Christmas and the Domincan Republic

I figured this is my last chance to get a post in in January so it doesn't show up with a big fat "0" next to it. We had a fun trip from December 20th-January 15th to Phoenix -> Tucson -> Dominican Republic -> Tucson -> Phoenix.

Ella had fun on Christmas day opening presents.


She got a horse from Brad's parent's that she LOVES



On New Year's Eve we headed to the Dominican Republic to visit my brother and his family. It was such a fun trip! Every day was warm (although a little more humid than Arizona) and Scott and Ann had just moved in to their new mansion.

Ella had a great ride on the plane


My adorable niece and nephew playing in an old courtyard in the Colonial Zone


Ella had fun sightseeing on her dad's shoulders


We went out one night to a restraunt famous for it's women who dance on rum bottles.


We also spent one day at the beach in Santo Domingo


Where we had our own personal mall walking by all day. We ate coconuts, sugar cane, some sort of seafood and salsa, fried pork, Presidente, pina colada's (it 45 minutes to get, but it was worth the wait!) and cubra libra's (rum and coke). Needless to say, we didn't feel too well the rest of the day.

My handsome brother, Scott (eww, did I just say that?)




My dad bargaining for some Cuban cigars


My brother, Ethan about to enjoy his first cigar (the drink was just for looks)


Brad enjoying himself


Adeline showing off her new do


The next day we drove through the countryside to the north coast


We finally got all the cousins together and happy at the same time!



I tried to take some senior portraits of my brother, Ethan and learned some valuable photography lessons. First, I forgot to reset my ISO down from 1600 (so everything is grainy), second it is hard to get the focus just right when the AV is down to 1.8. Third, I need some sort of flash to help in lower light situations. Ohh well, next time...