And so the saying goes....All good things must come to an end.
Bags are packed and we are ready to brave another almost 5 hour trip back to NYC HOPEFULLY with a SLEEPING toddler--but we shall see.
Pete and I wonder if we would love Aruba this much if we stayed anywhere else other then this resort. It has everything one could need. My one and only complaint is that there isn't an immediate beach right on the property. They tried to make a man made one but it is dirty and just doesn't cut it. Luckily a five-minute boat ride away gives you a private beachfront oasis. The thing is the island of Aruba isn't all that beautiful. When you drive around it--it is very brown (being a dessert) and there is a lot of industry in the making. (Bermuda certainly tops it when it comes to beauty) When you are at a resort like this, you seem to forget that the actual island looks like that. They have green grass because they water it endlessly. We experienced our first Aruba rain shower and it was literally a cloud passing and a few sprinkles. Regardless of it's lack of beauty it none tourist areas, this dessert thing brings GREAT weather--great weather bring HAPPY tourist! Happy tourist RETURN.
We had a good last day. Pete and I went to the private island alone for a few hours to get some sun on the adult beach, and snorkel. Then we spent most of the afternoon with Rylan in the pool. Rylan would spend his life, if we let him, throwing rocks in water. He cleans up the town when he, unknown to his parent’s watchful eye, picks up cigarette butts from the ground and chucks them to the fish. Pete also had a BONUS to his day. The lovely man playing the steel Caribbean drums gave Pete a lesson. YES my husband jammed and played the drum. You should have seem him shake his moneymaker while trying his best to put on a good show for the hotel patrons. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves--even if it was at the expense of him and his ability to feel the island fever through the drum. We ended the day packing (and wanting to cry because we were packing) and then going out. We went to the casino and did what we now say "we always do" on our last day--we WIN. We got some lucky shots and capped the night off with a drink at the bar by the pool. And that is it...
One week in Aruba done.
(is it bad we keep talking about time-shares? :-) )
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Yearning For More Time
It's the 2nd to last night here and I am feeling a bit sad.
The smile this place brings on my kids face is priceless.
The million times since our honeymoon that Pete and I have discussed returning to this place in the past three years have always kept us yearning. Now being here--we know for sure we will be on the plane discussing it again.
My in-laws have also been bitten by the I love Aruba bug--as they too are already talking about returning here the year after next. I have yet to meet anyone that doesn't love this place--and there is a reason.
This time it comes with even more sadness as we take Rylan away from it. He too has been bitten by the bug. The smile this place gives to my kids face is PRICELESS. (Although I have a feeling anywhere with water and rocks will do just fine) Either way...I am already yearning.
The family went out to the movies tonight to see Indiana Jones, while I stay in with Rylan. He is trying to sleep while a women outside is singing, "I don't want to wait in vain" on a microphone. He is humming along. Watching the shadow of the palm tree's sway on the wall. Not a bad way to settle in on a day filled of island fun. I wish I could take the palm trees with me and plant them in our yard.
Today I sent Pete on his way to the snorkel trip--which he reported I would have loved. I feel like a total loser ducking out because of being scared of sea sickness--part of me wishes I bit the bullet--the other part--grateful I didn't take the chance to ruin this day not only for myself but for him. Poor guy spent the entire day minding his own on a boat full of couples. He is a trooper though--and I knew he would be. Pete is the kind of guy that prior to dating me signed up for a singing class just for kicks and had to perform in a NYC club! Now people--he is NOT a singer--but he did it anyway--with a class full of people that took their singing VERY seriously. That is who he is--no shame in his game--tries anything--and doesn't give a hoot what anyone thinks. That is 100% not me. Although I sometimes make fun of this quality of his--I am also green with envy. He lives a life FREE of worry when it comes to "stepping out of the box" and taking risks.
