My husbands father passed away in 2002, so our kids never got a chance to meet their Poppy.   So every year, since Donnie was born, my husband takes him to the cemetery on Father's Day.  Even though Donnie never got the opportunity to meet his Poppy, he knows who he is from stories and pictures.  And we have done the best we can trying to explain heaven to him, but at three he still does not grasp the idea.

This past Sunday, my husband took Donnie to the cemetary.  They stopped at the florist first and picked up blue flowers, per Donnie's suggestion.

As they placed the flowers on the plot, Donnie said "Daddy, I don't think Poppy is home right now"
My husband was curious and asked, "Why do you say that?"
Donnie said, "Isn't that what the sign says?"

In honor of our recent vacation to Puerto Rico, today’s Thursday Thirteen is all about my four day trip that we returned from this past Monday. Here are some of the highlights:

1. The Gran Melia Resort was stunning. The service was impeccable, the staff was beyond accommodating, and the food was out of this world! This is a perfect place for a romantic get-away. If you’re looking for a club bopping, 20 something resort this is not the place for you. However, if you want intimate settings, stunning views, and an off the beat resort this is definitely the place to unwind and relax.

2. The grounds were spectacular. The resort looked completely different during the day than it did at night. They would completely change the décor nightly adding statues, candles, pillows, vases, etc. The oils that filled the air were sweet and intoxicating.

3. The one hour deep tissue massage was heavenly!

4. It was amazing to get up and work out each day without rushing. Their gym was fully equipped with every state of the art work out machine.

5. My husband upgraded us to the Royal Service suite which entitled us to a separate pool off the beaten path of the resort. At anytime there was maybe three other couples using the pool so you almost felt as if you were the only one there. I was spoiled beyond belief by just waving my hand and having the waiter bring another cocktail while laying poolside.

6. I was able to read a book! One full book while I was on vacation. That alone made me smile ear to ear.

7. The daily warmth of the sun. It never got above 85, there was no humidity, and it rained a total about ten minutes during the whole trip.

8. We made friends with another New York couple. The gentleman happened to be an author with a book on Amazon’s best seller list for two years. You would never know he was a millionaire by how humble and kind he was to both my husband and I. We met them on the trip over from the airport to the resort. The ride was about 45 minutes and by the time we arrived to the resort we had plans to go out to dinner that night. We all clicked instantly. Laughing and spending time with our new friends only added to the beauty of the trip.

9. My husband was able to golf on the beautiful Coco Beach course. He said it was one of his top five courses he has ever played.

10. We spent 13 hours with our new friends in old San Juan visiting Fort El Morro, Plaza De San Jose, Plaza del Quinto Centenario, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, and Santa Maria Magdalena De Pazzis Cemetery. It was simply the best time I have ever had on vacation. We laughed, took in the sites, ate, drank coffee and took a million pictures.

11. Salsa dancing. Silly dancing. Slow dancing. We did a ton of dancing on this trip each night at the hotel’s main bar.

12. Sleeping. My husband and I are nappers. We were able to take a nap each day we were at the resort (except Saturday when we spent the day in San Juan). It was heavenly not to have a schedule.

13. Spending time with my husband. Getting to know him all over again made it feel like we were dating. We laughed, we held hands, and we really enjoyed each one another’s company. It is a really beautiful feeling knowing that after two kids and all the realities of marriage we were able to connect on a level we are not able to do at home.

This trip was the perfect antidote for this tired working mom and dad. It really tempted and fulfilled each one of my senses. While I am sad the vacation is over, I was ecstatic to get back and hug the kids that I missed every second of the trip. I am back at work, the kids have already given me yet another gray hair, but I am still sunburned and the memories are still fresh that I can wisk myself away quickly. Below is a link to my flickr account with the photos I took while on vacation. They are of the hotel, the trip to San Juan and some sunsets we saw together. I have not had time to edit them as yet, but I hope you enjoy.

Click here to see the pictures from my trip. (view as a slideshow-easier to view) I promise to catch up with the blogosphere. I did not have internet access in PR so I am so far behind in reading posts!! I promise to catch up though!! :)

Tickets for Special VIP Seating: $103.50

A Plastic Sword with two lights and a program: $38.00

A Huge lollipop and a sippy cup of lemonade: $15.00

Watching my little man and his blue lollipop smile love every minute of the Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey Circus: priceless

My poor Google reader is so backed up because I did not touch my computer at all this weekend. I am sorry blogosphere I promise to catch up at some point this week. 

Great Great Love

This is a conversation my three year old had with my Mother-in-Law the other night after dinner:

"What the heck, I can't find Leo.   Nana is what the heck a bad word?"

My MIL answers "No Donnie, what the heck is not a bad word".

Donnie replies, "So I can say what the heck and not get in trouble by mommy?"  ***Note: Mommy has been VERY good about NOT swearing in front of the little ones.

"Yep, that's right you won't get in trouble" my MIL answered back.

Not missing a beat my son comes back with:

"Well what about Son of a Bitch, will I get in trouble if I say Son of a Bitch?"

I girl scout swear that I can't be blamed for this one.  I have no idea where he picked up son of a bitch.

Another quick funny, well to me funny, my grandmother who is 88 also swears.  (hey a family that swears together stays together ey?) It makes me laugh because my grandmother watches Catholic Mass all day long.  So when she comes out with some of her one liners it doubles me over.

So my grandmother calls my cousin on the phone to ask her when she was coming over to go to the pharmacy to get her pills . Except my grandmother does not know she dialed the wrong number. Here is the conversation:

"Stef, when are you coming, I am waiting"
Um, there is no Stef here I think you have the wrong number.
"Stop Fucking with me Stefanie, I am in no mood, just come get me"
The person hangs up.

My grandmother did  not know she cursed someone out until an hour later when my cousin came to pick her up and she asked "Why were you playing games with me you know I am too old for that shit".

HA! 

I love my family!