Traveling Tuesday-Progresso Newbies

Out of all 6 of us, none of us had ever been to Progresso before.  Therefore, we had no idea what to do.  None of the tours that we found online looked good, so we decided we were going to wing it.  We took the bus down the 4-mile pier that the boat was docked on, and we decided to walk around and see what we could find to do.  We ended up walking back to the bus station and taking a guy up on his offer to take us to an all inclusive beach for the day, and I would highly recommend this option.  

I failed at the picture taking this day, but I do have a few to share.  Moral of the story:  much food was eaten, yummy frozen drinks were consumed, massages were had, and we had lots of family fun relaxing on the beach all day. 

The bar & buffet area. 

My hubby & I.

I sure have a cute husband.

My mother-in-law, Dawn, and I.

Catching Up-Nac' Christmas

I have probably failed to mentioned at this point, that I am from a small town called Nacogdoches, Texas.  If you want to get technical, I actually lived in Central Heights, which is outside of Nacogdoches, and I technically did not move there until high school, so I am not actually FROM Texas.

My husband likes to point this out to me a lot.  See, my family lives on land, and my husband is from the city.  So when I let him know that I am more "countrier"than him, he always points out that I didn't live in the country until high school.

Needless to say, I now claim Texas, and I got here as fast as I could, and I win the fight because I at least lived on land for a little bit.  And you ask about him?  Never on land... Always in the CITY...

Anyways, back to the point of this story here... Christmas...2013... Nacogdoches

I absolutely love going to Nacogdoches.  It is a place we can always go to get away from the Houston hustle bustle, all of the traffic, and the best part is that we get to hang out with all of my family.  This is our typical Nac look.  Joseph=ALWAYS in camo.  Taylor=not always in camo, but usually no makeup and hair a mess. Ha!

I did a HORRIBLE job taking pictures in Nac, so sorry for the lack of pictures.  However, after midnight mass, we got a phone call from my Mimi saying "Last one to IHOP is a rotten egg".  Needless to say, my dad made a u-turn and off to IHOP we went at 1:30 am.  

Moral of the story:  We had TONS of fun in Nac.  We loved getting to see everybody, exchanging gifts, eating our weight in food, and laughing until we cried.  

The other great thing about Nac is that our nephew/godson is usually there.  See, he is not technically our nephew, but you see Jordyn is our only cousin on my mom's side, and she has always been our other sister.  And this her gorgeous baby, Houston Ross.  He is 8.5 months old, and he is a gorgeous baby and absolutely PERFECT.  Enough said! :)

& Just a little goofiness! 

Until next time!

Cozumel 101

Cozumel 101

So, Joseph and I had been to Cozumel on our honeymoon, but we didn't do any of the tours.  We spent the day strolling the ships, shopping for Mexican blankets and knick-knacks, and eating at off-the-beaten-path restaurants.  It was a great day, but we knew that we wanted to do something else when we went back to Cozumel with his family.  So when his brother Ben found a tequila tasting tour, I was a little hesitant, but we were up for the adventure!

We got off the boat and opted for the 10 minute walk instead of getting a taxi.  DON'T DO IT!  Get a taxi.  The one complaint that I have about this tour is that the walk is very long, and you should just get a taxi.  I can't even sugarcoat it and say that there is pretty views along the walk, because there is not.  Save your limited time in Cozumel and get a taxi.  End of rant now. 

We took a tour through Discover Mexico, and saw some pretty cool art.

Brother-in-law Ben.

Loved this- made completely from sand. 

Once we finished up the art tour, we headed for the tequila tasting, and let's just say I was pleasantly surprised.  When I sat down and saw this... 

And this....

 I was looking for the nearest exit.  Flashbacks from college and Northgate were coming back to me, and I was not about to take 3 shots of tequila.  No thank you.  However, when we sat down Chucho gave us a complete history and "class" per say on tequila.  We learned how to smell it different ways and to sip on it, and it was very much like tasting wine.  Although I do not plan on leisurely sipping tequila anytime soon, it was educational, fun, and something out-of-the-box, so it was right up our alley!!

