leaving american soil

another guest blog from guest columnist and sister, marty:

So, we just flew in from the Dominican Republic and boy, are my arms tired. Ha, ha, ha. Actually, Tony and I enjoyed a week there in early April, so it's been a while
and sorry to Painty that it's taken me so long to write. This was my first airplane trip (yes, my FIRST), first trip out of the country, the first time I've ever seen the ocean and the first time being away from Ali overnight. I've come to the following conclusions: air travel is not one of my favorite things, but it's tolerable if necessary; the Dominican Republic is a beautiful country, but the people off of the resort are so very poor it's kind of heartbreaking and I wish I would have had Painty's eye for taking photos because there were some great people
picture moments; it sucks when you get ocean water in your snorkle and you have to swallow it because you're an idiot and have never snorkled before and forget that you can't breathe underwater; and finally, leaving Ali behind, while probably harder for me than for her, was AWFUL. We had a great time at our beautiful HUGE resort. (We were there for Tony's brother's wedding.) There are many funny stories from the trip, but I don't want to be that annoying person who drones on and on about their vacation, so I'm just going to share some pictures so you can all enjoy it a little. Two little tidbits: it was peacock mating season while we were there, so we got to see some amazing displays by the males and I'm proud to report that I am now an international pooper. (Please read my previous post if you're confused as to why I'd be sharing this.) Enjoy!
xoox
Marty