We're not in Puerto Vallarta anymore Toto . . . but it was great fun!

Back home in Kansas . . . after having my toes in the water . . . and my toes in the sand . . .

This is God's beauty and it's unbeatable . . . but closely behind is this view for me . . . 

The pool that is beachside . . . you can see the swim up bar - - - which I did  - - - I spent a lot of time here - the first two days of vacation were overcast a bit - but the last three days were filled with clear skies and sunshine and about 85 degrees.  

I need to reevaluate my bucket list in life . . . but I was able to cross one item off and that is to swim in an infinity pool . . . We had made plans last fall to go to the Ozarks for a stay on a lake with infinity pool but I decided to have my gallstone removed instead . . . it was a good choice . . . 

Here I am at the infinity edge . . . water slightly runs over into another pool and is recycled through.

Check-Check.

Another fun sight at the pool was this:  

Being a fan of reading . . . I loved finding three people - all alone in the pool one morning - - - reading . . . the third one isn't in this picture . . . 

Another couple of highlights for me - the Mexican Beach Party!  I quickly find myself though wanting to know how and when and where did all of this party come together . . . If I could retire I would become an event planner as a hobby . . . and I have my own assortment of Mexican items to use.  Last year I did an entire table setting for a church fund raiser . . . with spanish theme . . . I love the colors . . . 

Don't get the chance often to enjoy a little beach dress and great food on the beach.  Indian dance performers entertained with a ritual and then dancing to great music was the end of the night.

Another special evening event was titled "Tipsy Sweets" - - - can you make a guess what that was all about??

If you guessed desserts and alcohol you would be right!  Loved the dessert options all over the resort . . . small mini cheese cakes of all flavors, fruit tarts, strawberry delights, fruit kabobs, chocolate mousse, and banana creme brulee spoons . . . yum!  Two of our new friends are seen at our table, Roger and Donna Barrett and Steve and Pam Lilly . . .  Fun times!  Again . . . I took note of the table decorations and the idea of "tipsy sweets"!!

Hubs had a couple of fun picks . . . Fishing on the S.S. Minnow on a 3 hour tour . . . a little worry for me . . . but lots of fun for the guys and gals that went along!

And a sunset cruise through the Banderas Bay ended our vacation stay.   Other than several "Mexican minutes" delay while waiting on our boat to arrive . . . the evening was fun . . . I was happy to endure the cruise which was rocky . . . with no sign of dizziness!

The fishing crew!!

And our long awaited cruise liner!!

Time to go home!!

Three hour tour ...

Blogging by the beach is a new experience...

This week Clay and I got to take a trip sponsored by a specialty company tied with his job.   This morning is our next to last day. Hubs is out on a three hour tour ...  3 hour fishing tour that is but brought to mind ...

I'm spending a couple hours beach side alone in my thoughts.  

My sister says we sit for hours and stare at waves because we can.... 

And we can't in Kansas/Nebraska!!!

It's been fun to have a reason to blog again but it is my goal to keep it up with everyday thoughts and everyday feelings, experiences, with real life.

I'll write again before we leave beautiful Puerto Vallarta!  

Where would you go if someone else paid the bill?

Thanks again Verdesian!

Sugar and spice...

And everything nice.... That's what most people are made of...

Going on vacation always reminds me of this good thing.  In our real worlds we or at least I tend to focus on the negative... The frustrating...the news on TV is usually about the mean, the hurt , and the stupid.    And as I set to travel I prepare myself to get away from these things and ignore people as much as possible.

Waiting to board a ride to downtown Puerto Vallarta, a couple from Nebraska struck up a conversation with us.  It quickly led to our kids we left behind at home and they "got it" how my huge sombrero sun hat and "fit over" shades were embarrassing to them.    Just kidding. Both of our kids understand my fair skinned dilemma.    Nice people.

Made a new friend last year on a trip to the Dominican Republic. We knew common people and so it was easy to spend time with her and her husband. Ran into them later in the year and so good to reconnect!  Traveling gave us a bond.  We are here in Mexico together now.  Nice people.

Here on the resort I have been treated with kindness and respect.  Of course that's the staff's job right?  

This morning on way to the ocean I was invited to play basketball with four nice native young men. I politely declined but they were serious and so kind.   Nice people.

