Second, longer Palau Slideshow

Palau Slideshow

Palau Pictures- just a few

There are so many to choose from and with the incredible scenery, every picture is gorgeous. Here we are swimming at the Milky Way after kayaking all day. We had another adventure there after we got on the Discovery. I'll post that video later. When I can find it.

We stayed at the Palau Pacific Resort for two nights before we got on the boat. I was curious to see how it was after reading lots of mixed reviews. We loved it! Its the only hotel with a sand beach and after breakfast we'd always go for a snorkel. It was nice just snorkeling off the beach. There were also trails to hike. This one ended at nice lookout. The food was also very good. Huge breakfast buffets with tons of choices. More about that later.

We snorkeled around an underwater Japanese Zero. It wasn't very deep. There was one funny little black fish who was very protective of the plane, hanging out inside the cockpit. Whenever you swam close he would dart out at your face. Not that he could do anything to you, but it was startling. And fun to tease him.

WE played lots of poker and dirty clubs. I didn't usually make it too long in Texas Hold'Em but it was fun to play. And I only lost dirty clubs once.

Sailing on to next incredible spot and watching the flying fish.

Shane the great hunter. He said the fish could tell he was not just sight seeing and kept their distance.

My forfeit for dirty clubs was to take the stand up- which I had never tried- and paddle it around the boat. As it was getting dark. Ian was coming in second to losing and offered to swim underneath to stabilize it. I was all prepared to go swimming but we made it around with only Ian getting wet.

Shane and Martin hike for a long. long, time and finally found the cave with ancient writings. I was glad I had not joined them for the journey but they had a good adventure and came back looking like Indian Jones.

We had some time before our flight left so four of us went out to dinner where we ran into the chef, Sole. We all had a good time playing Foosbal, and Charles and Ian taught us some dart games.

After disembarking, we all went out to the Taj for lunch. Its a very tasty Indian restaurant. We had lunch there our first day in Palau, and after playing darts and dinner at the other restaurant, ended at the Taj again for drinks and live music. It was fun sitting at the bar listening to well done renditions of Love Me Tender and My Brown Eyed Girl savoring every last minute of being in Palau until we figure out how to get back.

We're Home!

So much to catch up on. We haven't even looked at all the pictures and videos yet. It was an incredible trip and definitely gave me an appetite for more travel. Here is a little video Shane put together. Definitely Epic. Oh, and the kids had a great time too. In fact they wondering if we could leave again. It definitely made it more enjoyable knowing they were happy and having a good time- thanks to Grandma and Grandpa and Tirzah and Aaron. And being able to keep in touch with email was very comforting.

There will be more stories and pictures and lots of pining for Palau in the coming weeks, but now there is lots to do here. Just a couple weeks of school and we're finished. At least with the book learning part.

http://laketorture.com/PalauMovie_Draft1.wmv

Dress Up

So I've decided to hire a personal shopper. Well, actually she hired herself. And I'd have to say I am really pleased. And actually, she's my mother in law. The pictures are not the greatest but they'll have to do for now. My allergies were disruptive enough this morning as to persuade me to take a Bendryl, so I'm feeling a little sleepy and slow this morning. Usually it only last the first hour and if I make it through that I'm fine. So far so good.
Here is a little sarong-wrap thingy she found for me. Nice because size it not so crucial. I actually picked out the bathing suit myself, with Shane seconding it. Its great because there is nothing fussy, no wandering straps that wont say up, no uncomfortable wires of boning to poke you. I wanted something I could wear all day and not worry about anything. And this is it. Notice the imperfection-camouflaging pattern of the fabric. And the fabric is really thick and supportive. And I won't model it until I've been doing the ab workout for at least one month.

I was really surprised with this dress. Trudy found it at the thrift store for $3.99. It's hard to find fitted things for me when I am shopping, but not even trying it on first and having it fit is amazing. But this one couldn't fit better if I had made it myself. And actually , might have fit worse.

This ones a little blurry, but you can see the style better.

And she also sent me some links to sundresses she found online. Yes, she makes cakes, flower arrangements, fabulous food and does personal shopping. And yes, I know how fortunate of a daughter-in-law I am.

Which reminds me, a little heads up, but she is in the process of putting together a website where she will share all her party ideas, decorating, wedding planning, cake decorating, cooking, etc. It will be a wealth of information and of course with fabulous pictures and delicious recipes and beautiful presentations. I'm super excited and will keep you updated on its progress. Also, I had Courtney's old link, but I've fixed it and now have her new one, so if you want some Seattle style and fashion tips and ideas, take a look at her site.

I'm thinking it might be time for coffee #2. Only another 30 min to go until I should be out of the sleepy zone.