Dominican Republic Diamond Circle 2016

Following our family Disney trip we knew it would be a fast and furious two week push to the DR trip.   Little did we know that we would both end up sick (Jimmy out of work almost a week) and me ending up on meds the following for an upper respiratory infection.   Praise God we were on the mend and the girls stayed healthy.  

Before we left we enjoyed the weekend with my mom and Gabe, Kat and Ellie.  

This makes me smile!  One thing I love about Jimmy is how silly and playful he is and my brother is just the same.   The fact they get to do this often together makes me laugh.  Soon they will have a little boy in the middle of them (Gabe and Kat's little boy Silas will be born this summer!  We are beyond excited). 

To stay we were ready for some R&R would be an understatement    It was such a blessing.  We thought it would be hard to beat last years trip to the Bahamas, but we were wrong.  We had a fabulous time.  It was just want we needed to refresh, enjoy quite time, talk for hours together and at times just be together saying nothing at all.  

Hard Rock Punta Cana was so welcoming but this was very special (and yummy). 

I laughed and told Jimmy that while it was a tough call Jay would have to admit that Jimmy was the BEST PM!   (It's really neat.. when I started at SunTrust Jay worked with me as a PM then left and now Jimmy works with him.  They are special to us!  This note was so thoughtful!).  

Our view all week and not a far walk to the best pool and the beach

First few hours and we already were relaxed! 

time to hit the beach 

Jimmy relaxing! 

His favorite spot when at the beach 

One of the things I loved about the Hard Rock was all the song lyric quotes.   

Several days at the spa does anyone good!   I loved to hear all the stories about the massages and those who were now addicted to them!   They were great there!

The Chattanooga team charted this boat for the day.  It was by far one of the most memorable experiences on a trip.  Jimmy ranked it up there with the hot air balloon ride in Arizona.  

and it was true!  The experience was memorable! 

Perfect water 

This man... works so hard not just in the office but also at home as a husband and Daddy!   These trips remind me how well we connect, how much we need the get aways to come back better, and what a servant he is daily for our family and to others!  

First time scuba diving and he loved it!  I stayed on the boat (I hate to put my head under water) and enjoyed visiting with a few friends and the sun. 

This native cut open coconuts for us to drink coconut water (they sweetened it for us).  

Love you baby!

The whole group!   This group often all are on the rewards trip so we have gotten to know them all well.   

Jimmy and the boat host were quite funny! 

Can we just live on the water?  

Dinner at the Asian restaurant.  We have not laughed so hard in a long time.   "Yeah Baby" was possibly all our chef knew! 

The pool view every morning the team was in conference... life was rough for the "plus one"

could not have been more true all week! 

all dressed up ready to celebrate a great year! 

we saw the photo bomb coming.... ha! 

Jay and Jimmy.  I am partial but I think one of the best banking pairs!  They even managed to wear the EXACT same time to the awards dinner. 

Diamond Circle again!   Already thinking about 2016 and Miami! 

The last beach day.... 

life is rough for these guys! 

We had 15+ beach chairs lined up all day! 

Last night and we get to fly home to see our babies! 

no caption really needed....  

our smiles show what a great week we had in the DR and together!   

The final night was memorable too.   2 hours at the Black Jack table.  I don't mind Jimmy gambling his set amount, but usually to watch it makes me a nervous wreck.   But the whole team was playing so the others watched.   

Jay's wife Cynthia I have really enjoyed connecting with on these trips and parities.   With two daughters in hight school she has so much insight.   

Our last few hours Sunday morning before flying home.   I keep trying to convince Jimmy we need a hanging bed outside (of course his response "you are right by the pool"... that he will never agree to!) 

DR it was a great trip!  Thank you First Tennessee Bank! 

We flow KK in for the week and Gjysh middle of the week (he had to come down to get some time too with his girls).   So while we were enjoying the sun the girls were enjoying time with their grandparents.   To me these moments when I get to see our parents with our girls are priceless.

Hot Chocolatier

KK and Ellie! 

The girls even did their chores picking up "Bella Bombs"

Sleepy girl 

These smiles were so refreshing as Gracie had a rough first day or so with us gone!  It breaks my heart that she struggles but we try to make sure she is loved on and that she understands we take trips without the girls to focus on our marriage which is best for them too!  They will get it some day!  I tell her I want to watch her kids while her and her husband take big trips.  She just smiles.  

Gracie's class presented in chapel Tuesday so KK got to see it.  

Cookie dough! (and Pecan Pie for breakfast apparently.... the things Grandparents can do!)

Homework! 

KK snuggles! 

Gjysh and Ellie! 

Gjysh helping with math homework (while they FaceTime with daddy) 

Ellie spent the night!   She was trying to wake the girls up for school. 

Maggie was not quite ready to get up 

sweet cousins! 

That rotten dog!  She is sure loved! 

She sure has a lot of Martin in her! 

When Mom and Dad flew out my Uncle Gabe and Aunt Katelyn stepped in and spoiled them.   The girls love them and their cousin.    

Family is the best!  

Tired girls! 

Sunday pic! 

These three are so special to us!   

Thank you to Mom, Dad, Gabe and Katelyn for taking such wonderful care of our girls while we were gone.   Their smiles tell it all.  We never worried about them and know you love them beyond measure!  Ready for next year?