One Flies the Coop

Today, Micaela left for her adult life in a city far away from her home here in KY. We had a wonderful summer filled with a trip of a lifetime to Netherlands and Germany, many nights watching movies on the couch, snuggling with our favorite dogs, fostering a Mama Cat, taking walks, laughing and just enjoying each other's company.  I knew today was coming, I had it marked on the calendar, we talked about it. 

This morning she loaded up her Prius with her most prized possessions and hugged me as tears streamed down my face. Ready for her to go but not ready for her to be gone. Remembering again that the sign of being a successful mom is that you eventually are unemployed as your charges grow and become independent, friends more than children.  If we do it well, and I have, they leave and they live, they thrive, they make mistakes, they grow, they fall in love and they become mothers and, alas, the circle of life. A job well done means you are left, without them, as they move on in their independence.  Seeing her the last few days, organizing, cleaning, decluttering, writing out the family recipes for her very own recipe box...her own sort of 'nesting' as she prepares to be on her own, I was filled with emotions from all over the spectrum.  

Never have I asked my kids to live a life I wanted for them, they will tell you the most thing that I am as a mom is supportive of their dreams and goals.  Not a perfect parent by any stretch, but I very much stand by the cheerleader aspect of my parenting, as it has served my family very well. Their constant champion whispering in their ears - you've got this, you can do it, you will be okay - always believing in them and hoping they will believe in themselves - being a helper with problem solving or advising them when they ask, not a overbearing adult/mom - letting them make the decisions and choices but standing firmly right behind them to catch them if they fall.  Believing in this, confident in this, today as I watched her load her car, hearing her saying goodbye to her favorite little dog, seeing her hug her sisters and Steph...it was all so different for me.  For literally the first time in my life, as I held my oldest in my arms, I truly did not want to let go.  I remember back to the first day of preschool, her chubby little hand in mine as we walk to her classroom...her face peering up at me, nervous, me smiling at her willing her to be ok.  The contrast is not lost on me between now and then and the few short years in between that first separation, so temporary, to now, so permanent.  Her walking with trepidation into Miss Lisa's room with the colorful flowers on the wall and Miss Lisa taking her hand from mine...me smiling trying to reassure her.  She looking at me, silently asking to go back home to play with her sisters, to hang out with me.  Me smiling back, knowing she would be ok, knowing it was time.  Walking away and leaving her with Miss Lisa and her classmates, no tears from me then, it was right.  So opposite of this moment now, as I hold her, cry into her long blonde hair, her body matching mine in height, we embrace as adults now, her body rigid at first, relaxes as we both shed tears.   

For the first time in my life as am mom, at this moment I am thinking about me, what I want, what I need, and what is better for me, running thoughts in my head about me - I wasn't cheerleading, I wasn't helping, I was thinking of me and my hurt and my sadness.  I wasn't thinking of her as I whispered in her ear that she could move in across the street and Steph would cut her grass -  this statement had become an ongoing joke since we bought the duplex (yup) across the street a few months ago. But this time, when I said it, I meant it...I said it and I really meant it, rambling in my head words unspoken but there all the same, "Doesn't that sound great, move in across the street, come over for dinner, or to watch a movie or to have a glass of wine on the back patio....you know, do life with us, Micaela....don't leave, don't go, stay here with us."  Mic laughs into my shoulder through her tears, she knows the joke well, she laughs, not realizing I am no't joking, not hearing the pleading sentences rambling on inside my head.  I don't laugh with her, instead, I hug her more and tears slide, silently down my cheeks. 

As we separate, Steph asks me 'is it different this time' me squeaking out a  'yes'...not knowing or understanding why.  We had said this same goodbye countless times through her college years.  I am used to going months without seeing her, staying connected via texts, phone calls and social media...this would be same routine, wouldn't it?  Yet, so different.  I couldn't answer why and I am still not sure exactly but this feels more permanent - she is on her own, making her way, no money from mom, her own lease, a new job, all of it. She won't ever live in our house again.  She has committed to visiting for Mom's Weekend of Family Fun...an annual mandatory event that we created this week to assure me that at least once a year the nucleus of the five of us will spend one weekend a year at our home, just the five of us girls.  More than anything, right now, I want to be selfish and ask her not to go, different in such a big way.  I resist.

