copper moments at kopperskogen: April 2014

Over the last two years with how busy Kimco Plumbing and Fern Hollow have been, Robb and I had been unable to get away for a vacation just the two of us. We started thinking about it this last winter and realized it had been over 13 years since Robb and I had gotten away on a trip just the two of us. No family, no friends, no wedding, no mission trip to organize and lead, no conference to attend, just the two of us spending time away together exploring a new place. The last trip the two of us took was in 2000 when we spent a week in San Francisco and camped along hwy 101 on our way home. It was an amazing 10 days. We loved being together just the two of us, exploring new things and seeing new places.

So, when we found out that we were being given an all inclusive trip to the Dominican Republic we were elated. Now, since the trip was through work there would be a couple dinners/cocktail parties we would need to attend but otherwise we would have an entire week to be just us relaxing and enjoying some time in the sun. This last February we headed to Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana for a week of luxury.

For those of you who are planners out there, the idea of turning over your travel itinerary to someone else...well you can understand when I say it is a little nerve wracking. Up until about 10 days before our trip, we didn't even know our flight information. We received it though, along with our transportation info and hotel reservations and on February 17th we arrived at the airport at 8:30pm and checked in for our 10pm flight. We were embarking upon a long journey but we were excited. :)

Here is a little glimpse at our trip, from lounging at the beach, to exploring our resort and our trip to Santo Domingo to see the 1st city in New World. It was a great trip simply because we got to spend it together. I look forward to our next adventure together...my husband truly is my favorite travel companion. :)

The beach in front of our resort was beautiful. We spent hours lounging, reading and sipping ice tea.

The very first cathedral - built by the Spanish but uses French Gothic influences in the architecture. It was quite an amazing site to see.

Robb loved all the history - like how Sir Francis Drake (the English Privateer...read Pirate) took over the Cathedral and slept in it in order to show that he had power and control or the people.

Quick snapshot between stops.

Construction projects take years and years to complete. We saw many buildings in this phase with no one working on them.

Entrance to the city for the common folk and servants.

The door into the home of the Columbus royals.

The armor brought over by Christopher Columbus that was never used because it was too hot.

As of course, because of the profession we are in, we couldn't leave without taking some photos of the plumbing in the city. Robb especially loved the downspout line that went against gravity and traveled in an upwards direction halfway down the building. :)

Robb and the guard at the capitol building.

The lighthouse where Christopher Columbus' body is laid to rest.

An amazing trip to Santo Domingo. There is so much history there. We loved our day in the city.

Stephanie, our Moen rep. :)

We ended up meeting a great couple (Mat & Rita) who live in Buckley and had dinner with them a couple nights as well as spending one of our days hanging out with them at the pool.

It really was a beautiful resort and a beautiful beach. That said, I think the beaches in Maui were more beautiful simply because they were less populated and more serene.