Mexico wrap up and Vegas forward

Again... promptness in blogging has been sorely missing. I do apologize.

It seems that people really wanted to read about our Fab Four Mexico Vacation...hmm. I had decided not to blog about it, but, since you asked I'll tell. Why didn't I want to blog about our trip, you ask? Well... most of it was great....other parts "challenging".... and some of the details should be left out all together. Yeah right... THAT won't be happening :)

The "travel" part was wonderful, and the fact that we paid a little extra to be upgraded to "Preferred" was more than well worth it! It allowed us to jump to the very beginning of the line, board first, and guarantee all things comfortable too. Ah yes... let's not forget to mention the total evil eyes that were sent our way while walking directly up to the check in counter. hee hee hee hee. People, come on... do you really think that we'd totally butt in front of you? Don't blame us that your travel agent didn't fill you in on the option of buying into "Preferred"!!!!! We secured three aisle seats within the first 3 rows too! Our flight left ungodly early, but do you think any of us could sleep a wink? Nope..not a wink.

The other totally awesome reason to upgrade is the absolute guarantee that our carry on bags will be stowed above our heads. THAT is the real reason we upgraded :) All three of us carried on our bags (due to last years lost luggage fiasco). It is simply amazing that you CAN fit a weeks worth of clothing into one 22" inch rolling duffle bag. Roll baby, roll! Although at the very last minute (can you say the day we left?!?!) we decided to check one bag of spray suntan oils, etc and our beach bags. I was the one who was in charge of suntan oils for all four of us, and luckily we barely had enough to last the entire week.

Remember, we are sun sluts after all. It's not good enough just to have ONE spf for me, and one for Kate. Nooooooo... I start with a 30 spf, then a 15, and then a special brand for my face, and then Maui Baby tan enhancer oil too. Kate needs a 15 to begin, then a 10, 8, 4 and shared face stuff. My younger brother stuck with 30, but needed his own. He doesn't understand that you don't spray this stuff on like you do with "Off", or spraying a stinky bathroom. Possibly now you can understand the need for the bag full of suntan oils?!?!

After a seamless arrival, we arrived at the hotel and once again, were upgraded to a kick ass room. This year we wanted a poolside, 1st floor room. No more freakin' stairs, thank you very much! Our room was perfect in every way -- close to both pools -- elevator to all restaurants/lounges -- and fresh coffee served directly off our patio every morning from 6 am until noon? This location made our early morning jaunt to save multiple locations of chairs a snap. Yes... once again we were chair hogs -- but here is why:

In the mornings (beginning at 9 am) we like to be on the beach lying out. It is much more intense direct sun that reflects off the sand. We also like having the palapa umbrella to shade our stuff and us (as needed). PLUS we all love seeing/hearing the ocean. Every morning after an 8 am breakfast we directly go to these chairs. But after noon we enjoy being poolside which allows easier access to the pool and swim up bars. Plus the sun by this point is directly above us! So.... yes... we save loungers at both the beach and the pool.

My older brother arrived safe and sound from Omaha and was greeted by younger brother in the lobby. And then the fun began! JP loved the all-inclusive part of the vacation. In fact, he had a difficult time adjusting to the idea! None of us have EVER seen him eat so much in our entire lives. But the rest of us knew how excellent the food is, at every turn, and have learned the necessity of personal will power and limits! Clearly, JP didn't for a few days!!!!

Side note: for the very first time, I actually LOST weight and came home five pounds less.

Our dinners were fabulous, even though I opted out for late night shenanigans, as I was tuckered out from the sun! Plus I enjoy quiet time too. It was my time to call Mike and see how life was back in the frigid Wisconsin winter. lol

A few highlights of characters include: Aqua man, doobie brothers, skankie, "Peter", purse lady, and the one-armed bandit.

The very funniest thing that happened? Easy. The very first day, the very first hour of all four of us being together, we were in the pool enjoying our cocktails and gabbing away. Of all of a sudden (out of nowhere) a bird (black bird) craps on the back of Steve's neck/back. Thank goodness we were in the pool, as it made it easier to wash off, sure... but the real reason is that we were ALL laughing so hard we pee'd.

From there... it just got better!

The week flew by, and I was very sad to leave the beautiful weather. It didn't seem like nearly enough time to relax and chill at the ocean. I needed a few more days. Bummer. I also lost the last day to good ole' Mexico Monty... as in Montezuma’s Revenge. Nothing like hugging the waste paper basket and having an affair with the toilet to ruin your last day of vacation. Butt all's well that "ended" well!
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So... now it's time to look forward to Vegas! We depart early on Saturday for the annual work/fun expedition. This year, however, we won't be staying at the Flamingo, rather, at the Monte Carlo. Never been there so it will be interesting to see a new place. This is the first time for the company as well -- so we shall see.