We're Here!

From February 20 to 27, 2009, Grandma Kathy, Gumpy, Craig, Judy, Isabel, Zoe and Craig and Judy's friends Larry, Buffy and Dan vacationed, flying from Milwaukee to the Dominican Republic. Here is the Zeman family after having arrived at the Punta Cana airport. Soon after, we boarded a van to transit us rather dramatically for two hours through several colorful villages. We arrived at the Dreams La Romana all-inclusive resort in that early Friday afternoon, reluctantly leaving the following Friday morning. What follows are a little over 30 pictures (of the 350 taken), documenting amazing adventures and fun.

Peaceful Pier View

Grandma Kathy poses on the pier overlooking a yellow water trampoline and the beach area. Every morning, Grandma would exercise on the beach right behind the trampoline. Grandma and Gumpy's morning beach reading session took place near this pier.

Fabulous Flamingos

Eight flamingos and a peacock enjoy an enclosed pond area near the buffet restaurant. Every day, Grandma and Gumpy would enjoy hearing them "chat." We were able to actually count the rhythmic group chants, which ended with a flapping of wings and showing of feathers. One day, we counted two sets of 13 chants, and another day, sets of 9 chants. It was quite enchanting!

I'm On Vacation!

Here's Grandma Kathy in the resort lounge, enjoying a "Banana Mama." It's the Dominican answer to the Caribbean "Bahama Mama." Lots of coconut and pineapple, a splash of rum. Grandma is contemplating her answers for the Oscars Awards competition. The day after the red-carpet/champagne festivities, Grandma won prizes for correctly predicting 18 of 24 categories. A bottle of rum and a picture album were the prizes.

Let The Vacation Begin!

Zoe, Grandma Kathy and Isabel relax prior to dinner. It's a balmy 80-degree night, and you can see how the rustling palm trees and salty sea waves have taken effect on the trio.

Zoe Loves Her Mama!

Here's Zoe giving Mama a big hug, while Buffy and Dan beam. Dan is looking for his usual high five. Zoe became an expert high-fiver at the end of the trip and indeed, went to Dan a couple of times. We enjoyed the flair and atmosphere of this restaurant. Zoe enjoyed walking around the restaurant with Gma Kathy after her meal, one shoe on, one shoe off.

Dinner at a Restaurant

Isabel loved going out to eat at Dreams La Romana. Here she is, entertaining Gumpy and Papi, at an open-air Mexican restaurant. She truly was "The Belle of the Ball."

The Bell at The Church

Imagine this - we went for a 15-minute walk to a nearby village, called Bayahibe. On the premises, there was an old, small church. Here you see Bell playing the drum we found on the front pew of the church. However, a more amazing item we found was a tambourine....and written on the face of it was the name "Isabel." Zoe and Isabel soon began to play a duet. Daddy supervises in the background.

Still Happy After All These Years!

Grandma Kathy and Gumpy Ken, after a day in the sun. Ah, we could enjoy sun all day, every day (and someday, we will!)

Eating by the Sea

Gma Kathy talks to Judy, Craig, Bela and Zoe (hidden behind Bela) prior to lunch by the sea. We ate at two restaurants during our stay, preferring the convenience of the buffet. Can't beat outdoor eating, however!

It's Show Time!

Grandma Kathy, Zoe, Isabel and Isabel's friend perform a disco dance onstage. The Explorer Club clown led the evening one-half hour performance, on an elevated stage, in front of 50 or so people. The girls loved the glamor and attention. Grandma Kathy thinks there may be a new group on the circuit in the near future: Granny and the Zeman Girls. A nice sort of retirement plan!

Fun Art Work on the Beach

Mama Judy and Isabel created a beautiful starfish on the shore of the beach. They had to overcome a couple obstacles, including a "search and destroy toddler named Zoe" and crashing waves on the beach. It was a magnificent piece of art!

We Are Family!

Every night, Zoe, Judy, Craig and Isabel dressed up for dinner. The girls were quite a hit with Dominican staff - many of whom stopped to say "Hola" to them daily. At trip's end, Bela was saying "Hola" and "Gracias," as well. It was so refreshing to see the world through a 5 and 1-year old's eyes.

