Dominican Republic... 2017 and end of an era?

Ah, Dominican Republic. I love it and hate it. We've gone 9 years in a row. Ava's never spent a spring break not in the DR. It's the sun and the sand and the relaxation. But leading up to it it's also the stress and wondering about the weather and the expensive plane tickets. This year was no different! Dave had been watching the weather, and of course it was torrential rain. The worst in history. My take is always, but at least we'll be there and not here. His take is always this vacation is going to be miserable. We have two very different viewpoints on life!

So, we landed with our vacation partners in crime the Roehls, got outside the airport, and sure enough. Torrential downpours! The ride to the resort was interesting as half the streets were flooded and cars still tried to go down them. Of course, we were safe and sound and slightly entertained by it from the safety of the inside of our limo. 

 But getting there was truly exhausting, wasn't it Wendy??

 We did a tour of the property on one of the first days. Since it was raining, and we couldn't really soak up the sun on the beaches, it was a fun thing to do. I've decided I NEED this bathtub with this view.

And then... we upgraded! Well, I should say, the Roehls upgraded us. They joined in our contract and now we're white bracelets and Chairman Circle members. Which comes with some fun access and perks, including that we can sell weeks there. Anyone want to book a vacation? Let me know and book through us!!

When we upgraded we got moved to a new villa as well. Beautiful pool and outside area. Truly... why go anywhere else?

They've grown up here. Ava was 9 months old the first time and Abby was 7. In other words, even the youngest is older than what the oldest was when we first came. It's hard to remember, but those first years were awesome but so much work. Ava was attached to me (quite literally at times, since I was still nursing) and Max at 2 was so much energy. He's still so much energy, but now he doesn't need us to make sure he's safe every step of the way!

My girls... I love traveling with friends!

Bathrobes and hats and shirts and bags and pillow selections come with our new membership. She owns it like a boss!

Hugh Heffner's replacements maybe?

Ocean... one of our new restaurants. Truly a beautiful place, beautiful pool, amazing food. Even Abby one night ate STEAK! and LIKED IT!

This girl and her sushi. Others got pizza, but not her!

 Or him... He's in his element. My adorable little entitled child. He owns it well, and he'll be a heartbreaker. But man, he thinks all of this is supposed to be his, and doesn't realize how lucky he is!

Abby... stop growing up!!!

A long day in the sun calls for a nap on the porch under towels.

Our personal barbecue... Don better watch out for his facial hair!

A bit cloudy some days, but that doesn't stop us from relaxing over the water.

If he can't sell vacation timeshares, I don't know who can!

Perfection...

Love... there just aren't enough years left. They're going to be gone. And once one goes, they'll all go. They may not have time for vacations, or they may have vacations of their own. I just want these moments to last!

 But him... I'll be stuck with him! :)

We travel so well together!

  It's the little things that Max loves!

Hair! she decided to sit and get all of her hair braided. I was worried she'd get too bored, or wouldn't like it. I was wrong, wrong, wrong. She loved it.

And it was adorable!

Every year... surf boarding!

Jump!

For Wisconsin kids, they sure look like they were made for the sun!

He's even helpful... sometimes! Shortly after this she ended up upside down with sand everywhere. I don't think she thought it was so helpful then!

Always friends everywhere. Pretty sure this girl only spoke Spanish. Ava and Max don't care--they'll play with anyone. Abby and Nolan were never that way, so it's really awesome to watch.

It's peaceful just to look at.

Stray dogs always! This one seemed to be our villa dog. Maybe it's because we fed it? Oops! but how can you not? We had so many leftovers, and she clearly had puppies somewhere.

So fancy for such a little girl! Dinner at Ocean...

Ocean World! We also get Ocean World tickets, which is nice because we can just go for a little bit and leave. If we pay for it it feels like we have to stay forever. The kids love to go snorkeling here... safe, controlled, yet still really cool. Even Ava went this year. She may have tried last year, but was a bit afraid.

This trip Dave took Max to the waterfalls as well. I took Abby and Nolan (and Mayur!) a few years ago, and it was awesome. But I don't know that I need to do it again. It's scary to jump off those cliffs and slide down the stone waterfalls! But Max was excited, and so they went. They both had a great time. It's funny how some people in the group get there and say they're not good swimmers, or afraid of heights. Ugh, what about "20-30 foot jumps into pools of water" did you miss in the description of this??

Ocean pool. Is there a better place to drink?

Or sleep?

Or eat?

And then it was over. We took the helicopter back to the airport. I was a bit concerned my tummy would not handle it well, but it was actually very smooth. And certainly the way to travel!

Abby saying good bye!