Counting Shepherds: Christmas Vacation

This year for Christmas and to celebrate Steve finishing his Bachelor's degree we took a Caribbean vacation. We flew down to the Dominican Republic for 8 wonderful days. Here are a few of the highlights from our trip.

We arrived late Friday evening. Our luggage arrived Sunday afternoon. Wearing the same clothes (especially a long sleeved T-shirt) in hot humid weather for 2.5 days was an adventure to say the least.
Wearing jeans to attend the temple and church was an experience I hope I never have to have again. The workers were so welcoming and friendly, but I still hope to never have to do that again.
The first two days we spent in the capital visiting people that Steve knew from his mission. It was neat to meet the people he had worked with and see how they live there. We definitely are blessed with comforts beyond measure.
The drivers in the DR are CRAZY! There are as many lanes as cars can fit into - regardless of the lines on the road. People walk down the lines of cars selling things. I saw at least one guy turn right from the furthest left lane in front of all the other cars. When the stop light turns green everyone starts honking. Steve drove the wrong way down multiple one way streets and got a thumbs up for it. He asked me if I wanted to drive once and I said NO WAY. But, he manuevered the car very well.
We spent 5 days at a resort on the beach. The sand and water were so beautiful! It was so nice just to relax and enjoy being together. The gardens at the resort were beautiful. The restaurants were yummy (and included with the price)
I went snorkeling for the first time. I have this fear of water (and things in the water), but Steve helped me to be brave and we saw some awesome fish of all colors.
Steve went parasailing for the first time. I was able to watch from the boat and take pictures. We were a little worried that they wouldn't let me because they were being so funny about what a pregnant woman could and could not do. Steve enjoyed the view of the island, but other than that he was a little bored.
We attended a baseball game one night. The fans were very exuberant about every play that happened. It was very loud and fun to watch people. Baseball is religion down there.
In the capital we ate at a restaurant right on the waterfront. They served traditional Dominican food which was wonderful! The view was also pretty amazing. Being there made me forget that I was wearing stinky clothes for a little while.

Well, that's the short story of our trip. Here's a few pictures that will probably tell it better.