Merry Christmas!

Cinnamon rolls started our Christmas morning off as Jake has for the last 30 years (these also weren't quite like home, but they did the trick).

Then, we headed to the beach to enjoy our warm sunny Christmas!

Palm tree or shoe dryer?

For dinner, we grilled ham and potatoes.  

Next, we opened our "presents" or items we needed and purchased ahead of time...  A closet organizer, coconut oil, diffuser, shoes to wear on the tile inside the house, computer case, and bluetooth (since you can't talk on the phone while driving in Puerto Rico).  

We finished our evening with tarts we picked up from the local bakery!

Feliz Navidad!  The Christmas season is just beginning here.  :) 

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve we stopped at a local fruit stand to grab some bananas, and the bakery to pick up a Christmas treat!  Then, we spent most of our day at the beach.

First time using the drink holders

Keeping up with the Weinmann family Christmas Eve dinner tradition, we had spaghetti.  It wasn't as good as the family speciality, but we carried on the tradition.

A Pre-Christmas Miracle

A pre-Christmas miracle arrived on the 23rd!

Jake had been in contact with the USPS to see where our last missing box was since it got separated from the others.  They said we shouldn't expect to see it until after Christmas, as they were focusing on Priority Mail during the Christmas rush.

We rushed to the Post & Shop after a 4 hour brake job (a long story for another time).  Jake ran in just when the owner was closing up...   Low and behold, our last box made it to Puerto Rico, and was in pristine condition!

Close Iguana Encounter

We had a close encounter with an iguana in our complex this afternoon as we were walking back to our place.  The camouflage this guy had was amazing in the green grass!

He didn't blend in with the sidewalk nearly as well...

Guacamole, Unpacking & Smoothies

On Sunday, KC made toasted sandwiches, pineapple, and guacamole.  The pineapple, and guacamole from yesterday were put to good use.  It was the first time Jake ever had guacamole, and he says, "It's not bad."

Guacamole verdict: "It's not bad..."

We spent much of our day putting together our new "closet" and unpacking clothes.  It feels good to have more space in our place, and to empty some suitcases.  Another "closet structure" will be coming in about a week for KC's closet.

Completed project

Empty

Full

We also used the new blender for the first time, and had smoothies for our evening treat!

Eat Local & Christmas Prep

On Saturday morning we went to the a local produce stand, and bought a bunch of produce.  This stand is open almost every time we drive by, and was filled with locally grown fruits.

We also hit up two local bakeries and got a loaf of bread, and treats.  (We have to find the best place to get our Christmas treat from!)

We had another short power outage (only in our complex) and we spent a lot of time on the balcony.

We also prepared for Christmas- our 2 ft. tree was put up, and Jake strung lights on the balcony.

Screens & Sam's Club

Jake's first full day of vacation was Friday.  The screen guy came this morning (with a friend who spoke English) and installed our screens!  During this process, Jake opened the balcony door, and a tiny "lizard" (gecko) was in the house...  When he asked for a shoe KC knew something was in the house!  The screen guys said not to kill it.  He picked it up, and threw it over the railing.  KC hopes that's the last one that makes it way into our house, but is starting to realize that's a futile hope...

Back to the screens- all the windows now have screens!  We're looking forward to opening windows, and letting the breeze cool off our place.  The balcony (patio) door was a little harder to figure out.  So, the screen guy will be making the screen door and delivering it within a week (mas o menos).

After, we packed some water and headed out to Mayaguez.  We wanted to go to Home Depot and Sam's Club.  Home Depot was a quick trip to return the items Jake was going to use to make the window screens (since the professional made them).  We also picked up a few things including a teeny tiny Christmas tree, and even some Christmas lights!

Next, we ate lunch and had our Sam's Club cards made.  Jake signed up at work this past week, and we wanted to compare prices.  Groceries seem to be more expensive on the island, so we're trying to find our best options.  Then, the real shopping began.  It took a long time, and we walked out with a cartful.  Lines were long, but the savings were worth it!

While Jake unloaded the groceries, KC stopped in K Mart to get more hangers.  She thought it was going to be a fast in and out stop, but ended up behind someone who was buying tons of Christmas presents.

Note-able purchases today:  blender (to make smoothies), and hand mixer (to create natural body care products- KC is excited!)

After numerous trips from the car and up two flights of stairs, we were hot, sweaty, and a little crabby.  So, we spent some time in the pool to cool off.   Then, we made dinner and settled in for a movie night.