Today I was in my comfort zone while he was not. I sat by the pool with my Ry who is now growing very adventurous near the pool. He thinks he doesn't have to wear a life vest--nor does he have to hold onto an adult when on the pool stairs. He thinks he clearly knows how to handle himself around water. Even after he tripped and fell and dunked all the way under. I almost forgot how to breathe in this moment. Luckily I remembered to grab him. He came up from being face down for an entire 5 seconds happy as a clam ready to try it again. I on the other hand was a hawk with worry. It nearly shaved 10 years off of my life. Boys. So different then girls. So willing to try anything.
Rylan is a prince in our family. His grandmother bought him BVLGARI Petits et Mamans baby cologne. Now he will not only be sporting a designer sent--he will bring in the babes! :-)
Lastly--good news on the house! We are getting money back! I am so excited since usually foreclosures are a DONE DEAL. This time we got lucky. In a few weeks we should have a NEW address and a new place to dream about returning to Aruba in!
The smile this place brings on my kids face is priceless.
The million times since our honeymoon that Pete and I have discussed returning to this place in the past three years have always kept us yearning. Now being here--we know for sure we will be on the plane discussing it again.
My in-laws have also been bitten by the I love Aruba bug--as they too are already talking about returning here the year after next. I have yet to meet anyone that doesn't love this place--and there is a reason.
This time it comes with even more sadness as we take Rylan away from it. He too has been bitten by the bug. The smile this place gives to my kids face is PRICELESS. (Although I have a feeling anywhere with water and rocks will do just fine) Either way...I am already yearning.
The family went out to the movies tonight to see Indiana Jones, while I stay in with Rylan. He is trying to sleep while a women outside is singing, "I don't want to wait in vain" on a microphone. He is humming along. Watching the shadow of the palm tree's sway on the wall. Not a bad way to settle in on a day filled of island fun. I wish I could take the palm trees with me and plant them in our yard.
Today I sent Pete on his way to the snorkel trip--which he reported I would have loved. I feel like a total loser ducking out because of being scared of sea sickness--part of me wishes I bit the bullet--the other part--grateful I didn't take the chance to ruin this day not only for myself but for him. Poor guy spent the entire day minding his own on a boat full of couples. He is a trooper though--and I knew he would be. Pete is the kind of guy that prior to dating me signed up for a singing class just for kicks and had to perform in a NYC club! Now people--he is NOT a singer--but he did it anyway--with a class full of people that took their singing VERY seriously. That is who he is--no shame in his game--tries anything--and doesn't give a hoot what anyone thinks. That is 100% not me. Although I sometimes make fun of this quality of his--I am also green with envy. He lives a life FREE of worry when it comes to "stepping out of the box" and taking risks.
Today I was in my comfort zone while he was not. I sat by the pool with my Ry who is now growing very adventurous near the pool. He thinks he doesn't have to wear a life vest--nor does he have to hold onto an adult when on the pool stairs. He thinks he clearly knows how to handle himself around water. Even after he tripped and fell and dunked all the way under. I almost forgot how to breathe in this moment. Luckily I remembered to grab him. He came up from being face down for an entire 5 seconds happy as a clam ready to try it again. I on the other hand was a hawk with worry. It nearly shaved 10 years off of my life. Boys. So different then girls. So willing to try anything.
Rylan is a prince in our family. His grandmother bought him BVLGARI Petits et Mamans baby cologne. Now he will not only be sporting a designer sent--he will bring in the babes! :-)
Lastly--good news on the house! We are getting money back! I am so excited since usually foreclosures are a DONE DEAL. This time we got lucky. In a few weeks we should have a NEW address and a new place to dream about returning to Aruba in!
More Pics of ARUBA
The Family on the Boat

