Heather Comes to Visit

Heather arrives at the airport.

Our oldest daughter Heather's sister-in-law told her about how much fun she had when she went to visit her parents when they were serving a Senior Mission in Samoa and has encouraged her to come visit us.  Her great husband John happily encouraged her to come and watched their five children while she came over Mother's Day weekend (and, by the way, you know how crazy May is, so for John to handle the kids and all the end-of-school activities in Heather's absence was just amazing!)  Anyway, this blog post is mainly photos of what we saw and did.  So much fun!  And it was true that visiting your parents' on their mission all by yourself is a great idea!

We went straight from the airport to the Barcelo, an all-inclusive
resort , to pamper  her for  three days.

The main promenade of the Barcelo.

The main promenade with its best feature standing in front.

The food was great, but the best part was the conversation.

Oh, what to choose...

Passion fruit, or chinola, as it is called here, with watermelon and pineapple.

The beaches weren't crowded at all.

Although storms may have threatened in the evening, they were soon gone.

One really happy Dad with his beautiful Daughter

Two beauties to spend nearly a week with!

No missionary clothes or tags here.

Heather enjoyed some private time on the beach.

Nothing was rushed, especially not the meals.

The best mission companion is the one you have chosen for eternity,
as well as for time.

One of our major objectives:  shells! Can you tell that someone
has gotten her pants wet?  

'Though not obvious here, there were plenty of them.

In the Colonial Zone,  visited the home of
Diego Columbus, son of Christopher, built in 1511.

Horse and rider, frozen in time.

Dining room from the period.

Heather looks pretty regal in the
Countess' gown, don't you think?

A former cathedral of famous forefathers.

A ride we didn't take.

This sundial can be read from two sides,
morning and  afternoon.

Yes, Christopher Columbus really founded this town,
the first city of the New World, Santo Domingo. 

Statue to the Admiral of the Seas, Columbus.

These yellow steps lead to a fun gift shop that always gives
us and our guests great deals.

In front of a fun restaurant, El Conuco.

          El Conuco features authentic Dominican
music as well as good food...

...and dancing with performers.                                        

A great time was had by all.

A visit to the Santo Domingo Temple of
 the Church was short but  sweet. 

So lucky to be together, even for a short time.

A Sunday visit to our small branch of the Church
in Consuelo was fun.

Rob made fixin's for meals on Mother's Day,
 Heather's first with her mother in  20 years.

A French pastry shop in Santo Domingo didn't escape us.

Visiting the Area Offices of the Church in the Caribbean
where we perform much of our labor.

The arch-typical missionay shot,
 "This is where we are serving."  

The office folks were surprised to see
 us in our "civvies" for the first time.                        

The skies and the water are really this blue.

This beach to the west was rocky, but provided
a great quantity of conch shells.

Heather enjoyed some good snorkeling for the first time.

Not very many mothers can wear their
13 yr-old  daughter's swim suit.

A beautiful girl on a beautiful beach...

...with her beautiful mother...

...and sleepy father.

Some of the sea urchins found by Heather

Jill is surely one of the most beautiful women in the whole world.

This guy leaves something to be desired, but it's O.K.
(Hey, don't believe him -  no way - more than okay!)

Happy to be together a a Family Home Evening at the close of our trip.  Thank you for coming, Heather!