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. 

Oliver's Blessing

On Sunday September 25, 2011 we blessed Oliver West Leary at the Cranston Chapel surrounded by friends and family. Mark had the opportunity to bless Oliver surrounded by Grandpa George Leary, Grandpa Dewayne Steedman, Uncle Timothy Steedman, Jared Murray and Carter Bishop. 

Following Sacrament Meeting we had a lovely family brunch with all of Oliver's Grandparents, Cousins, Uncles and Aunts (who live in Calgary) at Grandma and Grandpa Leary's! Thank you to all who made our handsome little man Oliver's day so special.

All about me...

I started this blog months ago (maybe a year) and this is my first post. I thought a blog would be a good way to journal all of life's little moments and perhaps a few big moments. But first I'd like to tell you a bit about us, just a little leary...

Mark is my handsome husband and best friend. We've known each other since we were 13 and have been happily married since 2003. Mark is a kind person and a genuine soul. He loves life and does thoughtful things for others. He sees the best in people and always gives others the benefit of the doubt. He's patient and calm/mellow (two qualities that I lack and it seems to balance "us" out). He plays hard, works hard and laughs hard. He's handy, he knows how to build all sorts of things and has the ability to fix things (and does it happily while I say "are you sure you know how to do that?"). We work well together, we compliment each other. But best of all he loves me and our beautiful children. He is a loving father who loves to laugh and play (in other words he's just a big kid). He's my knight in shining armour without a white horse. I love you.

Abigail is a happy little girl who's just a little adventurous. She's so happy & curious and is rarely found without a smile. There is little she isn't willing to try (with the exception of food) or little she isn't willing to climb or jump off. Some days I ask her if she's crazy, she scrunches her nose, turns her head to the side and says "no" with a huge mischievous smile.  I often hear her say "run mommy" or "roar mommy" which means chase me around the kitchen island, or "two, three, two, three" followed by a thunderous THUMP! Only to look up and see she's jumped off the top of the couch and belly flopped on the ground. She thinks everything is hot and must touch it with her finger to ensure your telling the truth that her carrot sticks or grapes are indeed NOT hot. She's brave, she's vibrant, she's happy, she's smart, she's beautiful, she's kind and I'm lucky to be her momma. I love you bug.

Oliver is the newest little person to join our family. And although he's only weeks old I already see a little personality. He loves to be held and loves to cuddle (something Abi won't hold still for). Part of this may be due to the fact that when he is put down and I turn my head he's attacked by an over loving sister with bear hugs and piranha kisses. He always seems to have a furrowed brow and be deep in thought pondering the deep mysteries of the universe. I think he's an old soul. I feel like I've known him my whole life and can't imagine life without him. Prince Oliver I love you.



At last theres me... Lyndsey. What do you say about yourself? .....



This is now Mark. I stole the computer from Lyndsey, I can't let you go with out really knowing about her. With out going into to much detail Lyndsey is one of the most wonderful person you will ever meet. I am incredibly lucky to have her in my life. I couldn't ask for a better wife, and Abi and Oliver couldn't ask for a better mother. She is beautiful, smart, and giving. Full of random facts, that somehow always end up being incredibly useful. She has an impeccable attention to detail (or in other words she's OCD, but I love that about her). She's talented in ways she doesn't even realize. She makes our house a home. She has an amazing spirit that will comfort you in your darkest hour. I love her with all of my heart, and I would be a wreck without her.