Our amazing guide- Chucho

The tequilas that we tasted. 

At the end of the day, I had a wonderful day with my husband and in-laws, 

We got yummy margaritas, 

& we got delicious homemade tacos and sides.

 After lunch, we watched a crazy show with these guys climbing the pole below and then spinning themselves out.  I know that is not a good way of explaining it, but I don't know of a better way.  Just see pictures below! :)

After Discover Mexico, we headed over to Chankanaab National Park, and let's just say that the next time we go to Cozumel, this will be our stop for the entire day.  It was amazing, and I regret not taking more pictures of the beautiful beach.  They have a beach, dolphin swimming, snorkeling, water sports, water trampoline, and tons of restaurants on the water.  

Adios Amigos! 

Cruise Part 1 (NOLA Edition)

So to continue our wonderful Christmas vacay this year, we went on a cruise with Joseph's family after the holidays. 

We started out in New Orleans, LA, and we were lucky enough to hang out there a few days before heading out on the family cruise.  We stayed at the Crowne Plaza on Bourbon & Canal St.  (Highly recommend it=my go to place when visiting NOLA).  & soon after checking in the hotel we were off to visit Bourbon Street.

We went to a few bars, listened to some live music, and shared a few stories from my Bachelorette party in NOLA. 

The next day, we were up bright and early to pick up the brother-in-law and his GF at the airport, and then we did what any NOLA tourist would do.... We ate lots and watched street performers.

^^^People, this guy did not move.  He stayed in this position for like ever (or maybe just for the 2.5 minutes we watched him).  & it wasn't one of those gigs that you throw money in his jar and then he moves.  Trust me, we tried it.

& then we walked to watch the Dragon Master Showcase.  Can I just say that no matter how many times I watch them, I still want to go back and watch them some more.  But, not enough to pay $20 for a DVD- that would get old.

But for real, they are awesome.  They are like PROFESSIONAL street performers. You ask- well why are they professionals?

 Because they have the whole gig figured out.  They have the best spot.  They gather everyone onto steps where it would be super awkward if you wanted to leave in the middle of the show or if you got up when they pass around the donation jar.  They harass people walking by.  They make hilarious jokes. And they do awesome flips.  Let's just say that they are funny, they have it figured out, and from looking at all the people giving money, I bet they make much more money than we do.   But hey, it is worth it, and you bet that the Wiesner's will be back to see them and throw 5 bucks in the donation jar next time we are in NOLA. 

.

After strolling around NOLA for the day, a Pat O' Brians trip was definitely in store.  

NOLA was a WONDERFUL start to a WONDERFUL vacation.  Stay posted for updates on the cruise. :)

Taylor

Christmas The Wiesner Way

Even though we were not actually spending Christmas day at our house, we still pulled out the Christmas decorations and got in the spirit the whole month of December.

So, since this is our 1st Christmas together, we did not have a Christmas tree.  I found my dream Christmas tree, but I needed $400 and a ceiling that was 2 feet taller!  After much negotiating with Joe, I ended up giving in and buying a $39 pre-lit tree from Wal-Mart.  A few Hobby Lobby trips later, and I think I got it pretty decked out for only spending $55 total! :)

The nativity scene is a very special present that we received from Joe's grandparents, GranGran and Papa.  When her kids (Joe's mom & uncle) graduated from high school, she began doing ceramics.  She made four sets of this amazing nativity scene, and she gave us one at our wedding.  What a special gift.  I am hoping next year we will have a better table to appropriately display it on. 

We ordered our amazing, customized stockings for us and our pups at this adorable little ETSY shop.  Owning an ETSY shop myself, I always try to support other shops and this shop is adorable! I love the dog bones for the puppies! :)

The sign below is a gorgeous light up sign that we also received as a wedding present from the sweet Russell's.  What a great wedding present- we are able to use it every year for Christmas and always think of their adorable family.

I loved the time spent with Joseph and both of our families this year for Christmas.  It makes me feel blessed and thank God every day for the perfect, beautiful life that he has given me.  

Taylor