The fish and the ship wreck from the under water boat


Rylan in the water


Rylan and Dad

Rylan chillen in a KING size bed

Pete at Flying fishbone

Our feet in the water during dinner

The ship wreck we saw in the underwater boat

The fish we saw in the underwaterboat

The family waiting on the dock

Pete and Aimee at Flying Fishbone feasting in the water

Our Meals


Our Drinks

Our table in the water
The fish and the ship wreck from the under water boat
Rylan in the water
Rylan and Dad
Rylan chillen in a KING size bed
Pete at Flying fishbone
Our feet in the water during dinner
The ship wreck we saw in the underwater boat
The fish we saw in the underwaterboat
The family waiting on the dock
Pete and Aimee at Flying Fishbone feasting in the water
Our Meals
Our Drinks
Our table in the water
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Curry And Crepes OH MY
I am trying to type as quietly as possible since Rylan is trying to sleep about 3 feet away. Poor kid--just trying to get a good nights sleep and his mother is over here blogging with the click of keys and the light of the screen. His paci sucking a pure sign I better make this short and sweet,
Yesterday--as you can see from the pictures--we spent the morning over at the private island with Rylan this time. He was fond of the flamingos, but not so fond of the waves. He likes to see where his rocks land as he tosses them into the ocean--waves prevent this--this causes toddler melt down. Luckily we had the in laws with us so I could float and snorkel a bit. In the afternoon we went shopping. Pete's grandma bought me a birthday/Christmas gift that purely makes me a Portuguese Princess in the making. As you know last year she bought me my designer shoes--this year a beautiful David Yurman diamond ring--which I will be counting the days until my birthday to wear. It is about $100 cheaper in Aruba. Pete says I am spoiled and at this point I would have to agree. I cannot wait to show you all the beauty this ring holds! We ended the day at Iguana Joes for dinner, which was great. We began early enough that the beast did not come out of the child during the meal. We figured out finally on day 4 that we should eat earlier!
OH and I forgot --we found this great place for Dutch pancakes in town. Can I just tell you--I thought I had great crepes in my life prior to this trip---but I was wrong--so very very wrong. The crepes in this place are INSANELY amazing--so much so we went two days in a row and ate the same thing. I want to ask the cook to show me how to make them or let me buy his pan--or something--because I am not sure I will ever have such great crepes again.
Today we went to a half under water boat. It was cool to see the coral reefs, the bottom of the ocean, and a ship wreck (awesome pics will post tomorrow), but I got SICK. I had to retire early and go upstairs in the "not under water" part and get air. I could still feel every freaken wave. It brought back memories of getting sick as a kid on the Block Island Ferry and yakking once in someone’s OPEN bag they sat next to the garbage can (poor soul didn't expect captain crunch kid puke in their bag). Anyhow...I though I some how grew out of this seasickness--apparently I have not. So here is the thing--tomorrow Pete and I were supposed to go on a 4-hour tour out at sea to snorkel-I have backed out. POOR PETE is going ALONE. I feel bad for him--but if I get sick I will just ruin his time too. The worst part is there are no refunds so we have to eat the money we paid for my ticket (I still think it is better then puking on your vacation).
Tonight Pete and I had date night out. We went to the Flying Fishbone restaurant (thank you Emily for such a great suggestion). It was soooooooo beautiful. We were knee deep in water while dining, and watching the sunset. Pete kept tossing his bread in the ocean so that the fish came swimming by our feet. I told him with our luck he would lure a barracuda or something--luckily it was only these tiny fish that camouflaged themselves as rocks. The food was fantastic. I had the most amazing oysters from Holland! Pete had this seafood mixture in curry, which was fantastic. This trip has been nothing but filled with CURRY (we went to a specialty super market on our way home from the boat and bought our Dutch curry ketchup). The only thing that was a bummer about the restaurant was that is was far away and it cost us $40 in taxis! YIKES. We ended date night when we lost $50 playing in the Casino and we declared it time to head in.
