Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of my favorite places in the world.  I have visited the island twice now, once with my husband, Lou and once with Lou, Mike and Missy. 

The first trip was like a honeymoon but this trip was intersting as well because it was the first time the kids had flown or gone out of the country.  (Even if Puerto Rico is a comonwealth)!!

We went out on a catamaran(spelling???) the very first day and was quite possibly the most hilarious time we have ever had as a family!  Our "captain" was the PR version of Matthew McConouhy(spelling??) and great at his job.  The kids got drown with ocean water on the trip out--spotted a sea turtle--got stuck on a reef--and Lou and I drown on the way back!    Laughter the whole time!! And the most amazing view of our hotel and beach area from the ocean!

I was so glad that Missy loved the beach as much as me.  The whole family did.  No matter what our destination of the day...we always ended up back at "our beach", in the Atlantic.  (My personal spa!)

Rented a car and drove across the island one day to Ponce.  Ponce sits on the Carribean side of the island  and is the home of  "The Cross of the Americas".  Not quite the size of "Christ the Redeemer" in Brazil(Louis's ultimate travel destination!) But very inspirational and a beautiful view of Ponce from there.

Dined along the "Pork Highway" that has been featured on many shows on the Travel Channel.  Outstanding, open-air cooking!  We had so many great meals all week!  Missy ate beans and rice everywhere we went.  Its like potato salad recipes....everyone makes it a little different!

Took a morning to swim at Luquillo Bay that rest at the base of El Yunque National Rainforest.  Its the only rainforest that is part of the U.S. National Forestry Service.   And... more great food at the outdoor kiosek.  Lots of these little food stands with all kinds of goodies!

This is an outside wall of El Morro.  It is one of the 500 year old forts in Old San Juan.

Old San Juan is like a tiny taste of Spain.  The narrow cobblestone streets are still in use but scare me!  We parked and walked!  But seriously, whatever your idea of fun sight seeing is ...its there...history---shopping---nature, its there.

The Catherdral of San Jose.  Its the oldest church in the western hemisphere, this church has been under restoration since before our first trip in 2009.  We cheated an sneaked a peak into the courtyard--amazing!

El Convento is an old convent that is enormous!  They made it into a 5 star hotel and would be a possibility to stay at if we make another trip!

My gang was tired of getting rained on and probably hungry!  Once ya feed them, they are good to go!

Whether we were exploring tourist attractions, dining on the local fare or trucking down the roads along the beach...it was amazing.   I could go back for a month and be busy everyday with the sights of Puerto Rico!  I never knew you could put so much enjoyment in one tiny island!

The kids learned alot about traveling too.  They learned that lay overs at DFW means you take a nap--anywhere.  They learned that getting searched isn't all that bad.  They learned that if you buy it, you carry it.  And I think they even learned a little patience,  airports and tropical showers do that to ya!!

Lou and I were just happy we could do this with them before they are all grown and gone!  What a week!!!