Spent much time at the pool.   It would seem no one can tell how uncomfortable I can be in a swimsuit ...  Very nice man in hot tub asked about where we live and shared good advice for traveling to his home near Myrtle Beach.  A bucket list item for me!!  Nice person.

Is it just me that needs this reminder and affirmation that people are still mostly good?  Is that why we go on vacations?  Does anyone share my sentiments?

Oh the weather outside is frightful ... Let's go to Mexico!

Thank you to hubs' work for a little mid-winter getaway!!  The snow is blowing and filling up the runway here in south Kansas  and it looks like they are clearing a walk way for us to the plane.  Yes I said walk way outside where it feels like 8 degrees to a small plane.  Oh well part of the adventure right!??

Destination Puerto Vallarta.    Just like the Love Boat!!!  I remember one of my favorite TV programs  as a young person and they often docked in Puerto Vallarta.   We will see mountains and beach.    A little different landscape than normal.

Last year the trip was to Punta Cana,  Dominican Republic and we are so thankful to be included in again this year.

As a planning person I am focusing on true rest for myself.   Time alone with God and hubs.  A few nice new friends to hang out with.   Little shopping in the village and chance to meet the locals.   Some good food and great pools. One big "bucket list" item to check off is to swim in an infinity pool!

I'll keep you all posted but right now I had better go help scoop the runway!

First Annual Konda/Henningsen Golf Oklahoma

It was to be a weekend of surprises . . . Our son in law Tracy asked us to come down to Topeka on Sunday night, and surprise Casey.  Just show up unannounced.  So we did . . . with a surprise of our own - our new car.

We parked on their street and texted the picture to Casey - - - she however didn't get the text and we ended up in the drive way and honking the horn before our arrival was announced!

Surprise part #2 . . . We told Casey we were there to golf with her the next day on her dad's birthday.  Tracy then threw out the rest of the story . . . pack a bag girl because we are headed to Guthrie, Oklahoma to golf for two days!    

Don't know how you are with surprises like this??  I being a "first born" and little bit bossy . .  I like to have a plan . . meaning I need notice so I can have a plan . . . but Casey can roll with it and was excited to go!

Tracy chose Guthrie as he and his best friend Gary had golfed there before - four championship courses within two miles, one even named "Augusta".

Monday we headed out and arrived in the red dirt state at our destination around noon.   After checking into the motel - we headed out for our T-off time of 1 p.m.    I myself am not a golfer  - but was allowed to ride along for free.  I did sneak in a few holes.  We had the best time together, laughing, golfing, and enjoying the beautiful area.

Tracy had special supper plans for us . . . after four hours of golf and some rest time at the motel, we headed downtown Guthrie to Stables Cafe.  One of my favorite kinds of places to be . . .full of memorabilia.  And known state-wide for their chicken fried steaks.  

More great times!  Even though they were fresh out of chicken fries!

Day 2 of Golf Oklahoma or The First Annual Konda/Henningsen Golf Oklahoma Vacation started out early on the golf course after a great breakfast at the motel.  Kudos to the Holiday Inn Express.  Great rooms, great pool, and great food!

  

What a great way to start the day - - - This course was named Aqua Canyon . . . LOTS  of water to deal with!!

 

 Wrapped up a very special mini-vacation with these two great people.  How blessed to have them in our lives.  One of Clay's first comments was, "we've got to get Todd's up here to golf".   Hard to do things with one of the kids and not wish that they both were there.  We will do it!    And anytime that we can all get together - we are blessed!

Thanks to a son in law who means the world - and thought to ask the in-laws along on the Surprise Trip!    Great memories made - we will treasure!

"Remember the Alamo!" - Day 3

With the vacation wrapping up by Sunday - It was time for some shopping for souvenirs.  Academy Sports is one of Todd's favorite stores and his girls joke that they can always get him to take them there ANYTIME!  Tracy and Casey have a new found love for golf and so they spent some time at a new store called The Golfsmith.  All golf -  clothes - clubs - everything a golfer must have!

We also spent several hours at La Cantera Shopping Mall.  Lunch at the Cheesecake Factory was a great way to cool down.   Then it was time for the south Texas family to head for home in order to be back at work on Monday.  One fun surprise, our son decided to take his daughter Elaine on down with them for the month and to go on vacation with the family in two weeks.   Our daughter and her husband stayed with us another night.  