She leaves. She drives away. I cry and walk around the block. Steph and her sisters don't know what to do, I don't know what I need, this is all so new...so I walk and it is ok. I am not proud of the selfish thoughts I had, the desire to keep her here, have her marry a Cov Cath boy and raise her family minutes away from me - seems like a perfect life - for me, but not for her. She had the courage to cry with me, hug me, tell me she loved me and then to leave, to drive away to her new life and adventures and all the wonderful things waiting for her. She will always need me, I will always be her first call, I will always answer to hear her voice - harkening back to the days of her non stop babbling as a 9 month old, her incessant questioning as a two year old, even through her sulky teenage years, the contagious happiness she brings to our family.  I will miss her but I will be okay.  I will create a new normal and so will she.  

If I didn't tell you a little piece of my heart left me today, I wouldn't be telling the whole truth.  Our hearts on our sleeves, with lumps in our throats, tears on our cheeks...we let them go, and that may be the most loving gift of all.

**Note - as I returned from my walk around the block, her red car came down the street, she pulls into the driveway...In the seconds that pass as I wait for her to get out a movie like scene plays in my head...she is crying and saying she can't leave, doesn't want to go and runs to me and asks if she can move in across the street and will Steph really cut her grass, I say yes! yes! yes!

Instead...her car door opens, tears are dry, she smiles at me and says "I forgot the skyline hot sauce." and that, in a nutshell, is my Micaela. Godspeed sweet girl, your mama loves you. 

50 and Beyond

We had a little party the other night to celebrate my turning 50.  Surrounded by family and friends, the night went just as I imagined.  Good food, cold beer, great music, shots, a beer bong,  and lots of dancing....we even had a streaker, a puker and a visit from the Park Hills po po. 

Epic. 

As most of you who read this blog already know, I never miss an opportunity to let my loved ones know they are loved.  Those things you read when someone dies unexpectedly, 'Hug your kids', 'Now's the time to let those you love know how you feel'...while very true,  have been my habit for many years.  Besides the actual reason for a funeral (someone had to pass away), the worst part for me is when loved ones express regret about not taking the time to let the person know how much they were loved.  Eulogies filled with kind words, memories, stories shared...so sad if these were never told to the person when they were alive. It is a lesson we all should learn. 

I received on Friday night a book that many of you contributed to...memories and admiration's that brought more smiles to my face than I have had in a long time.  You took the time to tell me how you feel and the words wrapped me up like a warm blanket, comforting.  The 'book' will forever be cherished and I will refer to it often, when life is hard, when people are mean, when challenges abound...I have a book to remind me that I am loved, that I am cherished and that I have a whole lot of people who care about me.  There really is nothing more important than that.  

Anticipating Drunk Gretchen would want to do some speech making on her big night, I wrote down some thoughts of my own.  My love letter to those who have surrounded me all these years.  

I have lived a beautiful life so far and one doesn't do that by going it alone. 

"I am preparing this just in case I need it.  Speaking off the cuff is not really my thing..I forget what I want to say, I get emotional, I rush…writing is much more my style.  Most of you have been to my parties where I read something I have written…most of the time you all politely listen as I go on about one of my amazing daughters or about my life with Steph.  Tonight, however, it is about you, each of you.

Last night, we had what I am calling the ‘Rehearsal Dinner’…this 50^th birthday party being, perhaps, better planned than most weddings (thank you Stephanie), we spent last night with a few close friends, having a drinks, sharing cherished memories and just being together.  During our time last night, my friend Davis, presented me with this book.  It is a compilation of many of my friend’s favorite memories of me, along with all of them saying really nice things.  As I sit here this morning, I have read the entire thing 4 times already.  I can’t believe it, I can’t believe what is written, I can’t believe the memories shared, I can’t believe the blessings of my life.  Am I really this lucky?

You don’t get to be ‘fabulous, funny and 50’ on your own.   If you’re as lucky as me, you get here surrounded by people who will love you in spite of yourself, lift you up when you need it, hold you accountable when you’re being an ass, and forgive you when ask for it.  You also get here by celebrating the good times, I like to do this a lot, if I could drink a shot of jagermeister for every little thing, I would. ..wait….I already do…

I can never and I really mean never put into words what this life is or what it means to be me, to live this life, to have what I have.  It is truly indescribable to be so blessed, so lucky, so loved, so…so…so…just all of it.  Yes, I made choices to make it happen but you all also chose to come along, to be my friend, to accept me and my family, to surround me and fill a place in my life that can only be filled by you, each of you do that for me.  Thank you.

