Sunday in Old San Juan

Today we traveled to Old San Juan to do some shopping. Cassie and I got to see the Coach Store, Dooney and Bourke Store, and Burberry (that's all purse stores for you guys). We didn't buy anything there but they have a great selection. We got to see a cruise ship that was in port, an old church and some very interesting shops.

The girls doing what they do best

Brenna and Mom modeling for the camera, Cassie texting her boyfriend Casey back in the states telling him all about Frankie Gotti, and Micaela playing Soduku on my phone

Cassie's Boy Toy

This is Cassie's new puertorriqueno boyfriend. We call him Frankie Gotti.

Andy tried to get an "in" with the locals. They would talk and Andy would smile and nod his head, look and me and say "what did he just say?" Typical Andy

Snorkeling and Sunning

Brenna was tired and feeling a little under the weather this morning so she just slept on our way to the pier for our catamaran and snorkeling tour

Day 2

Today we went to the beach. Oh and also Walgreens. Yes they have a Walgreens here too. We slept in until 11a (9a home time) so we didn't get our free made to order breakfast. After we got up and dressed, we headed out to the pool. While Andy and the girls took a dip, I meandered along near the hotel in search of post cards. I ended up in a little souviner shop where I ended up spending a nice chunk. Then Andy and the girls met me at Wendy's for lunch then headed to the beach. The beach is probably 4 city blocks away from our hotel. With white sand beaches and very salty water, we had a blast. Brenna, on the other hand, was not too sure about the waves. She was holding onto Andy when a big one came and she lost her grip. She ended up underneath the water where she kinda freaked out. She went and sat on the beach for a while until Mom came and kept her company. It only took about 1/2 an hour before she headed out to find seashells. Brenna and Micaela then went back into the water where it seemed Brenna was a little more relaxed. Tomorrow, we plan on renting a car and driving to the east end of the island to rent a catamaran and do some scuba diving. Hopefully soon we will go to the Plaza de Americas mall where they have over 300 shops!

There is just something weird about Santa Claus and 80 degree weather. Just doesn't seem like Christmas without the snow and cold.

Finally..................................

Well, after getting up at 4:30 this morning and getting to the Fargo Airport and hour before our flight, we thought our day was going to turn out okay....WRONG. We got into Mpls just fine to sit for a four hour lay over. Airport chairs are not that bad to lay down on. We were all together for our flight from Mpls to Atlanta and that's when things got CRAZY. We sat on the tarmac for over an hour waiting to deplane. Delta's excuse was because it was the holiday and everyone is busy. Then we had 30 min to make out connecting flight in a different terminal. Ever see a fat girl sprint through the airport? Be me, it's not a pretty sight. We get to the gate all huffing and puffing and I was told to check in to get our seat assignments. The rude Delta lady (dragon fire) said I was all taken care of and they would get the seat assignment AS we were getting on the aircraft. OK THEN. All 5 of us march us there to find Pam in Row 25 Seat A, Micaela in Row 34 seat A, Cassie in Row 35 seat A and Andy and Brenna in Row 37 seats E and F. Yeah I was not happy with that one and made sure the gate agent knew it. The flight was completely booked so there was no chance of switching seats around. Favorite quotes from B on the plane as we are taking off, nose in the air ready to clear the tires below "OH GOD" in her outdoor voice. Pretty much everybody laughed at that. The when we landed it was "On man your freakin' me out here." She did pretty good being this was her first plane trip and it was a doozey. After retrieving all our luggage, we waved down a taxi man (no female body parts were used for this). Got to the Embassy and checked in. Our room is nice with a nice view of the pool. At this moment, Cassie and Brenna are sleeping away in their pull out bed, Micaela is watching adult swim in the king bed, I am in the sitting room typing and guess where Andy is at? Yup, the bar. The two drinks I bought him while waiting for our pizza wasn't enough.For some reason, I cannot load pics. I will try to get some up tomorrow. The plan for the day is get up sometime between 0630-0930 hrs and get our free breakfast, take showers and head down to the beach. Guess we'll see when this bear comes out of hibernation!!!!!!!

Vacation at last

Tomorrow we leave for Puerto Rico. I just started packing myself last night and have to go over what Micaela and Brenna packed. I am sure Micaela will forget underwear and Brenna will pack all dresses. Cassie started packing last week and I have yet to see a suitcase in sight for Andy. Tonight will be a night of catch up as I have tons of laundry to do and house cleaning so it looks somewhat decent for our sitter. We will try to post pics every night depending on what we did that day and how sober I feel!

Micaela had a game against Fergus Falls on Sunday. They lost 2-1 with Micaela scoring the only goal for her team.

Brenna also had a game on Sunday. She is getting a little tired of playing cross ice games with stop times. Quite a change from playing full ice real games this summer with our AAA hockey team.

8 days and counting.................

8 days until we go on vacation to Puerto Rico. A very much needed vacation for all of us. We will be heading out of Fargo on Thanksgiving day and will arrive in San Juan that evening. We will be there for 10 days returning on Dec 6. Izzy will be going back to Kathy's (our trainer, handler, breeder) and Brigitte and Lucy will stay home with a dog sitter (thanks Mary). Micaela and Brenna are in full swing with hockey. Micaela plays on the U12 traveling team and had a game in Brainerd on Saturday. They lost 9-0. It was heartbreaking. She also played Park Rapids on Sunday and lost that game too 6-1. Micaela scored the only goal for her team (not to mention the two she scored for the other team). Brenna had a jamboree this weekend. She got to play goalie on Sunday and said she really liked it. She wants to be a goalie now but Dad says no. I think she just likes to show off her chinese split skills with pads on! The girls' schedules can be found at www.moorheadyouthhockey.com. Go to "schedules" then "U12" and "Mite 4". Micaela will miss 4 games while we are gone but then we get to travel to Roseau for a tournament the weekend after we get back. I don't know if Brennie will come with us or stay with Grandma (hint, hint) so she can attend her games. Cassie has been working, going to school and hanging out with the boyfriend, Casey, who I lovingly call "Dipshit." He calls me "dork" so I guess we're even. She neglected to tell me she got into a car accident a couple weeks ago. She rear ended a truck while yelling at Casey. Andy has gone back to school to finish his degree at the Univerity of Mary. He has class Wednesday nights from 6p-10p so it makes for a long day for him. I am still taking Spanish and bombed my first test last week. Good thing the teacher likes me or I wouldn't be going on vacation! I signed up for Spanish II next semester with the same teacher. Can we say "SCORE?" I have been working at both NDSU and downtown alot lately. Trying to save up some extra cash for vacation and Christmas. I will probably cut back alot after Christmas but who knows. It's kinda nice making my own schedule and coming and going as I please downtown. A little extra money never hurt either. We will be posting pics while we are on vacation so make sure to check back. Until then Hasta la vista baby!

Isabella Kyle

Like the girls, Izzy is getting bigger everyday. Izzy and her "big" sister Lucy love to play and generally love to bug the crap out of each other.

What???????

Okay, I know this is a little late but last week we got snow. Izzy had no clue what to do in it but Lucy was excited. Lucy absolutely loves snow. Brigitte could care less. She goes out, does her business and gets back in the house.