I'm Back....200th Post!!

March 22, 2009

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After a week away.......I am BACK!! I took a quick glance at my google reader and it looks like I have lots of catching up to do with you all!

Paradise was awesome and we had a wonderful trip! It is great to get away, but it always feels good to come back home and get back into the routine!! Especially when you have two little ones waiting for you at home.......we really missed them:)

The Atlantis is such a sprawling property, I couldn't believe how many different buildings were part of this resort. We were just beginning to get the lay of the land and it was time to come back home!! Oh well, now we know for next time:)

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Unfortunately, the weather was not the best....

Each morning started out sunny, but then the clouds would roll in around noon and it would storm. We had two days where we actually had to go put pants and sweatshirts on.....yes, it was that cold!!
As you can see, we didn't let a little rain spoil our fun.....
We looked for the nearest bar with a roof and pulled up a barstool!! Do you think Pat is enjoying that Margarita?

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The water was so blue and the skies were gorgeous when the sun was out!! I loved this lonely palm tree on the vacant beach.

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I tried to get up in the mornings to take pictures so that I didn't need to worry about getting the camera wet or sandy......Also, there were people everywhere!! Even in the morning when trying to get a couple of shots you were always getting a Passer by in the shot:)

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Other than palm trees, these were the only other flowers I saw on the property.....they were so pretty and vibrant.

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If you have a fear of sharks or stingrays, then this isn't the place for you......they were everywhere and they were HUGE!! The picture above is a slide that sends you right through a shark tank in a clear tube. You can see them swimming around you. Beady eyes looking right at you as you come down the slide. If the 60 foot height of the slide doesn't get you, the sharks definitely will get your heart racing!!

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Feeding time!!!! How would you like her job? Not only do you have to step into the shallow section of the shark tank to feed them, you get swarmed by seagulls hoping to get some chum before the big guys do!! If you look in the background of this picture you will see a suspended bridge. You are walking right over some very large sharks and stingrays. With every step you take, it feels like the bridge is going to give.....Especially when there is a lot of people on it...SCARY!!

Overall, the trip was perfect....some much needed R&R and time to ourselves!! In addition to the sun, sand, and water. We ate at some incredible restaurants. I had mentioned that the first night we ate at Bobby Flay's restaurant, Mesa Grill. We also ate at a very well known Japaneses restaurant, NOBU......it was probably my favorite meal of the trip! In addition, we ate an Italian Restaraunt called Casa De Angelo and a fabulous steakhouse, The Bohemian Club! Pat also had some major luck the last night in the casino and we left with more money than we came with......I can't think of a better way to leave:)

I still have a bunch of pictures to share and just to keep things easier, for those that want to view the rest, I am attaching them in slide show format.

Just hit play and if you want to view them in full screen mode, then click on the 4 arrows in the lower righthand side of the picture!

In other news, I am happy to report that spring is officially here and I have gotten rid of the winter header......a special thanks to Jen for the new spring look!!

And last but not least.....This is my 200th post...HOORAY!! I will be doing my first ever giveaway.....Stay tuned, it will be announced in a week or so and the winner will be picked on my 1 Year Blogiversary, April 8th!

Hope you all have a wonderful week......back to work and back to reality tomorrow morning:(

A quick note....Pat took that picture of me! It took him a couple days of practice, but he finally mastered the camera without having to use the Auto Mode!!


71 comments:

Kim said...

Happy 200th post..
LOVE ,LOVE ,LOVE the slideshow..
Looks like you had an AMAZING time.. even though the weather was a little icky..
You look amazing..
Love the new look.
Have a great week..
can't wait for the giveaway..
HUGS....
Glad to have you back..

Colleen said...

WELCOME HOME!!!!
The photos are gorgeous and looks like you had a wonderful trip. I would love to go there one of these days.
Have a great week getting settled back in your routine! I'm sure the kids are excited as ever having Mom and Dad home!

Shari said...

Welcome back! Looks like you really kicked back. I think Pat may give you a run for your money in the photography arena. That photo of you is gorgeous!

Dita said...

WELCOME HOME!!!!! I love all the photos and the one of you is just fantastic! Pat did a VERY nice job!

The place looks great and it looks like you made the best of it regardless of the weather.

Happy 200th post!!! Love the new header too! I'll be the kiddos were CRAZY nuts when they saw you two!