A few special shout outs:

To my Rose Circle family…if you guys only knew when we moved here in 2006 how much we needed what you gave us.  Steph trusted me when I asked her to buy this house, we couldn’t afford it, we had a house to sell, we were going to carry two mortgages but I just knew when I first stood on my tippy toes to look thru the windows, this house was going to be our forever home.  The poor Gabbard’s didn’t know what to think when they came out the door and saw Steph on my shoulders looking through the kitchen windows.   They were so kind, they offered to let us in since they had the keys.  It was the first of many very funny memories.  We have cherished sharing our lives and a driveway with them ever since.  Joe and Marion, Stella and Karl, Mary Ann, LuAnn, Drew and Lynn, Joan and Matt…you all will never know, no matter how much I try to explain it, what you mean to me and to our family.  Suffice it to say, Steph and I were ‘in the trenches’ back then in 2006 and Rose Circle and this house was our haven.  Thank you for accepting us, loving us, and supporting us.  We look forward to many more years with all of you and with the rest of our newer neighbors…I am thankful we took the chance all those years ago.

To my L tribe and L moms…I have learned so much from each of you, so many laughs, so many discussions that really can’t be shared or even described – one as recent as last night, complete with diagrams.  I am so thankful to be able to do life with all of you by my side.  You make me proud in how you each move through life and, especially, with how much you can drink…I mean let’s face it, when my daughters brag that they can ‘keep up with the lesbians’, I know I have done something right.  Seriously, though, through our travels, OSU games (my great idea of ‘let’s do a shot every time the Buckeyes score’), St. Patrick’s Day with Jimmy, karaoke, birthday celebrations, happy hours….thankful for it all. 

To Kitty, Doodle, Davis…I mean what can a girl say to you three,  Holy Shit what a life we have shared.  Each of you deserve your own tribute but I will just say thank you…from the bottom of my heart, thank you.  Never wavering in your loyalty to me, countless (and I mean countless) nights out and girls trips with shenanigans I can’t even begin to try to remember all of them.  Dancing, crop dusting, not giving two shits who is looking at us or what anyone thinks as we celebrate over and over and over again…most of the time we don’t even know what we are celebrating, yet the laughs continue.  Through marriage, divorce, heartbreak, new loves, kids, sports, marathons, new jobs, retirement, illness, RV trips, and other adventures….we have shared it all.  I love you from the depths of my heart and can’t wait to see what we get into next.

Mom and Dad….what can I ever say to the people who have given me so much?  I hope to be you guys some day…still loving each other after almost 60 years of marriage, a life well lived of generosity and compassion.  I am who I am because of you.  I have what I have because of you.  You are my heroes and I am so proud to be your daughter. 

Nat, Val, Kenny and the rest of Steph’s family --- thanks for trusting Steph and supporting her when she told you she was moving to KY to be with me and my three little girls.  I will never forget, never forget, what you provided me and the girls all those years ago.  To those of you who don’t know the Belt/Hay family…you are missing out.  The most accepting, generous, supportive people you will ever find.  I hope and pray my daughters will find a way to be like you and create a life like you have.  When you are a part of this family, you are never alone. 

To my amazing daughters….besides being able to drink like the lesbians, you all have accomplished so much.  I love our relationships, I love watching you navigate life.  My hard work is done as your lives are now your own, I will always be here for you, you know that but I know you have what it takes to do anything you want.  Thank you for being here and for doing your part to make my bday weekend so special.  Love you all so much.

And finally, to my Stephie…never ever did I think that I would be standing here, in our beautiful home, with your family and my family present, surrounded by mutual friends….celebrating anything, let alone my 50^th birthday.  We did this, we made this happen, we both took a chance and here we are.  Since I am old now, I have been doing some reminiscing, like old people do and I truly don’t know how we survived those first few years especially, then the child rearing years…we held on tight I suppose and made the choice, every day even when we didn’t want to, to stay.  You made this house a home, you are relentless in your hard work, even when you ‘retire’ you still work more than anyone I know.   You are my rock, my soft place, my listening ear and the one person that I want to call when the news is good and especially when the news is bad.  I am so lucky for all you have given me.  Thank you for this special weekend and for gathering all the people I love into one place.