It's Pasta Time!

Zo-Zo was a hearty participant at the buffet. Here, she enjoys her daily pasta, mixed with bechamel sauce. Forget forks and spoons - with this kind of special pasta, personally prepared for The Zo, it's vital to eat it as fast as possible. Zo enjoyed plate after plate, meal after meal. Natch, a banana and ice cream rounded out the meal.

How Sweet It Is!

Isabel, Grandma Kathy and Zoe enjoy a laugh on the beach. Weather was warm and wonderful during our trip, with rain only once, for about a half hour. Oh, it was not hard getting used to day highs in the 80's and lows in the 70's. The Dominican Republic has weather similar to this all year long.

It's A Beautiful World!

Craig, Bela and Judy stand at a observation area above a river at Altos de Chavon. They enjoyed a taxi ride from the resort to explore the especially created medieval village.

What The Heck!

You know, us Volkswagen girls have to catch a few z's now and then. Especially, when it's so very hot! Here I am (Zoe Girl) enjoying a fresh air snooze.

Quite The Site

Gma Kathy looks out over a river far below at Altos de Chavon. Off in the distance was a cool golf course - its name had something to do with teeth.

Musicians at Altos de Chavon

We had many dollars to give as tips to musicians, bus drivers, waiters and bartenders. Here, Isabel beams, after having tipped a lively group of musicians. Such an adventure!

A Trip to Altos de Chavon

Our trip to a stone village ended with The Bell enjoying a donkey ride. Left to right are Buffy, Daddy Craig, The Bell, Mama Judy, Dan, Gma Kathy and Gumpy. Bell was quite the elegant donkey rider. Zoe napped. Larry is visiting the rest room.

Hanging Out

Here's Piccachu, with Gma Kathy and Judy and Craig's friend, Buffy. Piccachu was an exercise instructor, full of humor. He also instructed his co-worker, Miami, to give us special attention (including many thousands of auction dollars) on Piccachu's day off. Hence, Gma Kathy bid for and won a bottle of rum, a t-shirt and a cap during the auction. Fun!

We Love The Beach!

Mama Judy and Baby Zoe spent many hours playing in the sand. Zoe was NOT a fuss budget, relishing new experiences.

Bungee Girl

Isabel patiently waited in line with her Explorer's Club friends in order to have a try at bungee jumping on a trampoline. Oooohhhh - she loved it! She became Beautiful Bela Bird!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

Bela LOVES the island!

Buffet Waiter Miguel

Miguel was a dynamic young man, the same age as son Ben. He agreeably chatted with me in Spanish. Many of the staff answered me in English when I spoke Spanish.

Zoe and the Banana

Zoe and Grandma went for a walk to the fruit stand on the beach. Zesty Zoe scored a banana; Grandma found a balloon - left over from the Olympic Games on the beach.

Swan Song

Our room staff person created a pair of washcloth swans, decorated with flower petals to surprise us the day before we left. We entered the room to hear soft Spanish music. We then sought out our maid to tell her muchas gracias!

Zoe Loves Shoes!

Here Zoe and Daddy practice walking in some cool shoes. Zoe also enjoyed posing for a staff photographer on the beach, persistently trying to get on those gol-darn BIG shoes.

Morning Ritual

We awakened at 7:15 every morning. Before heading over to the buffet, Grandma enjoyed reading on the deck of her room.

Oh Yes!

Grandma Kathy would LOVE to be on vacation all year long! She had fun swimming laps in this pool (as well as swimming over to the poolside bar!)

A Beautiful Sunset

Isabel loved posing in the special infinity pool with the beach and the setting sun in the background.

Papi and the Bell

Isabel and Daddy share a silly moment after an amazing afternoon of swimming. Isabel was quite the swimmer, ducking her head under water and snorkeling.

Let's Get Going, Already!

Zoe and Mama hang out during a one-hour delay at the Dominican airport. Seems like the plane, coming from Milwaukee, had so many layers of ice that it couldn't take off right away! Zoe (and Mama) got a lot of exercise! We were happy, but tired, as we boarded our flight, relishing memories of a week of wonder and magic. What a wonderful vacation! The end.