You were certainly missed around the ole' blog cooler!

xoxoox
Dita

Gail said...

Welcome back Lisa! So happy to see your post and beautiful pics. Pat did an awesome job BTW with that one of you.

Happy 200th and I'll be looking forward to your giveaway(I'm doing a Spring one right now too).

I missed you. Hope your week is a great one.

:) Gail

Lisa said...

Welcome back! It looks like you had a great time. Sharks huh? I thought I wanted to go but now...yeah I'd still be there I a heart beat!

Jodee said...

Wow! What a fabulous trip! It looks like you had a great time! I would have been completely freaked out by the sharks!

Congrats on your 200th post! Looking forward to 200 more!

Tammie T. said...

Wow! That place is amazing! Love your photos! The new blog heading is refreshing! I would love a trip like that! AHHHHHH!
Tammie (Amelia's aunt)

Missy said...

Great talking with you last night. You are joking that it was beautiful! WOW! I love the pic that Pat took of you. He did a great job. You look so pretty! I know you are good and relaxed and ready to play with those sweeties!

Love the new makeover!!! It is so soft and makes me think of spring! YAY!

a Tonggu Momma said...

Glad y'all had such a nice trip!!! Love the new look, too.

3 Peanuts said...

Looks like a greta vacation. You look fabulous in the photo Jim took. Sorry the weather wasn't the best ut it sounds like you made the best of it anyway:)

Kim

Polar Bear said...

Love the picture of you!!
Welcome back to reality. It looks like a wonderful vacation spot!

Congrats on 200 posts! Wow!

Shell in your Pocket said...

Happy 200th post! How fun! I enjoyed so much looking at your slideshow...what beautiful pictures~
sandy toe

Anonymous said...

What beautiful photographs of Atlantis! It is such a special place that provides so many amazing and fun memories! Happy 200th post!!! Your blog design is so sweet and sooo spring!!!

Michelle R Photography said...

Wow!! I still can't get over that slide and shark pool. I am a big chicken, so I don't think I could do it, but I know my husband would be there in a second.

I'm so glad you and Pat had a great time - even if the weather didn't cooperate. It looks like such a lovely place. Welcome home!! Your new spring blogover looks great!

Have a super week!

fleur de lis cottage said...

Oh, I love all your images. The slide is wild isn't it? Even though the weather wasn't the best, you wouldn't know by your gorgeous photos. Glad you had a great time, but it is always nice to come home :)

Jennifer said...

Lisa, the pictures are amazing-my favorite is the one with the lone palm tree. They look like a post card! I'm so glad ya'll had fun. It was great talking to you yesterday!

Jen

fleur de lis cottage said...

P.S. Happy 200th post and I heart your new spring time header!!

Shelly and Family said...

Swimming with the sharks...Oh I am so there! Love the photo of you and of course the one of Pat with his drink ;) I just knew you guys would have a great time! Making me jealous here lol chekcing out all those photos!

BTW...Happy 200th Post! So what's the give-away? Can't wait to see...

Lisa said...

Oh I am so happy that you guys had a great time and are now back safe and sound with your little ones. Your photo's are amazing. The photo of you is just gorgeous!!!

I definitley would not like that job of feeding the sharks! That's crazy! Did you go down the slide? I'm not sure I would be brave enough...maybe after a few cocktails!

I love the new blog look and congrats on your 200th post! Good to have you back, I missed you!

Deb said...

New header is beautiful.
Welcome home, I agree it's nice to get away but equally nice to come home.
Hunny did a great job of your picture, it's beautiful.
As are the rest of your photo's..

Jboo said...

So glad you're back -- missed you!! Happy 200th post! Awesome photos -- it looks fabulous there!

Have a great week!

Janet

P.S. Love your new spring look!

Special K said...

I hit my nose on the computer screen when I leaned it to take a drink of that margarita. LOL!

The pics are gorgeous. Looks like you two had a fabulous time in spite of the weather. Welcome back to reality... blech.

Steffie B. said...

UGH...fabulous pictures....we have been to Atlantis as well.....I thought it was fantastic....are you using Ligthroom to edit your pictures....the one of you is stunning girl....just stunning! ;)

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Of course, SUCH a cute photo of you Lisa, and I love the rest of the photos too! Pat does indeed look like he is enjoying that margarita. I am hoping you had some of your own as well! :) Are you feeling rested and rejuvinated now? I love the new spring look on your blog too...it's so fun and colorful!
Carrie

Casey said...