Now it is time to drink and, of course, dance."

 If you take anything away from the post, let it be to take to the time to let those important to you know how you feel.  Whether a card, a phone call, a text message or a speech...do it and do it now.  I promise you will never regret saying the words.

Aruba Day 5/6 - SeaBob Making Us Into Mermaids

Future Mermaids

After the back to back days of horseback riding, UTV tours, and Gretchen drinking too much wine our 5th day dawned with a headache and much needed rest day.  We spent the day at the beach again and loved every second of it.  Lots of water, advil and a hamburger under the hut and by noon I was good as new. 

The most exciting thing that happened on our beach day was when Lainey fed this evil pigeon.  You know how birds have those black ice type eyes and they seem to see right through you?  This pigeon was lurking around most of the day and Lainey thought if she fed him, maybe he would finally go away.  Rookie mistake....although trying to scare him away with a 'turkey call' was a very good try.

The beach days allow us time to shower early and do some exploring.  For us, that means basically driving around until we are lost.  Thankfully the island is relatively small and there is not ghetto or bad areas so getting lost is ok with us.  We think we ended up on the 'other side' of the island (where the sharks are, if you are following along) and we found a beautiful deserted beach.  Well, deserted until a local showed up and...well I will leave that part out but suffice it to say Lainey is still deeply troubled by it all.  (Don't worry Mom, it was nothing that bad, she may or may not have seen a naked Aruban...but don't tell her I told you.)

Lainey before The Incident

So we woke up on Friday morning ready to do some snorkeling.  Like you, when I think I am going on a Carribean snorkel trip, I assume a catamaran takes us someplace in the ocean, we swim around a bit, we get back on the catamaran, drink some rum punch, do a conga line dance around the boat, drink some more rum punch, dance, more rum punch...sorry...I got distracted by the thought of rum punch.


To prepare for what I thought was going to happen (see above paragraph), I found a pharmacy and bought some Dutch Dramamine.  Ever since giving birth to my girls, I get sea sick just watching a boat.  Those of you who followed my blog for our Iceland trip, may remember my successful whale watching tour.  I took Dramamine for that and I have been a firm believer ever since. I bought some at the pharmacy and hoped for the best.  Little did I know what kind of 'tour' we were signed up for.

Since I did zero research into this 'snorkeling' tour, I was shocked when we were picked up and taken to a beach...no boat, no ride out to the ocean and, you guessed it, no rum punch.  Drunk Gretchen was a wee bit disappointed, Lainey was ecstatic she didn't have to put up with me again (though she secretly loves it).



To explain, we were apparently signed up for what is called a SeaBob.  By definition, a SeaBob is a 'luxury seatoy for over and under water fun'.  Sounds simple enough, right?  And I would agree unless you were totally thinking you were going to be given a mask and a snorkel and drop off like kids in a pool to swim around (and then drink rum punch).  Instead, we are taken to a beach and in front of us are these mini SeaDo looking things.

We are thinking this is going to be last image of us before they find our bodies on the bottom of the Sea

We were genuinely afraid.  The guide's instructions didn't really help nor did the fact that we had to wear shorty wet suits (the worst!).  Why did we need wet suits?  Snorkeling is done ON TOP of the water, wet suits are for going UNDER the water???  What the hell is going on here?  I need some rum punch if I am going to get through this.

The instructions increased our panic...we were told how to increase speed, how to go under water, how to come up, how to slow down, how deep we could go, etc.  Not knowing the speeds he was showing (15, 30 and 45) were in km and not mph, we thought he had to be insane if the slowest speed was 15 mph.  We really didn't understand and I wish we had a picture of our faces as the guy was explaining it, I know we had to look shell shocked.  I repeatedly whispered to Lainey, 'Where's the boat? I had no idea this is what we were doing...." already making excuses in case she drowned while we are in the middle of the ocean. 

