Family Vacation Report!

We didn't get kidnapped in Mexico - I've just been swamped with work, a new life group at church and other social obligations and so I'm just now getting around to posting about family vacation.

It was so great! We had a wonderful time. It was just what vacation should be - relaxing, low-key, fun, full of good eating and sunshine, lots of time with family, lots and lots of game playing, sleeping in, building memories, you get the idea.

The only part that wasn't good was how many pictures I took. I had SUCH big plans to show you all our tournament competition (outdoor games with the whole family divided into teams of 4 with 6 rotations - it was awesome), how we do the meals and feed 24 people three times a day, poker night, going to the beach, playing in the pool, and so much more.

Alas, all I managed to capture was a bit of the scenery from our condo and the "Girls Afternoon" I hosted. I sent out invitations to my 5 nieces and my mom, inviting them (and their moms, if they wanted to stay) to a spa/nail party at my condo. It was lots of fun.


Here is me and Mary, working on her toes. =)


My mom had the great idea to bring cucumbers, so here is Kara, David and Gina's youngest girl, relaxing after having one hand painted by Grandma and one hand painted by herself.

Here is Sophie, Peter and Sheila's girl, relaxing with some cucumbers after I painted her nails and toenails.

And here is Elena (David and Gina's oldest)- I did a little French manicure on her that turned out so cute! (Oh, and I had suckers as part of my afternoon. And party favors (lip glass, bath soaps, etc.) - what would a party be with no party favors?)

Here is Kara again, showing her sass and fine handy work in painting her own nails.

And here is our matriarch, with Elena.

Sarah's daughter, Hannah, was not able to join us due to a much needed nap. We missed her. And Mary's daughter, Abigail, came down from her nap just in time to have her tiny toes painted pink but sadly, I didn't get a picture of it. =(

One of the things Ian got to do was rent a surf board (his was too big to bring from home) and surf the famous K-39 surf spot. He is down on the sand with the blue board.

We shared a villa with Mary and Mike - they had the main house and we had the back house. It worked out great, because everyone has plenty of space, but we still get to hang out with them and their kids and enjoy the view from our condo.

Speaking of, the view from our condo...

And the other direction...

It was a WONDERFUL week and I'm sad it's over. I never do well when vacations end, but this year, I took Monday off as well and Ian and I still acted like we were on vacation, so that was fun. Tuesday of last week was a bit of a shocker, but as you can clearly see, I've lived to tell of it.

That is my report! More blogging to come.