So tomorrow I send off my poor husband on a snorkel trip by his lonesome, while I stay NOT yakking. Our trip is fast approaching to an end and I HATE it. It has gone way to fast, and I just wish we had one more week. Pete and I discussed how Rylan would accept this as his lifestyle if we stayed to eternity here. It is heaven to him. Luckily we love it too and cannot wait til we return again--and we haven't even left!
Yesterday--as you can see from the pictures--we spent the morning over at the private island with Rylan this time. He was fond of the flamingos, but not so fond of the waves. He likes to see where his rocks land as he tosses them into the ocean--waves prevent this--this causes toddler melt down. Luckily we had the in laws with us so I could float and snorkel a bit. In the afternoon we went shopping. Pete's grandma bought me a birthday/Christmas gift that purely makes me a Portuguese Princess in the making. As you know last year she bought me my designer shoes--this year a beautiful David Yurman diamond ring--which I will be counting the days until my birthday to wear. It is about $100 cheaper in Aruba. Pete says I am spoiled and at this point I would have to agree. I cannot wait to show you all the beauty this ring holds! We ended the day at Iguana Joes for dinner, which was great. We began early enough that the beast did not come out of the child during the meal. We figured out finally on day 4 that we should eat earlier!
OH and I forgot --we found this great place for Dutch pancakes in town. Can I just tell you--I thought I had great crepes in my life prior to this trip---but I was wrong--so very very wrong. The crepes in this place are INSANELY amazing--so much so we went two days in a row and ate the same thing. I want to ask the cook to show me how to make them or let me buy his pan--or something--because I am not sure I will ever have such great crepes again.
Today we went to a half under water boat. It was cool to see the coral reefs, the bottom of the ocean, and a ship wreck (awesome pics will post tomorrow), but I got SICK. I had to retire early and go upstairs in the "not under water" part and get air. I could still feel every freaken wave. It brought back memories of getting sick as a kid on the Block Island Ferry and yakking once in someone’s OPEN bag they sat next to the garbage can (poor soul didn't expect captain crunch kid puke in their bag). Anyhow...I though I some how grew out of this seasickness--apparently I have not. So here is the thing--tomorrow Pete and I were supposed to go on a 4-hour tour out at sea to snorkel-I have backed out. POOR PETE is going ALONE. I feel bad for him--but if I get sick I will just ruin his time too. The worst part is there are no refunds so we have to eat the money we paid for my ticket (I still think it is better then puking on your vacation).
Tonight Pete and I had date night out. We went to the Flying Fishbone restaurant (thank you Emily for such a great suggestion). It was soooooooo beautiful. We were knee deep in water while dining, and watching the sunset. Pete kept tossing his bread in the ocean so that the fish came swimming by our feet. I told him with our luck he would lure a barracuda or something--luckily it was only these tiny fish that camouflaged themselves as rocks. The food was fantastic. I had the most amazing oysters from Holland! Pete had this seafood mixture in curry, which was fantastic. This trip has been nothing but filled with CURRY (we went to a specialty super market on our way home from the boat and bought our Dutch curry ketchup). The only thing that was a bummer about the restaurant was that is was far away and it cost us $40 in taxis! YIKES. We ended date night when we lost $50 playing in the Casino and we declared it time to head in.
So tomorrow I send off my poor husband on a snorkel trip by his lonesome, while I stay NOT yakking. Our trip is fast approaching to an end and I HATE it. It has gone way to fast, and I just wish we had one more week. Pete and I discussed how Rylan would accept this as his lifestyle if we stayed to eternity here. It is heaven to him. Luckily we love it too and cannot wait til we return again--and we haven't even left!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Ariba Aruba
Here are some new pics from the past few days! ENJOY! (will post a formal post later!)
Rylan with Grandpa and Dad at Church