After the excitement with the wave pool - Casey and I decided to spend some time in the hotel swimming pool - - - absent of waves :)    

Spent the evening relaxing at the hotel - running out for a nice steak supper - and then headed back to get some sleep before a big day of driving. 

I have always struggled with what I call one of those "mom-things" but whenever I get my family away together on vacation - It gives me a lump in my throat when we come back home and they all go their separate ways.     I want to keep us all together as a "family unit" but that's not possible - so I write a blog to share my joy and look at pictures over and over!

The family decided this needed to be a yearly thing - so I look forward to where we might meet next time!!    I do know that we will all remember the Summer of 2013 - we will remember the Alamo - - - and we will not forget San Antonio!!  I am blessed with such a caring, loving family.  There is nothing better than happy times spent with family!

               Embassy Suites in San Antonio, Texas

Fiesta . . . now Siesta! Day 2

Six Flags Fiesta - San Antonio, Texas

Unlike Clark Griswold in National Lampoon's Vacation - when the Henningsen's arrived at Six Flags Fiesta it was open!!!  I can relate to Clark in the picture here - how it would feel to drive 12 hours to find out the main event was closed!  

On our second day the plan was to meet for breakfast in the hotel - and then head out for a day at the amusement park!  

9 excited Henningsen's

8 swimming suits

7 eager "riders" - won't mention names of the two who refuse to throw their bodies into outerspace or ride upside down on thin rails!

6 hours of fun in the sun

5 burgers/fries 

4 feet of waves in the pool

3 gallons of green gatorade 

2 bottles of sunscreen

1 tired family!  1 great day!

As you can tell from the pictures below we had a great day of fun and we are blessed to have had the time with family.  

Side bar:  I joke now, but had a huge scare while in the wave pool.  Wonderful pool in the shape of the state of Texas - and much to our disappointment when we walked in to cool down - there were no waves. But still we headed to the deep end to soak up some cool water after a day on the rides.    I headed out to where the girls were and about the time I landed in the six foot deep water - the lifeguard stood up - blew her whistle - everyone cheered - and the waves began!!  I swam to the girls - or at least thought I would - but the waves hit me - surprised me at how strong they were - and I instantly lost my footing - couldn't breathe - couldn't swim - felt sooooo weak - - - and well I guess you could say - I panicked like you hear swimmers can do when they get in trouble . . . I hollered to my daughter Casey for help - she grabbed me - and another wave hit us - - - on the second try somehow she got me to the edge and I fought til I got to the ladder - then I cried.  Soon my son and son-in-law were there and all the girls - - - who knew that someone who can tread water for an hour in calm water - would react like this - - - I was stunned, embarrassed, scared, and a little mad.   Soooo thankful for my daughter who was close by - and for the whole family who gathered around . . . what will grandma do next???!!!

A few hours in the water and we were ready to head back to the hotel.  

After some snacks and drinks provided by the hotel - Embassy Suites - great place to stay by the way ... showers and fresh clothes - then we headed to The River Walk in San Antonio for dinner and some night life!  

Have snacks will travel . . . Day 1

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."  Miriam Beard

Have to explain first off that I intended to do daily posts from San Antonio, Texas to tell you about our family vacation . . . but between sharing the Ipad with grandchildren - numerous activities during the day and evening - and falling into our COOL - comfy beds at night - - - I found NO time to blog!  But that's okay - - - the time spent with the kids was great!!!  So now I will recap for you from my recliner over the next few days - - - 

Arrived at Elaine (granddaughter's) house by 7 a.m. on Friday morning - met up with Casey and Tracy and we were "southbound and down ... loaded up and truckin' ...we're gonna do what they say can't be done . . . we got a long way to go and a short time to get there . . . (name that movie theme if you can!)

                          Elaine, Aunt Casey, Uncle Tracy

I always like the first leg of the trip as excitement bounds and the road seems shorter to me.  Clay had the cooler loaded with water, and pop and a sack full of snacks for his "girls".  Beef jerky and fruit snacks for Elaine and Sprees and SweetTarts for Casey.  

                 Aunt Casey and Elaine napping!

The trip was great - soon we were into Oklahoma and it's always a surprise to me to find mountains in Oklahoma - - - but the Arbuckle Mountains were pretty - - - we did see a somber sight as we went through Moore, Oklahoma - the recent EF5 tornado destruction.  (On the way home today we stopped and drove through some of the heavily damaged area including a school site that was completely demolished)  Prayers continue for these folks!