We had no choice but to give it a go.  I have learned that once the initial panic sets in, if I give myself some time to digest what is happening and think it through I can usually calm down.  I also always give a once over to the other people on the tour with us, my self talk then goes to, "If she can do this, I can certainly do it..."  In this case, the other two people on the tour were from Lexington, KY (originally from Columbus!).  The lady hadn't been snorkeling or anything since she was 13.  I snorkel all the time.  She also was putting wax 'stoppers' in her ears and repeatedly told us the story of how she can't get water in her ears and how her husband dunked her when they first met and she had water stuck in her ears for 2 weeks.  Lainey's reply, "I would have dumped him.." (that's MY girl) as the dude was standing right there, still apologizing to his wife for dunking her 6 years ago.  Of course, she couldn't hear him, she had wax in her ears. 

So, after digesting it all and thinking it through (and sizing up the others), I felt pretty confident that Lainey and I would be okay.  We set out to practice maneuvering in the protected bay area.  We realized that not only was it easy, it was super fun.  I can honestly say the absolute most fun I have ever had in the water.  The SeaBob propels you on top of and under the water, as you hold your breath.  It can go as deep as 9 feet but has a depth meter on it and will automatically shut down at 9 feet, in order to protect your ears.  I made it as deep as about 7 feet, tried like crazy to equalize but could only get one ear cleared,  so I wouldn't (couldn't) go any deeper.  Lainey commented that she 'felt like a mermaid' and that is exactly right.  We ended up going out to a shipwreck that was about a half mile off shore.  Like dolphins, we would alternate under water, on top of water, racing and looking for sea life on the way out.  We saw several turtles and a lot of tropical fish.  The shipwreck itself was pretty cool too, it was huge.  Our guide took his SeaBob all the way in and through the shipwreck. It is amazing how long he could hold his breath and how he could equalize with such ease.  I know it gets better with experience so next time (and there will be a next time!), I will try again. 

By the end of the 90 minutes, we were tired.  It takes a certain amount of upper body strength to continually go into the water and holding your breath repeatedly also makes you tired.  The ride back to the shore was mostly on top of the water, just like a SeaDo we would use around here. 

Pirate Ship of Snorkelers (they had rum punch)

Me - wondering if the pirate ship will pick me up

Mermaid

Manatee

Dynamic Duo at it again

The guide loved this when Lainey hugged me.  Family and moms are really important to them

We loved this activity, it was both of our favorite and we are happy to be ending our stay on such a high note.  We not only survived, we thrived (ha ha).

 Off to the hotel for some pool time and then out for shopping and one last dinner.  We met our first native Aruban working at a jewelry store.  We were able to ask her some questions about the island culture and she was super nice (of course) and informative.  We mainly asked why Aruba is called "One Happy Island"  and everyone is so friendly and nice.  She she said that, culturally, they don't believe in bringing any of the negative aspects of their lives out in public.  Lainey, half joking, asked if they go home and 'yell at each other'?  She laughed and said they don't. She said they, of course, have bad days but it all passes and something good will then come along.  She has never been off the island but speaks five languages (English, Dutch, Papiamento, French and Spanish).  Her and Lainey figured out they are birthday twins and with a high five and a lot of smiles and laughs, we were on our way. 

We ended our night at a Carribean restaurant.  I finally got my rum punch..

Aruba - Day 4 - ATV/UTV There is a Difference

We woke up a little sore on our bums from the horseback riding but, me being me, there is no rest for the weary.  Today we had what we thought was an ATV tour planned but realized we were actually doing a UTV tour.  The difference being the ATV is what you think of, open seating, 4 wheel motorcycle with one rider behind the other (holding on for dear life).  A UTV is actually a mini jeep with a wide base and a steel frame and roof.  We rode it like a regular jeep, side by side with seatbelts.  No helmets required either which was good and bad.  Good because it is so hot but bad because you have never seen dust like the dust that is on these trails.

We were picked up again at the hotel. This time in a windowless school bus.  Immediately upon entering the bus we made friends with some Alabama fans and Tennessee fans...SEC is all over the place down here.  In spite of them trying to convince us that we 'ain't seen tailgating until we tailgate at an SEC game', and that the football players running down Clemson's hill isn't the best entrance in football, we liked them a lot.  Haven't met one person who is the least bit unfriendly or grumpy.  For the record, the UT guys agreed with us about the Clemson entrance - they went to college in South Carolina so they KNOW how awesome it is.  They were obviously afraid to go against the 'Bama fans since UT hadn't beat 'Bama in years, they figure they better just shut up on this one and support the Big Dog in the conference.  We know what they were thinking though.