Rylan saying a little prayer

Pete and Rylan at the Natural Bridge that recently colasped

Rylan on the beach

Aimee's Day Off at the Adult Pool

It's a Hard life floating in the ocean

Family on the private island

Rylan holding Grandpa's hand

Our hotel from the boat

On the boat and sleepy

Feet in the sand and in the ocean

Ry on the Private Island

Feeding the Flamingos
Rylan with Grandpa and Dad at Church
Rylan saying a little prayer
Pete and Rylan at the Natural Bridge that recently colasped
Rylan on the beach
Aimee's Day Off at the Adult Pool
It's a Hard life floating in the ocean
Family on the private island
Rylan holding Grandpa's hand
Our hotel from the boat
On the boat and sleepy
Feet in the sand and in the ocean
Ry on the Private Island
Feeding the Flamingos
Monday, May 26, 2008
Lets Talk FOOD
I can not believe I left out the fantastic FOOD we have tried here!
Things we have loved so far:
Aruban Pumpkin Soup
Escargot
Groupa with Mango puree and Yuca Chips
Warm Carribean Salad (OUTSTANDING)
Dutch Sausage
Dutch Curry Ketchup (OUTSTANDING--must find to take home)
Sushi (SUPER FRESH)
And lots and lots of Miami Vices
Today we used the "swim up bar"--very college age of us right?--we realized this too when the two "boys" next us just came off of a booze cruise starting at 8am and it was now 3:00pm and they were continuing at the swim up bar too talking about getting "F'd up" and how there drink equaled 2 shots! Although we might have been a little told old to be sitting there--it was still fun to sit in water and drink up the vice.
I also found a piece of home today--DUNKEN DOUGHNUTS. It was cheaper then home ($2.00 med iced coffee) but tasted like the gas station coffee--clearly not D N' D grade. It was disappointing.
Things we have loved so far:
Aruban Pumpkin Soup
Escargot
Groupa with Mango puree and Yuca Chips
Warm Carribean Salad (OUTSTANDING)
Dutch Sausage
Dutch Curry Ketchup (OUTSTANDING--must find to take home)
Sushi (SUPER FRESH)
And lots and lots of Miami Vices
Today we used the "swim up bar"--very college age of us right?--we realized this too when the two "boys" next us just came off of a booze cruise starting at 8am and it was now 3:00pm and they were continuing at the swim up bar too talking about getting "F'd up" and how there drink equaled 2 shots! Although we might have been a little told old to be sitting there--it was still fun to sit in water and drink up the vice.
I also found a piece of home today--DUNKEN DOUGHNUTS. It was cheaper then home ($2.00 med iced coffee) but tasted like the gas station coffee--clearly not D N' D grade. It was disappointing.
Stealing Time Alone
It is 9 a.m. here in Aruba and I am ALONE. The family (including Rylan) went on a 4 hour bus tour around this island today. Besides the fact I have already seen it all, AND my type of vacation is more sunning then sight seeing--I am free of all my mom responsibilites for a few hours--OH and wifely duties too (is there such a thing?). I used to love alone time prior to getting married. I had alot of it. Now I can count the times on one hand in a months time I 100% alone. One being Aruba--I couldn't be happier. So the obvious is I am here blogging first :-) (I thought the hotel hook to online would be FREE but apparently it is not--we had to get connected thanks to buying a home and negotiations--THANKFULLY--or I would have had to go all week without blogging--could you imagine? Sadly I just realized we will not be buying a house everytime we are away--so sadly there will be some trips in the future I will not be blogging via vacation--WHAHHHhhh) Next I am off to the sister hotel across the street to go the "adult" pool. AHHH yes...4 hours of an ADULT POOL without a child in sight...yep that is a VACATION.
I love being at a place I have been and loved before. Since getting married (almost 3 years ago) and vacationing here on our honeymoon, both Pete and I day dream about this place and call it our "happy place" when we are stressed. It becomes a second home of sorts. A place we both hope in our lives to return to many times. There is something to be said for staying at this resort and if you ask anyone who has ever been here they will tell you that fact too---there isn't anything like it.
Pete and I have had some time away from the toddler. Lucky for us traveling with family isn't such a bad gig. Day 2 in Aruba we started the day out with Rylan screaming at breakfast at 8 a.m. because he wanted to go into the pool he could see a few feet away from him. Needless to say I was in the pool with him at 8:30--chilly willy--a.m.. He continued to be in the water between the pool and ocean for 4 more hours. The adults worked out our schedule for the week (we have alot of family members that like to "do stuff", and our meal plan. Pete and I are doing a 4 hour snorkeling trip on Thursday, and the entire family will be treated to a glass bottom type boat ride on Wenesday. After lunch my mother in law offered to stay in the room while Rylan napped while we headed to the private island for a while. SOLD we said.
The Private Island. Clearly the best feature on this entire trip. A gem it is. Pete and I snorkeled for a bit. I get really freaked out when massive fish are nearly touching my belly. We spotted a few baracuda's about a foot away from our faces. I was convinced he wanted to eat me. Pete wanted to pet him with his fancy snorkel gloves. This is how my husband rolls. He loves snorkeling and touching. I am also convinced that if I shark came in he would be saying "here sharkey sharkey...let me give you a poke". Needless to say I let him take the lead and I hold his hand in fear when the big guys swarm us. We also enjoyed some cocktails and I actually read a BOOK for a bit before heading back.