Tracy and Casey also took turns at driving which made the trip easier for Clay.  I was left out of the driving rotation??

Long day of travel our first day but we arrived at our destination The Embassy Suites in San Antonio at nearly the same time our son and his family arrived.   Todd, his wife Gloria and their two oldest girls Nikki and Julia.   

The girls were eager to go try out the hotel pool and so we all gathered around for some pizza and drinks - - - the start to a great vacation was underway!!

Tomorrow's plan - Six Flags Fiesta!!  High rides and hot temps . . . 

Move over Griswold's the Henningsen's are here!!  

National Lampoon's Texas Vacation . . .

Feel like a kid again when each summer - dad and mom took vacation - and my sisters and I climbed into bed and laid awake with excitement all night or until 4 a.m. when mom and dad would load us up and off to the mountains we would head!  Family Vacation!!   Mom, Dad, and 3 kids in the back of a station wagon!  It's that time of the year . . .

Tomorrow hubs and I will pick up our daughter and son-in-law, granddaughter, and drive 12 hours to Wally World . . . no I mean San Antonio!    The Alamo, The River Walk, Six Flags Fiesta, motel, food, fun and family!   We are meeting our son and his wife and two more granddaughters there for a fun filled four day stay.  

Our hearts are staying behind a little with the other (4) members of our family  - - Ben and Angie will stay close to home as baby Grayson is due soon and Kristi will stay home to help out with the family pet and to prepare for being a new aunt!    We will be checking in with them often!!

I couldn't help but think of one of my favorite movies - National Lampoon's Vacation - If you remember Clark has big plans to take his family cross country to a huge, spectacular amusement park - Wally World - in Florida!  Always a lot of planning can go into orchestrating a family vacation - and yes we've done some planning - rooms are reserved and tickets purchased for a day at Six Flags and White Water Bay Water Park.  But hopefully that is where the resemblance stops - - - we don't plan on dragging any dogs behind our vehicle or strapping anyone to the top of the car . . . 

Join me for the next four days as I share our fun!

Clark:  Why aren't we flying?  Because getting there is half the fun.  You know that. 

     Quote from National Lampoon's Vacation - Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold.

 
                                                          San Antonio River Walk Here We Come!!

A Texas State of Mind . . .

If I didn't live in Kansas I would live in Texas.

We recently visited our son and his family in Edinburg, Texas.  One extra bonus was that my mom bought a ticket and joined us!  

I spent the week ahead getting ready to be gone.  Does anyone else do this?  Do you have special things that you like to accomplish before you enjoy some relaxation??  My list includes these things:  Do laundry, finish up loose ends at work, get a haircut, get a manicure, figure the check book, get cash, pay bills, water flowers, call vet, and of course pack.

We picked up our granddaughter on the way to the airport (nice since she moved back to Kansas from South Dakota!) and we were off!

We arrived Friday night and headed to Ruby Tuesdays (where Nikki works) for awesome food and many laughs!!  It was a great night  . . and the weekend continued with us loading up and heading for South Padre Island the next morning.  I love the beach!!  Julia and Elaine loved the water and the sun!  Todd treated us to hotdogs on the grill on the beach.  Watched some movies and enjoyed some delicious cooking by my DIL Gloria - her Mexican rice, pico de gallo, and Todd's great BBQ'd meats!!

Time is always short but you can jam pack fun and activities in to short time when you are surrounded by people you love the most in all the world!!  We all wished our daughter and her family had been with us to round out the good times . . . there will be another time!!

Blessings once again . . . 

                                  Sun screen galore!

    

                                     Watchful dad!

                                  Mom enjoying the beach!

                            Yum - Pina coladas!! (Nonalcoholic)

                               Jasper and Ali playing!   

                     

                            Ali never tires of playing catch!

Two chairs . . .

If you could be anywhere in the world where would you choose?  Have you ever asked yourself that question?  And if so, do you have a spot in mind?  Most likely if you do it is because you have been there once and want to go back!  Count that a blessing my friend!

I could answer that question quickly . . . two chairs.

