Sunday, July 5, 2009

Puerto Rico

Michael and I just returned from a little getaway to Puerto Rico! The water was warm and crystal clear, the company was great (we met my sister and her husband there), and we even got adventurous and ventured around the island tasting authentic local cuisine. Michael's kind mother was willing to fly out and stay with the little Lewises so we could have some time away.

We relaxed most of the time with walks along the beach and visited local restaurants to sample Puerto Rican favorites... mofongo and passion fruit juice were our top finds. We also took a trip to El Yunque, a tropical rainforest. We hiked through the rainforest amid lush tropical greenery. We also visited the city of Old San Jan, where many a battle was fought for control of the gorgeous little island. The city was surprisingly clean, quaint, picturesque, and loaded with history. My kind of place.

Here are pictures... I apologize in advance for the large quantity of photos:

In front of the hotel pool:


My sister Shannon makes a rare appearance on the blog.
I thought it important to include this one:


Fun on the beach (ultra soft sand)...




Hotel at night:


El Yunque Rainforest:


We hiked through the rainforest to this waterfall:


El Morro Fort in Old San Juan:

Building facades were gorgeous in Old San Jan. Bright colors and well kept entrances were so inviting. The mix of Spanish, Italian, and Latin influences proved a delightful mix for us tourists, both in food and architecture.

We had a great time and toward the end of the trip we were anxious and excited to return home. There really is nothing better than spending time with our kids and we realize this more and more as each year passes. Perhaps next time we'll venture somewhere with everyone!?! Well... let's give it a few more years (like 10).

;)

11 comments:

Marci said...

What a beautiful place! It looks like you had a lot of fun! It is always nice to get away.

Gayleen said...

Beautiful pictures! You guys look so cute & happy! I agree, it's always nice to have the whole family together but then again, it's always nice to have the get away too!!

Shannon said...

We had such a great time with you!! Puerto Rico is the perfect mix of beach paradise, history, and rainforest excursion.

I think I'll put a mofongo picture on my blog ;)

Love you!

ps, you and Michael are models! All your pics turned out so great.

Shannon said...

pps, thanks for not posting a picture of my huge pregnant belly!

Sara said...

What an amazing trip for you guys. The rain forest looks so beautiful. It was fun to hear about the details, then to see the pictures equally as exciting!

Melanie said...

I am so glad that you were able to get away for a while. It looks like you had a great time.

Christine said...

What a beautiful location for a get-a-way! What great pictures you have to remind you of the fun week together.

Shannon E. said...

Jeff and I looked at your blog and were so jealous! Puerto Rico is where Jeff served his mission and we took a trip over there when Tanner was 1, but we want to go back so bad. I'm glad you guys had a fun trip!

Mitch said...

PR was awesome! I'm so glad it worked for all of us to go together. When's the next trip?

Alicia said...

It looks wonderfully relaxing! And to think you didn't even have to ponder where the kids were or what they were doing! I'll bet it was magical.

Tiffany W. said...

Looks like it was an AWESOME time... I am envious!