Swap-bot My Favorite Vacation

It's not like I've taken so many vacations, that it was difficult to choose which one to write about...but, of the few places I've been, it was harder than I thought.  There were great parts of every vacation!  But, I selected my first Presidents Club trip to share for this swap.  I hope you enjoy reading about it and seeing the pictures.

Presidents Club Trip, 2014

1. Where did you go?  The trip was to Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic.  We stayed at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace - all inclusive premium resort, in an ocean-front suite with a hot tub on the lanai - Doesn't get better than that!  
2. When did you go?  April, 2014
3. How did you get there?  We flew from Richmond to Atlanta, to Punta Cana and back the same way.
4. Who went with you?  My hubby, Michael
5. Have you been to this location more than once? If not, would you like to go back?  I've only been there that one time, and I would definitely go back.  I had been to Santo Domingo on a cruise ship stop in 1974, which is also in the DR.
6. Why was this your favorite?  This was my favorite because it was an honor to go with my company's Presidents Club.  Every year, the top sales reps get to go on an amazing trip.  I've been with the company for 7 1/2 years, and have been on 2 of these trips.  I selected this one because it was my first win, and it was such an amazing trip.  Our suite was HUGE - seriously - 3 bathrooms!  The lanai had a hot tub on it, right on the oceanfront, with an electric shade you could pull down for privacy.  
7. Describe one memorable sight you saw there.  My most memorable sight was once we left the resort and travelled out to the jungle.  Of course, a luxury resort has beautifully-manicured landscape and incredible amenities, but once you leave that area, you see more of what island life is really like.  The area where we were was a mix of extreme wealth and poverty.  The island is so lush, and the jungle was so pretty.  We went zip-lining and I'll never forget how it looked and felt to fly through the trees!
8. Do you have any special souvenirs from this trip? If so, what did you keep?  You know, I really didn't buy a lot while we were there.  My hubby bought a painting that he has framed in his office, but my best souvenir is a DVD from the trip that our event planner put together for us.  

I've included some of the pictures from our trip - Enjoy!  

Oceanfront fountain

Pool by the ocean

Amazing gounds

Pristine beaches

Two old folks zip-lining!

Swimming with the dolphins

Hope you enjoyed the pictures and my description of the trip.  I would love to win this year's trip too , as they're going to Mexico - another beautiful resort.  I still need some year-end sales to qualify, so wish me luck - If not this time, maybe next year!

Thanks for posting a rating for me on Swap-bot!

My Favorite Photos - November

One of my favorite swaps on Swap-Bot is the monthly photo swap.  I can never select just one, so thank you for indulging me with my blog post.  I hope you enjoy seeing the pictures as much I enjoy posting them.  I always enjoy others' photos too, and I'm grateful when people share - so, feel free to send me your photos too.  

Thanksgiving was just my husband, daughter and me -- so, we had dinner out and it was fun!  This picture was taken outside the historic restaurant I selected.  George Washington ate there -- a few years before us -- but how cool is that?!

Thanksgiving at the Halfway House

If you've read my previous blog posts, you know that my son has been on an extended camping trip at New River Gorge, West Virginia, while he develops material for his new company that will be about rock-climbing.  He came home last night, but he shared some awesome pictures while he was out.

Jacob Johnson

New River Gorge, WV

Part of Thanksgiving at our house has always been decorating for Christmas, and this year was no different.  It's actually my daughter who does the design - I just help or stay out of her way!  We have a tree in our Living Room, and she has one in her bedroom.  

Living Room

Callie's tree

Minestrone soup

Low-carb chicken pot pie

I thought I'd share 2 foodie pix too.  The cooler weather makes comfort food a necessity here.  I made a big pot of minestrone soup and some chicken pot pies.  

Big hits with the family!

I have 2 more this month.  My nephew and his wife shared a bunch of photos they had taken for their annual Christmas card, and I just love this one of the two of them.  And you might wonder why I took a picture of folded sheets - but I have to say - I am proud of myself for finally learning how to fold fitted sheets!  Silly, right?  But at 61 years old, if I don't pat myself on the back, who will?  LOL - thanks for visiting, and I hope you enjoyed this month's selection.  

Kevin & Erin

I did it!

Have an awesome December and a  Merry Christmas!