Welcome back!!!! I LOVE that picture of you!!! You are beautiful... love it. It looks like you were very relaxed and enjoying every bit of paradise. I'm sorry the weather did not cooperate... that happened to us too once. It is still so nice to get away though...

Congrats on the 200th post!!!! I so enjoy your blog and am so glad we "met"... keep writing! :)

Kate said...

Well okay...even though I am still insanely jealous (:-))...let me give you a warm welcome back (oh wait...it's not THAT warm yet!! :-)).

Your pictures are fabulous and it sounds like you made the best of your time away and came home refreshed and ready for some love from the littles!!! I am glad you had the opportunity to get away...always a good thing...and if it is any consolation...it was snowing on Friday...just a little in the air...but definitely snowing!!!

Missed ya...happy 200th!!

These Are The Days said...

Hello,

So glad you are back. I must say your husband did a great job w/ that photo...you look fab! Love the bracelets and ring too. I have always wanted to go to that resort, I am for sure going to start working on my husband for a trip. I'm glad you had fun. BTW, I went private but it might not last. I'll let you know if I decide to do any invites for now I'm trying it out as a personal journal.

Aspiemom said...

Welcome back!

Absolutely beautiful photo's. I can't believe that steep slide into the shark tank! Whoa! It looks so pretty and relaxing there.

That's a great picture of you that Pat took!

Congrats on your 200th post! I like your new header. Of course. I sent you a few emails that you can watch for.

carolinagirl said...

The photos are just beautiful! I love the one that Pat took of you. It is really gorgeous! Glad you made it back safely. I know you were so happy to see the kids, but sad to leave Paradise!!!!

"Hello... It's Me Again..." said...

Welcome back Lisa!!! Your pictures make me almost feel sand between my toes. They are great!!! Every single one of them look like they could be postcards. I'm sure you are thrilled to be back home with both kids!!!

Take care and welcome back!!!

"Hello... It's Me Again..." said...

P.S. Happy 200th post!!!! Your blog is so much fun to read and I thoroughly enjoy peeking in at your family.

Becky said...

Welcome back Lisa!! Glad you all had a good time and I love all the pics! Happy 200th post!

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Awesome... great shots... gotta love the Bahamas... did you get to eat some Conch Fritters... my fave when I go to the Bahamas...
Hugs to ya...

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

Happy 200th post!!! The pictures are fantastic!!! I love the Atlantis it's so beautiful there..Love the picture of you : ) so pretty.

Patricia said...

Hey, Lisa! Welcome back!! And happy 200th post! LOVE your photos!! Looks like you had an awesome time!

Love your spring blog look too!
Have a great week & I hope you ease into the workweek gently! ;)

ZONE F DG TEAM said...

Did you photoshop your eye colour in??? or are they contacts???

Jennifer said...

Welcome home!

Happy 200th post!

You look beautiful in that photo. Your photos really are amazing. It makes me so excited about the PFP workshop.

Jen

Tisha said...

Lisa,

Looks like you had a fabulous trip; welcome home! Also, kuddos to your 200th post! You are a wonderful blogger. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. :) Love the new blog look too!

Blessings,
Tisha

Kayce said...

What beautiful pictures! Looks like tons of fun was had by you and Pat, welcome home! Your new header is sooooo cute!

day by day said...

Welcome back, Lisa! Wow...gorgeous pictures and just look at the beautiful blue water!!!

Sorry the weather wasn't the best, but looks like you had a great time, anyway! Always nice to get away from the busy-ness of our day to day lives, right?

Bet the kids were sooo excited to have you home!

Christy said...

So glad you are back and it looks like you had an amazing time. I soooo wish I were there as well. The picture at the beginning of you is stunning. You are such a hottie!!!!!

Great new blog look and the pics of the kids in the header are awesome!!

So glad you are home!!

Christy :)

paige said...

what a gorgeous picture of you lisa!!
i love these wonderful shots from your trip. you are such a talented photographer...need to head on over to the slideshow

xo

OHmommy said...

that a beautiful picture of you. what a breathtaking place... i have to go one day. the food alone sounds amazing.

OH MY #6 said...

Glad to hear you are home safe and sound. There is nothing like a little break.

Lea
xo

Sherri said...