Once we arrived at the tour's office, they allowed us time to visit their 'zoo'.  They gave us carrots and kibble to feed the various animals and hilarity ensued (if you have been following along with our blog you can only imagine the scene that unfolded).   There were nice deer, some mules and donkeys.  I even fed them from my mouth because I like to live on the edge like that.

YOLO 

The true terror came at the Emu/Ostrich.   First a little background.  Rylee had us all watch this video last year at the Grand Canyon.  It is both the funniest and scariest thing I have ever watched (okay maybe not the scariest but you get my point.  For the record, The Exorcist was the scariest thing I ever watched.  My older cousin Diane was babysitting us when it was on TV and that loser let me watch it, I think I was 8, I didn't sleep for 2 years.  And then my brothers made it all worse by making me believe Uncle Henry lived in my closet and under my bed....I am getting off topic).  Anyway, watch this video and then tell me you would be willing to feed one of these vicious monsters.
 One Eyed Emu Attack....

So now you have some context.  My fear doesn't stop me from trying to force Lainey to feed the Emus though.  She wasn't having it.  (sorry it is sideways...I am not good at the technical aspects of the blogging bit)

Peacock Equivalent of Flexing at the Gym

There were a lot of other animals, all seemed happy and well fed.  There was even grass which is unseen anyplace else due to the lack of rain fall (<15" per year).  I was so busy bullying Lainey into feeding the Emus that I didn't get to see many other animals.  I did catch this beautiful peacock.  He was trying to impress the ladies outside the bathroom.  It was pretty cool to see him strutting around, I told Lainey I hope someday she makes a boy spread his pretty feathers for her like that....I think her eyes got stuck in the back of her head for a minute from the overly excessive eye roll she gave me. I think the human ladies were much more impressed with him than the peacock ladies.  

We were finally ready to go get on the UTV's and head out.  Thankfully, they give out dust masks/bandannas to protect your eyes and mouth.  Lainey pretended she was on Survivor the entire trip..."Do I look like I am on Survivor?"  "YES, Lainey for the 50th time, you look like you are on Survivor..." (insert mom eye roll here)

Survivor Here She Comes 

The terrain was just like the horseback riding but we were going super fast for the conditions.  Lainey was driving because she drives like this on a regular basis so I figured she had the experience.  Plus, I wear contacts and I was very afraid the dust would cause me to not be able to see once it got into my eyes.  I was right and the first stop, I took my contacts out in favor of my glasses.  Every stop, the glasses were covered in dust and had to be cleaned off.  If I hadn't had my glasses, I would have had to keep my eyes closed as we drove, not a good idea! 

The first stop was Santa Ana Chapel.   I missed a lot of the history due to dealing with my contact difficulties but I did hear him say the chapel was only used for a few years.  He said a drought came and they blamed it on worshiping at the chapel and went back to worshiping pagan gods of fire, water and rain.  At that time they only got 7" of rain a year and it was their only source of fresh water.  The chapel was quaint.  

If you have read any of my previous travel blogs you will know that I light a candle whenever possible for my parents, my daughters and for my partner, Steph.  I was thrilled to see the candles lit up at the front of the chapel.  I lit one and said some prayers, so grateful for this wonderful, privileged life I lead.  I also asked for God's watchful eye over all of us, especially my Dad with Father's Day this Sunday and the tough winter he made it through health wise.   I prayed for strength for my mom in continuing the caretaking of my dad.  I also prayed for strength for me, because when I get home, I have a long summer ahead, crusading for something I believe is necessary and right, but is going to be so much emotional hard work.  I asked God to bless Stephie as she embarks on her new career of Retirement and, of course, to continue to guide my daughters as they reach more milestones in their lives.  It was a nice time for me to just 'be' and to remember who is important to me and why. 

