Our Cancun Vacation Day 1 (post 1)

We left last Friday early in the morning for Cancun, Mexico. Sarah and baby Warren picked us up at the house and took us to Huntsville international Airport. We had just pulled up to the curb when I asked hubby if he remembered to load his garment bag. Back to Decatur we flew at warp speed! We returned to the airport just in time. They've really sped up the baggage check this year. Last year took forever. Now they search your bags after they've been checked. I realized this when we arrived in Cancun without my Lysol Neutra Air freshener. If those masochists in Huntsville had known I was traveling with Mr. D. I know they would have left it in my bag. FYI: This year they no longer allow cigarette lighters onboard, IF they know you have one. If you disclose it they will confiscate, if you leave it in your purse, you get to keep it.

We flew from Huntsville to Atlanta. Why is it we always have to go through Atlanta? Crazy airport. We ran down the moving sidewalk to the escalators. Those are some tall escalators! It was too scary to look down. I was holding the moving rail with a death grip. Then it was to the train and back up the escalators and to the far end of the concourse. My poor feet!

The flight to Cancun was just short of two hours. The plane took us right up to the building and deposited us in the air conditioning. I mention this because last year at the Nassau airport the plane stopped, dumped us out, we had to retrieve our own luggage from the cargo hold, then walk half a mile in the blazing sun to the less than adequately aired building. We were exhausted by the time we finally trudged through customs.

In Cancun it seemed that most everybody spoke enough English for me to understand them, everybody except the customs agents. We were moving quickly and smoothly until we got to this one woman standing next to a floor to ceiling pole with a button that looked like the buttons you push to change the light and cross at a crosswalk in town. She said something to me I couldn't figure out. No hand motion, no nothing. I stood looking at her like a puppy refusing to sit. Then she yelled at me. I felt like a puppy refusing to sit. I gave her the come again look. She pointed to the button repeatedly while yelling and so I figured I was to push the button. And I did. A loud buzzing rang my ears and echoed over the whole airport. The lady started shaking her head and muttering something, I know she was cussing me. Mr. D. was cussing me too. “Why did you press that button?!” -- Everything negative that happens is always my fault in his mind. His forgetting the garment bag was my fault because I carried his other suitcase out to the car. When Sarah and Warren arrived to pick us up Warren was asleep in the car and I didn't want Sarah to have to take him out and I didn't want Warren left in the car. Sarah and I carried what was already at the door and waiting to the car and put it in the trunk, got in the car, and sat and waited for Mr. D. who had yet to emerge from the bedrooms. When he finally came outside to smoke one before we left, we called to him to come on and hurry up. It was already 5:10am and we had planned to leave at 5:00am. He locked the door and got in the car assuming I had everything. That's the only reason he takes me anywhere, to read instructions and make sure we have everything we need. Ugh, that man. Anyway, back to the story. -- I know he couldn’t understand her any better than I did. Our bags were immediately seized and opened to display contents. They rummaged through all our bags right there for the whole world to see. I so hoped they wouldn’t discover my brand new purple pulsating vibe. I sure didn’t want to have to explain how it was no threat to their country’s security.

We made it outside the airport and before we could stop to wonder what to do next, dozens of Welcome ARAMARK signs were waved all around pointing us to luggage drop offs and offering refreshment. What a lovely place. I dropped my bags and headed for the bus but Mr. D. had to stop and smoke. To hell with him. I was already tired of smoke breaks causing us to lag behind our friends. On I went and boarded the first bus. It was nearly full so I saved a seat for hubby. A minute later the bus driver was on the microphone informing us of our destination and where we were to go and what we were to do upon arrival. Then we were off.

Mr. D. did not make it. In fact, none of the Decatur crew made that bus. Just as well. I needed a little space anyway. I met and nice couple from South Carolina (or was it North?) And shared pleasant conversation with them. I read most of the signs and billboards along the way. They were low to the ground and almost as big as our interstate billboards but they were supported on each side by pillars, very pretty. As we passed one with a familiar logo on it, I heard someone shout, “Detour to the Super Walmart!” Everybody laughed but I actually thought it might be fun to check out a Mexican Super Walmart to see what they carried. Later we heard that was the cheapest place to buy Tequila. Tequila at Walmart? No way! Along the way I saw a bright green parrot perched on a post. Not many of them in Alabama. I wondered what other kind of wildlife we may encounter on this trip.

