Flashback

It is a time-honored tradition to get shaved ice as often as possible while we're at the beach.  This was Shane last year with his inaugural shaved ice,

and this was him this year.  What a difference a year makes!  That face looks like he doesn't like it, but really it is his eye-rolling, food-induced bliss face.  It is hard to capture the essence of it on a still camera but those of you who have seen it know what I'm talking about.  And let's just say there were quite a few treats at the beach that produced this face!

P.S. we got home on Sunday evening and are glad to be back with Josh.  Too bad there's no shaved ice here.  I'm drooling just thinking about it.

Enjoying...

Playing at the park with the fam,

riding in cars (Shane thinks he is being a really good boy when he folds his arms),

not-so-friendly games of dominoes,

shopping at the outlets,

and naps at the beach.

Missing... daddy!  Throughout the day Shane will say "Dad.  Mom.  Uhnnn (Shane)."  We love you babe, keep up the good work!

From One Beach to Another

This one has white sand! 

And beach chairs!

And waves I would be swimming more often in

If this little man wasn't attached to my hip all the time

He kinda loves me, in case you couldn't tell ;)

Traveling Tales

I did it!  I made it to the states with Shane by myself!  Traveling anywhere from Dominica is pretty much a 24 hour affair, but I'm happy to report that we both survived and had a good time.  It started on Wednesday when we made the windy drive to the airport (thankfully sans barf this time).  Our airport is pretty small and the thing I love about it is that you can check in and then walk outside and play before you have to go through security.  Shane had a blast walking up and down the ramp and checking out the airplanes.

We got on our first flight to Puerto Rico and as luck would have it, I had an empty seat next to me!

The day just got better when we got on our next flight to Miami and realized my parents had booked my ticket in first class with their frequent flyer miles!!  Cold drinks before take off, mixed nuts, steak salad, and cookies while enjoying a spacious comfy seat?  Yes please!  Let me tell you it was a whole 'nother world up there!  They even warm up the mixed nuts!  I never knew about such things!  I would've had someone take a picture but I didn't want to look like I was too out of place- ha ha.  Shane was great, except for when we landed at 11 in Miami and he woke up mad as a hornet.  He pretty much cried the whole way to the hotel. I guess the fact that he crashed and slept til I woke him up at 9 the next morning made up for it- that's a small miracle for my early riser! 

The next morning brought another first class flight to Washington D.C.  It was one of those rare moments when all the stars aligned- Shane asleep on my lap the whole flight, me enjoying being wined and dined in first class in peace while watching the Office.  Now we are here in D.C., had my grandpa's funeral today at Arlington National Cemetary and it was such a neat experience and a great way to remember how awesome my Grandpa really was.  Hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures later.  Now it's off to Bethany Beach tomorrow.  I will try to keep the posts coming babe.  Miss you! 

Cute Boys

I am definitely a little biased, but I think I've got two pretty cute boys.

This one likes to make funny faces to make me laugh

He thinks he's pretty funny

And most of the time so do I!

He wore his soccer jersey in honor of the World Cup

And I have found him several times lately plopped down in the corner surrounded by his books, reading to himself.  The best is when I hear him laughing about something or other.

And this one has been practicing some things on fake patients and has been having to dress up more and more.  I must say, I am kind of liking it!

Dr. Dettinger?  He'll make a good one don't you think?

Because I'm That Desperate for Good Food...

Yesterday Shane and I bit the bullet and took the 45 minute+ bus ride to Roseau to check out the new grocery store Sav-A-Lot, and it did not disappoint. Pork chops, stew meat, frozen broccoli, cinnamon bears, and cheap prices... are you sure we're still in Dominica?!  Despite my reservations about making the trek with Shane, it ended up being totally worth it and I dare say even fun.    

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I Finally Made it to a Waterfall!

There are several waterfalls on the island and I have really been wanting to see some.  Last Friday some spouses went to Syndicate Falls and I got my chance!  Here are me, Jacki, and Cristina at the trailhead with our babies, one and two months apart from Shane.  We look pretty hard core, huh?  There was a girlfriend and mom visiting that went on the hike with us and they took pictures of us too because they couldn't believe we were toting our babies through the jungle, but that's just what you do here! 

On the way we saw lots of different plants like peppers

and these flowers that apparently you grind up and use for colds

and of course lots of banana trees

and crabs

We crossed the river a few times along the way and then all the sudden there was the waterfall through the trees

Unfortunately this was the closest we could get because it is a water source for a neighboring village

We hung out for a little while enjoying the beauty while it rained, which delighted Shane. Walking back strapped to Jerome, our driver, not so much... but I wasn't about to turn down his offer, he is one hefty little boy! 

And on the drive back we had an incredible view- million dollar even!

I know there are even bigger and better waterfalls here, and am anxiously planning our break in August when my parents come!