This past week marked only our second time ever taking you kids on a plane. The last tropical vacation we had was back in 2017, and it was an entirely different vibe! Super fun, but you guys weren’t great swimmers and couldn’t be left unsupervised for… really anything! Holden kept falling asleep in his dinner, someone always had to go to the bathroom, you all needed help at the buffets, etc. So we were super excited to take you all back to the Dominican as much older kids who could fend for themselves.
Back in August (right after our Sauble Beach vacation) we
booked this awesome two-bedroom family suite, which came with a bunch of
upgrades like room servic and private restaurants/pools, private concierge,
etc. We knew going in that it was a slightly smaller resort than ones we’d been
to previously, it was a bit older and more outdated, but the reviews were fairly
positive and we got a great deal on this suite that could easily accommodate our
bigger family. However, 13 hours before we were set to depart, Air Transat
called to tell us that they no longer had our suite available and we’d get two rooms
side-by-side. We were furious. And heartbroken. And furious. Did I mention
furious? Thank goodness for our travel agent, who spent HOURS on the phone to
fight on our behalf to ensure we got what we paid for. We didn’t, but we made
the best of it with our two rooms side by side (and a pretty sweet partial
refund). Regardless, we were away, together, on a beach, with unlimited food
that *I* didn’t have to prepare!
Once we sorted out those pesky details, the rest of the trip
actually went fairly smoothly! The flight was easy, the resort staff was
absolutely incredible, the food was good, the beach was gorgeous, and the weather
was perfect (not a single drop of rain the entire time!). I had also been
nervous going into the trip because of course, 12 days before departure, Holden
got Covid. And then Daddy. And then Lexi. Surprisingly, Mercedes and I were the
only ones left standing but I was terrified that we’d get sick while away and
miss out on some of the enjoyment of our long-awaited, very much-earned vacation.
And then… I did get sick, right before we left, which actually turned out to be
strep and a chest infection! Apparently I finally relaxed so much that I
relaxed my immune system at the same time. Leave it to me to NOT get Covid from
three of my immediate family members, but instead get strep for the first time
in probably 40 years!
So yes, there were hiccups along the way, but if life the past
many years has taught us anything it’s that we need to roll with the punches
and keep going. And that’s exactly what we did. And all in all, we had a
fabulous time. There were shows and endless amounts of food. Cold, slushy
drinks and the beach. Finding coral and a birthday spa visit. Hours and hours
of swimming and playing in the pool, including water aerobics and dance parties
and volleyball. There was teaching you guys how to play pool, and foosball, and
table tennis. There were card games and so many books read. And above all else,
there were a LOT of laughs. I’m so thankful we made it out there, despite those
hiccups, and I’ll treasure those memories forever.
Here’s to many more vacations with my beautiful family!
(Only maybe without the covid and strep and overbooked resort next time.)
Love,
Mama
