Family Vacation: Dominican Republic Style

Punta Cana

Lyndsey, Mark, Abigail & Oliver

We had the fun excuse of my sister LeeAnna's wedding in Punta Cana to have a family vacation. Four tickets, four passports, three suitcases, three carry-ons, two carseats, two children, two adults and one layover away from sandy white beaches, warm Caribbean ocean waters, unlimited pina coloda's and hot sunny weather.

After a short overnight layover in Hamilton, Ontario. We left Canada and headed south to the Dominican Republic. Thanks to West Jet we were happily reunited with Abi's blanket & carry-on containing all her forms of entertainment prior to take off (we accidentally left on the previous plane). 

Abi and Oliver travelled so well. Abi watched movies on the iPad and Oliver sat happily in my lap. Thank you Buzz lightyear, Nemo and Sully. And while we thought they might sleep during the flights (so we could nap) luck would not have it. 

  

 We arrived in Punta Cana Sunday afternoon. The airport was a large grass hut beside a long runway. Stepping off the plane was like walking into a sauna. The heat and humidity hit us like a brick. Unfortunately we learned the hard way to carry small bills. After we cleared customs, we were waiting by the baggage claim and a man grabbed our luggage and helped us to the shuttle. After loading it on to the bus, he held out his hand and stated "$10." Mark handed him a twenty and asked for change. The man disappeared never to return. A short bus ride later and we arrived at the Majestic Elegance Resort. 

We had a great time swimming in the pools, playing in the ocean waves, building sand castles, making mermaids, drinking Majestics, going for walks, napping, eating french fries and chocolate cake, hanging with friends and family, picking flowers, scuba diving and searching for lizards all on island time.  

On Thursday Nov 10, 2011 my sister LeeAnna Steedman was married to Dave Hough. We were so happy to celebrate your special day and see you start your journey as husband and wife. LeeAnna you were a stunning bride and Dave a very handsome groom. Abi was an adorable flower girl and did a great job walking down the isle and entertaining us all during the reception. We laughed, we cried, we ate, we danced we made new friends & grew our family. Congratulations Dave & LeeAnna! 

(Pictures of the wedding to come)

Sad to leave, but ready to go we headed home the following Saturday. As they called us to board the plane Mark lifted Oliver off my lap only to discover he had a huge blow out in my lap. Thanks to the kindness of strangers, we we able to board our plane in the nick of time. Oliver wearing clean pajamas and me cloaked in a airport gift shop blanket. Oh the adventures of travelling with kids. We safely landed in Montreal and had the best layover. Airport Sheraton you we amazing. I'm not sure if it was the hot steamy shower, crisp clean sheets, comfy bed and pillows, room service panini & arugula salad or the the fact that we just came from a 3rd world country, but Oh Canada how we missed you!  

Majestic Elegance Lobby Bar

Punta Cana you were good for us. You gave us a fun family vacation, memories, a new member of our family (Welcome Dave) and most importantly an appreciation for all that we have and where we live.