We were off again for more dusty, death defying off roading (another good reason for my talk with God at the chapel).  We visited the same sites as yesterday with the horses but we got to get off and get in the water.  At the natural bridge, I got a cute picture of Lainey but then proceeded to get nailed by a wave, totally soaking me for the rest of the day (did I mention how dusty the ride is???  not a good combo with water. ugh.)  Lainey also got nailed and lost her flip flop (which she chased down) and her sunglasses (which she didn't).  The UT guys laughed their SEC asses off and the dad from a family of Boston couldn't breathe he was laughing so hard at us.  It's fine...I have a feeling lots of stories were told about us from the others on our tours.  :)

Cute Pic Under Natural Bridge
Pre Tsunami

A stop at the gold mine was next and since we had already seen it we went to the coastline instead and waited and waited and waited for the wave to hit juuusstt right so the spray would make for a cool picture.  Those of you with teenage girls know what I am talking about.  This resulted in ten minutes of bad pictures, a location change, lots of arguing and I am not even sure if we ever got a good picture.  Honestly, though, it was just stunning being that close to the power of the ocean.  I can't even begin to describe it. 

This was the best I got with the spray after 1000's of pictures 

(Note...if you are doing a tour like this, it is best to wear hiking sandals instead of flip flops. Aruba is all volcanic rock and it is sharp. I was thankful for the proper footwear and that I didn't wear my tennis shoes).

We were off to our last stop, Natural Pool.  This is very remote and the rental car companies will specifically say not to take the cars/jeeps here.  I was super excited to get to see it.  Lainey did a really great job driving and navigating. She was the only female driver in our entire group and kept up better than most.  The tour guide was awesome, super funny, informative and a take no prisoners attitude.  

Natural Pool is just what it says, it is a pool that has formed between rock formations in the ocean and is safe for wading and swimming.  Locals kept it a secret for many years but due to the growing popularity of Aruba, they just take the tours there now.  It took some doing to get down to it but was well worth it. 

Natural Pool is Way Down There

View From the Top of the Cliffs at Natural Pool 

Obligatory Selfie at Natural Pool 

Lainey swam in the pool, I chose not to.  At one point, I didn't see Lainey.  I got distracted from the people cliff jumping.  A huge wave came over the top of one of the barrier rocks and pushed about ten people under water and gasping for air.  Lainey was in that group. LOL.  She happened to be using her Go Pro at the time and caught it on video.  It's pretty cool and truly shows the power of the ocean and that was AFTER it hit 13 foot rock barrier and just came over it and through some cracks. She was no worse for the wear and I told her she can use the footage when she tries out for Survivor - she has the bandanna after all.  

Natural Pool was our last stop and we had about a 30 minute easy drive back to the tour's home base.  Once there, we boarded the bus, commiserated with everyone about the dust and dirt and sat quietly for the remainder of the ride to the hotel.  We were tired.  

Lainey headed for the pool, me for a shower and a nap.  After a restful afternoon we ventured out for a later than normal dinner.  It was delicious (as usual) and the waitress was so cute.  She was from Columbia and when we told her why we were on vacation she truly got misty eyed.  She told Lainey to be thankful for the time with her mother because she never sees her mom anymore. She said when she last saw her she stayed by her side every second, slept with her and did everything with her because she misses her so much.  I was sitting there, emotional, and I think it even got to Lainey.  We are so very lucky.  It reminded me of my mom and when she came to the US at age 17 and how much she must have missed her mom.  I think, no matter what, we always want to be with our moms.  At this point, Lainey's eyes are for sure permanently affixed in the back of her head...:)

After dinner we went to listen to some music.  I properly drank too much and embarrassed Lainey as any good mother should.  Secretly, she had a fun time too.   

I have already had 4 glasses of wine in this one.

The Waitress Made This for Lainey

These pictures are from the piano bar.  The waitress would be appalled that Lainey wouldn't hug me.  I wish she followed my blog because she could comment and say, "Lainey hug your mother!".

So, by the looks of it (and length of this blog), we should be heading home.  We weren't done yet though as we thought it would be a great idea to try out the casino.  I literally hate gambling but Drunk Gretchen is about the nicest, funniest (I think so), easily coerced person you will ever come into contact with.  So off we went...thankfully, it was super smokey so we didn't stay long.  Just long enough to lose money.  Lesson learned for young Lainey.  

Finally, it was time to go home.  Here's a little video to sum up the night.  Tomorrow is a beach day. Thank God...we were busy!