DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TRIP

Niki Beach - South Beach, Miami
South Beach, Miami

Dominican beach the day of snorkling / diving

On the boat with Amy & Brian

Hanging out in the DR

The amphitheater at Los Altos de Chavon

The chapel at Los Altos de Chavon (future wedding spot)

Los Altos de Chavon

Horseback riding at Casa de Campo

Santo Domingo

Junior and I just got home from 9 days in the Dominican Republic. It was a GREAT trip though we missed Caroline so much. I don't know if I can be away from her that long ever again. I got the cold shoulder when we got home though she was sure happy to see Junior.

There were 13 of us that went on the trip. Some friends of ours have a house at Casa de Campo in the DR and invited us all out for a vacation. We were in the capital of Santo Domingo for 3 nights and the rest of the time was at Casa de Campo which is a pretty posh resort area. Our friends rent their house out when they are not there and several months ago Beyonce and JayZ were at their house - pretty cool. The homes are beautiful, there are 3 golf courses, a gorgeous beach, horseback riding, hotel, etc. We took advantage of many of the activities. We did spend one day on a snorkling / diving adventure - it was great and the beaches were breathtaking. We had a 5 hour layover in Miami on the way home so we went down to South Beach to get a little more of the beach. We had lunch at Niki Beach where Junior used to be head of security. I got to see where he used to live. Junior had a permanent smile on his face on this whole trip - he was able to be in the DR and Miami - both homes to him. We were so happy to have him along because he could communicate with everyone in the DR - he loved being able to speak so much Spanish while he was there. When we got off the plane he commented that he was with "his people."

The most exciting part of the trip is that Junior and I found the spot where we want to get married. It is within Casa de Campo at this area called Los Altos de Chavon - this Spanish area overlooking the Chavon River. I am including a picture of the chapel located at Los Altos de Chavon which is where we will be getting married. We are planning for mid April - no official engagement yet - Junior is working on that :) We plan to have a very small wedding with family and a few friends. It will be a great vacation for those who can come - it is a beautiful place. The best part is that by having it in the Dominican Republic we will feel that Junior's dad will be with us since he is buried there and that is his home. More details to follow on the wedding plans.

Caroline is doing great - walking all over the place - there is no more crawling at our house. She is funnier every day and learns something new each day. I don't know how it is possible but I fall more in love with her each day. We have a wonderful little family and there is a lot of love flowing through our house.

Enjoy a few pics from the trip.

xoxo