Grammy and Boppa come to Puerto Rico!

Several weeks ago my parents came to visit here in Puerto Rico.  They came in on Father's Day, what a special treat that was to share my dad's special day with him.  We spent there first day relaxing with a swim and a walk down the beach, and the kids showed them around there favorite pool, ending with a traditional Puerto Rican meal of rice and beans and chicken and birthday cake with Asher.  It was such a great start to a great visit!  The boys just fell right in step with my dad, who was so energetic and engaging the entire visit!  He's such a happy boy when he's on vacation, and it was a special treat to share this time with him.  Jackson was so funny that day!  Our neighbors, Carlos and Tata were also having a get together with there families for the holiday.  Jackson walked right into their open door and sat down on their couch playing his leapster. He just made him self at home there!  We were all cracking up over it. He said he likes over there better because their house is bigger and ours in puny and old (they're the exact same floor plan), what a character! Later on, he mooch not one but two pieces of cake from them!  This is actually a common occurrence for our little Jack, people just love him and always want to give him things, he is just so irresistible!

Monday we took them to El Junque Rainforest, and a quick stop at Luquillo Beach (gorgeous) for lunch ( I don't think my mom digs all the fried stuff!).  Tuesday was an adventure into San Juan to see the smaller of the 2 forts San Cristobol, which was so cool with its tunnels and turrets. We took a trolley around old San Juan then onto Santurce to the beautiful Plaza del Mercado were we searched high and low for an exotic fruit my dad heard of called zapote.  We found it and $5 later (the gringo price I'm sure!)  we headed off to our 2 hour outdoor lunch at a very nice restaurant across from the mercado (that's just the way Puerto Ricans roll, SLOW! and lade back!)  The kids were amazing and very tolerant through it all.  Asher knocked a plate of fries to the ground and attracted about a hundred pigeons.  One got caught under my feet and spooked me, so of course I screamed, then Asher did, and well... it was a very interesting lunch!  I have to say that Dad as driver and I as navigator made a fantastic team, not once did we get lost or frustrated in this crazy city!  

Wednesday, Adam was able to get the day off to join us on the ferry to the island of Culebre where Flamenco beach (consistently rated one of the 3 most beautiful beaches in the world).  We had another fantastic day playing in the water and sand, and getting in some good snorkeling, on a beach that was truly breathtaking, we felt so privileged to experience this with my parents.

Thursday, our last day together was spent around aquatika enjoying the beach, kayaking, and each other!  We planned to experience the bioluminesence that evening, long story short ( if I get into it, I'll just get upset all over again!) it didn't work out, so instead we drowned our sorrows in Carvel ice cream, which was a special trip down memory lane for dad, as a childhood favorite and tradition to have a Carvel cake every year on his birthday.

  Everyday Grammy read to the boys from the book "George's Marvelous Medicine" by Roald Dahl.  Its a very funny book that the boys loved, especially Grammy's voice characters.  Actually my mom has inspired me to read to the books regularly by her example.  Its such a great way for me to bond with them, and I enjoy it too.  Thanks mom!

Friday morning we said our goodbyes.  It was emotional for all to bring such a fantastic visit too an end.  My lamp was full again, after having such quality time with my family!