As the mother of a teenage boy who never ever voluntarily reads, I can certainly see why you were amazed at Nate reading. Hunter hates reading just like his daddy but I could read all day long every day. Love it! I'm looking forward to seeing what other exciting things Nate participated in.
We were flabbergasted that Nate was reading with enthusiasm!!! Like you, I love to read. I converted my Mark to the joys of reading when we were in high school with the help of Animal Farm and Of Mice and Men.
Love the report! As you know, I was so happy departure morning worked out and that you were enjoying the sunshine at Barcelo! And I won't give anything away regarding your Mexican flag shot, but I'm hoping there will be more photos of my favorite drink-that-I've-never-actually-consumed.
Love pedicures. Love them. Wish I lived in a warmer climate and had more time to go. Last one was on the Wonder to Alaska last August, and I went back and forth on the decision to book because I don't want the boys to feel like I'm ditching out on them during a vacation. Anyway, definitely consider it when/if you're on a
Disney cruise!
Love your introductions. Even though I've "known" your family for a few years, I really enjoyed reading those!
Now the big new bit of information for me was the part about the WAVES! Waves? I didn't know about the waves! And that photo of Ben in the wave is amazing. When we were at Barcelo a few years ago, it was for a wedding, we stayed at the Palace, half the resort was under construction and our youngest was sick nearly the entire time. So we didn't make it down to the watersports area. Anyway, the waves make a BIG difference to us as we consider our 2014 options!
As always, really looking forward to more!
Glad you are enjoying the report.
We were very relieved when my boarding pass printed.
I sent you some more info on WAVES!!!
Maybe I will share the drink porn chapter next. A few stories go along with that.
OMG did you almost cry?? I would have. My DS15 loves to read ( well used to) he always had a book even on vacation.
DS11 on the other hand has never read a book b/c he wanted to. Breaks my heart.
I think I mentioned once that DH took him at midnight for the last Harry Potter that he couldn't wait to get home to read.
So we got almost a foot of snow AGAIN!!!! Ugh
. I am so ready to move to FL. I am so sick of this weather. How bout you?
Yes, I'm done with the snow, too. At least it is melting quickly. I think we are going to school until June 25 or 26 now!
It is very frustrating when you love to read, but someone you love does not!
Harry Potter is a great series. I like the Percy Jackson (and also Red Pyramid) by Rick Riordon. Hunger Games. And I have read a couple of Disney themed Kingdom Keepers.
My son never read either. Despised it. But back when the first Harry Potter movie came out we had the book laying around that he had gotten as a gift (and never read), so I started reading it to both kids at the time to get the prepared for the movie as we all wanted to see it. After 3 nights of reading before bed, Michael asked if he could take the book in his room and read ahead. In 3 nights he finished it. I was so shocked. he had read all the books in the series, and I don't think he read any other books until recently where he wil lread stuff he is interested in now.
The Harry Potter series is magic in more ways than one!
I wish there was more flexibility in school about what the kids can read.
It;s funny about bate reading the Hobbit and then going on to Lord of the rings. I think there is almost some sort of magic in the way Tolkin wrote them that it doesn't feel like you are just reading a story, but you are actually following along with the adventure. J.K. Rowling the author of Harry Potter does it quite well to with the Harry Potter sires that is.
Yup, magic in The Hobbit/LoTR series, too! I started re-reading Hobbit, but I haven't had much time to pick it up since returning home. Did you see the movie? I went with Ben opening weekend. He did the song "That's What Bilbo Baggins Hates" as his audition song for his school play.
I love that he read! I'm a big Hobbit/Lord of the Rings nerd so I'm especially happy that he was reading those books.
Amanda
Me too! Me too!!! Ben is going through a bit of a Hobbit/LoTR obsession right now. It could be worse, but I wish he would wear shoes outside!
Well, all I can say is that looks like the perfect place to read as well as do about 100 other things. So craving a tropical island right now!
You are right. It is a great place to read, or participate in activities or do nothing. Or drink! I think that will be up next!
All caught up-glad the boarding passes got sorted, love the pics (do I ever NOT love the pics of yours?
) and well Nate picking up a book, a big book at that, and reading it all on his own without threats of failed exams!! Priceless-definitely worth the cost of vacation on its own
Barcelo looks gorgeous-wish I was there now instead of rainy Ireland!
Oh and I have only had 2 pedicures in my life-both before going to florida and have to admit I loved looking at my polished toes while lying by the pool, in the sun, feeling warm, sipping a cold drink................
I could so do with being somewhere hot and sunny now-aw well back to reality 
Thanks! Love having you along!
I enjoyed my mani/pedi splurge, but it is getting time to remove the polish. So sad.
Nate's reading will be one of the best memories from this trip.
Loving your trip report!
They have alot of great activities at the resort. Enough to keep everyone happy.
I would of been shocked if my teenager decided to read on vacation too. So cool that you got a photo of it. Funny how the boys ended up fighting over the same book. Too cute!
Yeah, not easy to capture photos of the teen and even harder to take one in a "compromising" position. It's a keeper! Just don't tell him I have it (or that I posted it on the internet)
The resort is just awesome, but you probably have figured out that I feel this way.
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