...and we're back!

What a week! Brandon and I arrived back in PA last Friday from our 7-night vacation to Excellence Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  It was a much-needed, relaxing and refreshing trip...perfect timing for us.  Admittedly, we were spoiled like crazy...and loved every minute of it. :)

The resort that we went to was an all-inclusive (you must try one of these at some point in your life!) which means that you pay a set price and all accommodations, food, drinks, most activities, and most amenities are included.  If you've been to one, you probably know how absolutely wonderful it is to go to a restaurant and order from a menu with NO prices.  Order the lobster or go with the cheeseburger...or how about one of each!?!  Okay, we weren't that glutenous, but we both definitely put on a few pounds.

In an attempt to counteract all of the food and drinks, we tried to stay active by playing beach volleyball, where we met some great people from several different countries (Hi, Rick & Jeannette!), and riding the waves on boogie boards.  

Here are a few photos from our week...

These first few photos were taken on the hour-long drive from airport to the resort.  While there are many growing and prosperous resorts/hotels in Punta Cana, much of the countryside was filled with scenes of poverty.   

There were many fields with too-skinny cattle grazing.  The fences that contained them were much different than any I had ever seen.

Arriving at the resort...

Excellence Resort - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Relaxing at the gorgeous pools.

Under the shade of an umbrella made of palm tree leaves...

The view out our back door...

A crazy guy on a four-wheeler...

A walk on the beach at sunset...

More of the resort...

A beach party...

24-hour room service...A-MAZING...

Tropical flowers...

Tropical birds...

The resort had 8 different restaurants to choose from...this was the hardest decision of the week. :)

We had fun getting all fancied up for dinner and the nighttime shows/activities....

Incredible food that looked as good as it tasted...

Then, the week was over before we knew it...and we were on our way back home.