The day ended with a not so happy toddler at dinner that just wanted to go to bed. We amused him with a fish tank and then ate our food as fast as we could. Then my mother in law offered her services again--would Pete and I like to go to the casino for a bit after putting Rylan down? SOLD we said. Off we went to play some games. I was a bit shocked when I saw a lady trying to bring her stroller in with a 5 month old in it. The security swarmed her and she was SO upset that she would not be able to continue her journey in the smoke invested--alcohol splashing--money hungry land (a perfect play ground for a baby right?)
I felt like a great mom for that moment. We lost $20 bucks but went home thinking how great it was that we had that time just for ourselves. I am not saying traveling with family always has his rainbows--but it certainly has its perks.
Cheers. I am off to the adult pool for some ALONE time. As my sweet husband stated--even I deserve a day off from my "job" (aka Rylan).
(again the spell check feature isn't working AND I don't have time to proof read people--I got SUNSHINE out there--forgive me)
I love being at a place I have been and loved before. Since getting married (almost 3 years ago) and vacationing here on our honeymoon, both Pete and I day dream about this place and call it our "happy place" when we are stressed. It becomes a second home of sorts. A place we both hope in our lives to return to many times. There is something to be said for staying at this resort and if you ask anyone who has ever been here they will tell you that fact too---there isn't anything like it.
Pete and I have had some time away from the toddler. Lucky for us traveling with family isn't such a bad gig. Day 2 in Aruba we started the day out with Rylan screaming at breakfast at 8 a.m. because he wanted to go into the pool he could see a few feet away from him. Needless to say I was in the pool with him at 8:30--chilly willy--a.m.. He continued to be in the water between the pool and ocean for 4 more hours. The adults worked out our schedule for the week (we have alot of family members that like to "do stuff", and our meal plan. Pete and I are doing a 4 hour snorkeling trip on Thursday, and the entire family will be treated to a glass bottom type boat ride on Wenesday. After lunch my mother in law offered to stay in the room while Rylan napped while we headed to the private island for a while. SOLD we said.
The Private Island. Clearly the best feature on this entire trip. A gem it is. Pete and I snorkeled for a bit. I get really freaked out when massive fish are nearly touching my belly. We spotted a few baracuda's about a foot away from our faces. I was convinced he wanted to eat me. Pete wanted to pet him with his fancy snorkel gloves. This is how my husband rolls. He loves snorkeling and touching. I am also convinced that if I shark came in he would be saying "here sharkey sharkey...let me give you a poke". Needless to say I let him take the lead and I hold his hand in fear when the big guys swarm us. We also enjoyed some cocktails and I actually read a BOOK for a bit before heading back.
The day ended with a not so happy toddler at dinner that just wanted to go to bed. We amused him with a fish tank and then ate our food as fast as we could. Then my mother in law offered her services again--would Pete and I like to go to the casino for a bit after putting Rylan down? SOLD we said. Off we went to play some games. I was a bit shocked when I saw a lady trying to bring her stroller in with a 5 month old in it. The security swarmed her and she was SO upset that she would not be able to continue her journey in the smoke invested--alcohol splashing--money hungry land (a perfect play ground for a baby right?)
I felt like a great mom for that moment. We lost $20 bucks but went home thinking how great it was that we had that time just for ourselves. I am not saying traveling with family always has his rainbows--but it certainly has its perks.
Cheers. I am off to the adult pool for some ALONE time. As my sweet husband stated--even I deserve a day off from my "job" (aka Rylan).
(again the spell check feature isn't working AND I don't have time to proof read people--I got SUNSHINE out there--forgive me)
Aruba Day 2
You Wanna Drool?
Here is a pictorial tour of our hotel:
A Pink Duck on the Private Island

The Private Island Family Beach

Under at Palm Tree

The View from our hotel room

Flamingo Beach on Private Island (adult only)

Private Island


A BIG Iguana (all over the place on the island)

One of the Pools Rylan likes to lounge in

The Beach at the Ocean Suite Hotel (which we are staying in)

The Marina Hotel (the sister hotel to ours that we get to use too--it is the "adult" hotel)

The Private Island that only hotel guests can use
A Pink Duck on the Private Island
The Private Island Family Beach
Under at Palm Tree
The View from our hotel room
Flamingo Beach on Private Island (adult only)
Private Island
A BIG Iguana (all over the place on the island)
One of the Pools Rylan likes to lounge in
The Beach at the Ocean Suite Hotel (which we are staying in)
The Marina Hotel (the sister hotel to ours that we get to use too--it is the "adult" hotel)
The Private Island that only hotel guests can use
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