At last we made it to our hotel. It was lovely! I ran in and made my way up the escalators to the ARAMARK private check in and chose a line. As I neared the counter I realized that they were checking ID of both parties and lagged behind waiting on hubby. I reached the head of the line once again but hubby’s bus had yet to arrive. FInally the bus arrived and Mr. D. Was the last one up the escalllator. Presumably he had to stop and smoke. can you tell this is a pet peave? We stood in line together for two whole minutes before he started complaining about the slow moving line. I had been in this line twenty minutes and could have been out of there fifteen minutes ago if he could have kept up. Mr. D. went for a beer. While he was gone our hosts decided it would be quicker to take everybody’s ID and make the necessary copies before they reached the counter. When they got to me I looked around and hubby was nowhere to be seen, of course. I had to move back in the line AGAIN because they needed his driver's license. When hubby returned he had the nerve to fuss at me for losing our place in line. I needed to smack him. Eventually we did get checked in and as I started heading out the front door to inform the bell hop of our room number and point to our luggage, hubby had to go for another beer. I didn’t wait. He needed a cigarette, I didn’t wait. He was just lucky to find me when I returned with directions to our room . . .

They are back!

I thought I was going to have to go all weekend without holding my baby Warren but they showed up to watch the Alabama football game and eat hot wings. Sarah even let me feed him for the first time. I'm such a happy Grandma.

I just can't quit with the pictures.

Here's Warren with Aunt Laura.

More Pics of Warren

I have so enjoyed Sarah and Warren this week. Sarah left the hospital Monday afternoon and Warren's daddy dropped them off with me. Each day Ricky brings Sarah and Warren here to spend the day. I am so lucky! Today Warren gets to go out for the first time. One of my friends is taking Sarah to the doctor to have her staples removed. They are taking Warren for show and tell.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Warren's Arrival

Baby Warren is finally here! Sarah was induced this morning at 6:30. After a long day in labor it was determined that the baby's head was stuck at an angle rather then face down. A C-Section was performed and Warren, weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds 2 ounces, was finally here. Both Sarah and Warren are doing well this evening.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Baby !

Whoo hoo! We are having a baby tomorrow! Sarah went to the doctor this morning to have an ultrasound. The baby's weight was guessed to be 8 pounds 12 ounces already. I groaned too. Any way, Sarah's dad and I will be taking her and Rick out to eat tonight joined by Laura and Lando before she is admitted to the hospital this evening. She will be induced in the morning and hopefully we will have a baby boy by sundown! Tune in tomorrow for an update!

Labor Day at the Lake

Click on pictures to enlarge them.



We went to Smith Lake to test out our new "Big Bertha". Here's the guys pushing it out and tying it up. Ok, to you it looks like some mighty fine butt.











Captain Rick.















Lando, laura's boyfriend tested it first.













When it was deemed safe, Laura jumped on.












They all survived so I had to try it too.















I had to take a quick lesson on driving this thing so that Rick could ride Big Bertha.















"You sure you know what you're doing?"














Laura likes taking pictures of herself. Like mother like daughter.














Exhausted, heading home.

Another great day!

We had Kevin again today. He was quite lively too, not such a dead head as he was yesterday. Laura set up the badminton net and the sprinkler to keep us wet and She and Lando and Kevin and I had a great time.

Rick invited friends Tim and Catherine and also Stacy for Hamburgers. We grilled out and visited a while on the deck.

Sarah stopped in. Nope, yesterday wasn't the day and it's looking like today isn't it either. 5 more days until due date. Looks like it might be that long.

We are getting so close!