Welcome Home! I bet the kids were happy to see you! It looks/sounds like you had a wonderful time.
I wonder whos yacht that is?
The pics are all fantastic. It's nice to see one of you!
So now, back to work and telling the boss all about the great trip he sent you on! Have fun!

Briana's Mom said...

Welcome back Lisa! Looks like you had an amazing trip! Your photos are breathtaking!

Anonymous said...

It looks like a wonderful trip. I want to go now :-)

Welcome back.

Jennifer said...

WELCOME BACK! I LOVE the new look! Really, it makes me smile :) I LOVE all of your pictures too! Looks like a really neat trip!
Happy 200th post! Good luck catching up.....;)


Jen

Marla said...

OMG, the pictures are amazing! I LOVE the one of you, it's just gorgeous! Glad y'all had a great time, it truly does look like paradise.

Love the springy blog look!!

Kam said...

Happy 200th post, my friend!!! You look beautiful btw! What a great getaway for you and Pat! Your pictures are amazing! So happy that you are home safe and sound and that you had a great trip.

Jen did another fab job on your blog! She rocks! It's all Springy and light...love it. Jase designed a Summer header for me the other day and I really like it...but I'm needing a Spring one. Maybe Friday he'll get around to that! lol!

Happy Monday and welcome back!

jenbusymom said...

Glad you made the best of it even though the weather wasn't great. Yes it's funny how sometimes we can't wait to get a break and then we miss our little ones and want to come home! Love the new look and happy 200th post!

Launa said...

Your photos are beautiful! Especially the one of you! I'm so glad you had a good time!! LOVE your new header! Too cute! :D

Bridget said...

Welcome Back Lisa!Looks and sounds like a perfect trip - even with a little rainy weather!!! So glad you were able to get away and enjoy some time together! I bet it was great to home home and see those sweet kiddies. Love your pictures thanks for sharing! Enjoy your week back to reality:)

4D said...

Just lovely!

200...congrats!

Keep smilin!

The Byrd's Nest said...

That is a beautiful picture of you...just stunning!

Sounds like an amazing trip and the pictures are just gorgeous!

Our Complete Family said...

Welcome back hun! Love the new bloggy look and wowee looks like your getaway was GREAT!
You took amazing photos that made me feel like I was there!
Happy 200th post chicadee!
Chat soon, Les

Sylvia said...

Welcome home! Happy 200th post!

Kristin said...

Oh I am lovin these images. Gorgeous. Makes me feel like I have been on a mini-vaca myself! The picture your hubby took of you is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

BEAUTIFUL! Welocme home! Thanks for your kind words to m blog also1

Anonymous said...

PS You are such a pretty woman. Great pic!

Keisha said...

Glad you are back! I enjoyed all the BEAUTIFUL pictures! Breath-taking!
Thanks for sharing...
Can't wait for the give-away.. &
Happy 200th!! ;)

Kellyann said...

Awesome shots! Welcome back. Sorry the weather wasn't cooperative.

Anonymous said...

Lisa,

Happy 200th! And I just love the picture of you....love the new hair! You look amazing!!!

Can't wait to see about this giveaway!!

Welcome home,

Dawn

Laura said...

Welcome back. Looks like a great time. Happy 200th. Love the pictures, love the new header. See ya Sunday.

Laura

JMCS said...

Happy 200th post Lisa. WOW girlfriend, your photos are so good. It looks like you guys had so much fun. I hear ya on the passerby stuff. So annoying sometimes (lol). :)

Hugs,
Jonni

Amy said...

What an amazing trip!
I'm so happy for you to have had so much fun with your sweet hubby in such a beautiful location. It looks and sounds heavenly!
And Congratulations on 200 posts! Your new blog look is simply beautiful (as always).

Have a blessed day, sweet lady!
Amy:)

Jo said...

You both look happy and relaxed ~ too bad the weather wasn't on your side. As always, your pictures are wonderful ~ you look fabulous!

Welcome back,
Jo

CC said...

through the sharks????????????? Wow! What an experience. Must go. Is this going to be your giveaway? Fully paid trip for me?

Football and Fried Rice said...

What gorgeous picrures! Especially the first one of you!!

Makes me long for a beach vacation!

Ivy Shaffer said...

Hello, I must be half asleep when I finally get to blog! I didn't even say HAPPY 200TH POST! OR HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!

I didn't know you could count your posts? Well like photography, guess I got a lot to learn.