ARUBA: A Little Trip [way] South Before Heading West

Back in October, Kris was awarded with a trip to Aruba from his company for this February. I never, ever, ever would have thought we'd be traveling right before a cross-country move, but I can say that this was a gift from above that was terribly, terribly needed before all of the chaos that is currently beginning to ensue (good chaos- but chaos no less).

Okay guys, I've never been to Aruba, and truthfully, didn't Google anything about Aruba that wasn't related to the Natalie Holloway case, and only learned a bit about it from the travel magazine on our way down. First of all, it's only 20 miles from Venezuela... Who knew?!

Next, SUPER clean water. So delish and some of the cleanest drinking water in the world. For this girl and her dislike of Mexico for that very reason (and drug lords- I don't like them more than I don't like diarrhea while on vacation... or ever, for that matter), so that was a HUGE check in the plus column.

ANYWAY...

We were exhausted when we landed. We had MAYBE three hours of sleep the night before thanks to a crying baby and an early flight. The kids stayed up north at Grammy and Papi's and we adventured alone, and it was GLORIOUS. I love my kids. Big time. And [obviously] they love us too. However, this was precious time, and was so needed. I had no issue with my phone not working internationally, and it was freeing to leave everything in the room except the room key and just be PRESENT. It was great.

Here's the view from our balcony (we forgot our selfie stick this trip... oops)... He really is one of the most handsome men I know. It's kind of crazy to think that it's been almost seven years since we got married. Part of it seems like we just met, but part of me feels like we've just always been. I like it that way :)

 

Right on the beach the first evening. Right after this picture, we stood in line for coconut drinks and a portrait. So fun, right?!?! I really do love his company- they treat us well, and it's super fun to be spoiled in ways that I would NEVER, EVER pay for.

 

This was the view from one of the restaurants that we had breakfast at the Hyatt Regency (where we stayed). And serious, that monster iguana almost fell on me the last day. I was ready to come home after that.

 

#FACIALTIME! Whoop. My husband is a sport. Originally he just committed to do the spa things with me both days so we could spend time together (and lets me real, I'm not really up for riding horses with a group of my husband's co-workers on the beach), but he ended up #lovingit and by the last day, he was eager and willing for that darn mani/pedi. #getitson

 

Okay, this is the view from the chairs that the beach valet put right in front of the water FOR US. I mean it, this was a fancy trip! Anyway, this was also the site where we both received some of the most tragic sunburns of our lives. I used sunscreen, but the sun was SO, SO strong and the breeze was SO refreshing, that you just couldn't feel how fried you were getting. I literally have scars on my chest from where you can see my finger prints separated and I missed a couple spaces. My husband is part Greek so he doesn't think he NEEDS sunscreen ever... Well his stomach and his legs were laughed at by the Colombian woman doing our nails... #lessonlearned

That night they bussed all of us to our restaurant of choice. I had a fantastic Thai Shrimp Noodle Dish, and Kris had the Lobster... and of course we each got dessert because #wheninrome #whenthecompanypaysforit. Afterward they dropped us all off at the piano bar around the corner of the hotel to enjoy and mingle. We tuckered out after a long day of sun, drinks and fresh air, and we ducked out early.

 

The last night the company set up an entire reception that was nicer than any wedding I've ever been to. They literally hired an Aruban Carnaval Marching Band with dancers and a drum line just for this. They even did an after party with a photo booth, dance floor, live band, open bar and face painting. Super fun. We were leaving the next morning, so we (again) had to leave before things got too cray :)  

 

The company had put a ton of credit on each hotel room for gift shop, restaurant and room service. They provided pretty much all the food, so on the last day we found a way to spend our credit (along with every other of Kris' co-workers that were there!)... #raybans!!! I would never, ever, ever spend my own money on fancy sunglasses... but again: #wheninrome #andthecompanyispaying :)

As we were leaving for the airport I had Kris snap one last quick pick from the lobby. The colors were EVERYTHING. I love the line of bright pink flowers that contrast the bright blue ocean. It was a great week that came at a great time....

The last morning I was sipping my coffee and just watching a palm tree blow, and Kris asked what I was thinking... and truthfully, I was just trying NOT to think, and was soaking in my last hours of being able to relax and literally think of NOTHING until we settle into our new home and get into a new normal.

So thankful for the time I had with one of the hardest working, kindest men I know. Super proud of my husband, and so thankful for my parents watching the boys so we could have this much needed break! And now we're back to the grind... Moving day is only 21 days away, folks! It's starting to get real! :)