Today was a fun day. I spent most of the morning online playing at IYT and Pente.net while doing the week's laundry. Kevin is with me this weekend so it was a good excuse to clean the daycare room. He slept from the time he got here (5:45am?) to 10:45 then again from 2:00-4:00pm. He's taking some new medicine and I think it's haveing a weird effect on him. Kevin is Autistic and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome so sometimes he's difficult to deal with. He has violent tendencies and has had a hard time of it the last few months. I went to the bead store and spent way too much money as usual. I found a necklace and some earings in an Avon catalog that just made me want to duplicate it. And I did. I'll add a picture later. It was so easy and it's going to match a blouse I bought last weekend for the trip to Cancun later this month.

Sarah came by later this afternoon. Miserable as usual. Six days to go more or less. She walked in and announced, "I have a good feeling about today." Apparently the moon phase changed and she is hopeful. It's now 10:16pm and the day is about over. Oh well.

Rick cooked steaks and Ricky and Sarah and Lando ate with us. Laura had just left to go to a panty party, bridal shower kind of thing. Afterwards Rick called our friends Tim and his daughter Stephanie to come play nickel poker. I lost my entire $6, Rick gained $7.50. He cheated.

Time to get back to the game sites and finish my moves for the evening. Think I might sit in the hot tub, it's almost pleasant outside tonight. Wish you could all join me!

Dos and Don'ts

Just a couple of tidbits from the HOMETOWN PAPER.

First, this lady, I'm not going to mention her name because it seems she's an easy enough target anyway, reported to police that, "Just after midnight, a man, described as a black male in his 20's , knocked on her door and asked to use her telephone. He then grabbled her purse, which contained two checkbooks and identification, and ran out the door."

What was she thinking? Stranger knocks on your door after midnight do you open it? Na uh. She should have just saved the wear and tear on her carpet and handed him her money and valuables at the door and called it a night.

Ok, the other one, "Two women who jogged past a downtown Decatur antique store apparently saw more than they bargained for and reported seeing a nude man lying on the bed, authorities said Tuesday."

Let me mention here that I did not put that sentence together. It is a direct quote from the paper. I think I heard they were trying out student reporting. Most of the participants are below the sixth grade level.

Lisa, Wilson Morgan Park is just not the happening place any more. I think I'm just going to have to start doing my walking downtown from now on. Of course this could be just a hoax from the urban development movement to draw more attention to downtown. Who knows.

OMG!

I just paid $2.89 for gas!

Disappointment for Sarah.

Sarah had hoped her doctor would induce her early next week but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. Baby Warrren is due Friday, September 9th but she was hoping he would come a little early. Looks like he is going to be an 8 pounder or better. Sarah is huge and miserable!

What a mess!

Wow, that Hurricane Katrina left a mess all over the neighborhood! Luckily all I have is leaves and small branches in my yard but there are trees down all over.

Today Sarah goes to the doctor again. This time she is going to ask the doctor to induce ner next Tuesday. We'll see what the doc says. Regardless, Warren should make an appearance in the next two weeks. Stay tuned for the count down! She's gotten so big for such a little girl and she is misserable. Can't get comfotable sitting or sleeping. Ha, I remember those days!

Home and Garden Party

A friend of mine has recently started a home-based business. This keeps her home with her young children and allows her to participate in school functions as well as earn and income to benefit her family. If you are interested in starting a business at home, I know Cindy will be excited to talk to you. Even if you are not interested in the business, take a look at the neat home accents and gifts Home and Garden Party has to offer.

Party tonight!

The Body Shop is coming to my house tonight! I'm hosting another one of those lotion and potion parties we like so much. Check out The Body Shop.

Whoo hoo! We are going to Cancun!

Once again Ricky qualified for this year's trip through Aramark's ten week contest. This year's trip is to the beautiful and brand new Moon Palace Resort in Cancun Mexico! I so can't wait! We'll be gone September 30 - October 3 (for you daycare people, I'm closed September 29 - October 4).

Check out Moon Palace.

Hi!

Welcome to all my friends! I've been working up to this since a friend on http://www.itsyourturn.com/ introduced me to the site. I thought it might be a great way to communicate with friends and family . Here I will post messages and pictures and you can even reply if you like. Aint that neat?