Strange answer huh?  Let me explain.

v

Murdoch's on Galveston Island, Texas.  Picture me in one of those white Adirondack chairs looking out over the ocean.  Peaceful, tranquil, beautiful ocean view, smack dab between two souvenir shops!  What could possibly be better.  Picture me there.  Content.   Below is a picture of Murdoch's Bath House.  Check it out online as this famous landmark has been built and rebuilt due to hurricane after hurricane destruction.

BUT WAIT - What about these two chairs?

Picture me here!  These two chairs sit on a deck looking out over Big Thompson River or at least a small portion of it that runs through a place we discovered this fall called Rustic River Cabins in Roosevelt National Park, near Estes Park, Colorado.  

Picture me with a cup of fresh coffee and a book or perhaps just a cup of fresh coffee.  No book is needed.  The cool, clear water with it's calming sound soothes the soul.

Two places so special to me.  I am doubly blessed aren't I?  Maybe you are too?  That is my challenge to you for today think of how you would answer that question

if asked - - - If you could be any place in the world where would it be?  Can't wait to hear your replies!

All good things must come to an end...

Good-bye to beautiful Colorado!  We will be back!

Coffee at the cabin and breakfast on the road was the plan.  Clay decided to take a new route home and the surprise - no wait - the BLESSING for day #4 was we found ourselves in the Big Thompson Canyon following along the Big Thompson River.  What a gorgeous place!    We found our favorite breakfast at McDonalds in Loveland, then headed on to Burlington, CO several hours later for one last picnic in the park.  One $5.00 container of ham from Safeway's $5.00 Fridays had fed us well!  One quick half-mile walk around the newly built city park and we were back on the road for Kansas!  

My husband and I differ in many ways - he was ready to be home I was feeling melancholy and wanted to turn around and go back.  I'm that way no matter a weekend in Topeka with our daughter, or a trip to Texas to see our son.  There is no better place to be than with family.   So thankful we had this time together just the two of us though!  We will never forget our trip!  Praise God for blessing us with the desires of our heart - to take off on a carefree long weekend to the mountains - no plans - no prep - just the two of us and the Rocky Mountains!  Thank you for safety also.

Sidebar:  While relaxing by the bubbling river at our cabin last night I got a text: from littlest granddaughter Elaine:  Grandma call me.  Love those texts!  When I told her we were in Colorado there was a great big "awwwww kewl!!"  Guess we will be bringing someone along next year :)  Or maybe all 5!!

Elk Festival and Hiking in the Meadows

  Day 3 started out with our return to RMNP for some hiking in Beaver Meadows.  Being a city girl I guess I never questioned exactly what a meadow was but Clay quickly gave me a topical geography lesson and I felt like I was Laura Ingalls for the rest of the morning, roaming through the meadows.  We hiked across the meadow and back into the trees which proved to be a good work out!  Lunch was a picnic at a beautiful little spot.   Time to check into our cabin and take a rest.  The Rustic River Cabins is actually in the Roosevelt National Park and has an interesting story.  The owners have only been in Colorado for 8 weeks.  They left their jobs in Houston, Texas (interesting huh?) and purchased the 16 acres and 8 little cabins that make up Rustic River Cabins.   I asked him why?  He said it was a life long dream to do this.  The little hideaway was on a river.  Complete with a hot tub that sat out by the river, individual grills and sitting areas, and a community fire pit.  I quickly decided that I needed to come back - with family.

After an afternoon nap we headed in to Estes for the Elk Fest!  This was comprised of tepees and tents filled with art work, jewelry, story tellers, Indian traditions, etc.  Also had our favorite fresh squeezed lemonade and funnel cakes - which we both refrained from indulging in.  Headed on down the streets of Estes with one goal in mind.  Wanted to find an elk to take home and sit on the book shelf.  The elk kind of represented our trip we felt.  Everywhere we went - elk went.  Or vice versa maybe?  

Ended our last day in the mountains with a trip to the hot tub, coffee by the river and a fire in the fireplace.  Oh and did I mention - my kind of rustic cabin had a great 32 inch flat screen TV with dish network!!  Blessing in day #3 had to go to the meadows and mountains again - God's amazing work.  I asked Clay, "How were mountains created, wasn't it two of the earth's plates shifting and bumping into each other, causing the ground to push up  creating the mountains?" and Clay said simply, "God created mountains."    And it was good.

  

        

View from "my front porch"

Rustic River Cabins