendo with his kids at their house. I also remember him building a storage shed that had a play room on the top. This will be a tough time for his family and ask for kind thoughts and prayers for them. My heart goes out to them.

Bachelorette Party

This last Friday a group of us headed down to the Lake of the Ozarks for a weekend of fun before Amanda gets hitched. We rented a great condo complete with a tub overlooking the lake. Friday night we went out to dinner and then hit the Poopdeck. Nice name huh! I heard that one of my charge nurses at work met her husband there! Saturday a group of us hit the outlet malls. Aw, JCrew Outlet! Need I say more. We headed back to the condo and met up with the rest of the ladies at the pool. Amanda's mom made us a great dinner and then we threw Amanda a surprise lingerie party. I think she loved it! It was a fabulous weekend and I can't wait for her and Chuck to get married! Will post pics later.