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Upon arrival on the property we were greeted and treated like royalty from the valet to the bellmen to front desk check-in experience. We were in awe . . . the resort was brand new and had only been open less then two weeks at the time of our arrival. The interior design of the two-level lobby and color coordination was exquisite. There were so many activities to enjoy right on the property without ever leaving. There are five restaurants, lounge, outdoor cabanas, activities centers, an indoor movie theater, swimming pools, jacuzzis and much more.
Once we were escorted up to our luxury adjoining rooms, the view from our window was simply beautiful of the landscape and lagoon-style pool. We freshened up and decided to dine on seafood. We each were assigned to bring pictures we had from our childhood to dinner so we could share them. And wow were there some memories that could be considered a "Blast from the Past!" After dinner we enjoyed a fun night of exchanging gifts, laughing and catching up on old times with a pajama party. Sunday morning we had a delightful breakfast and planned for a morning of worship at a local Christian congregation near by in Kissimmee. After worshiping as a family, we had lunch and enjoyed the nearby outlet.
"What better way to celebrate the success of my health and the gift of life than with the five closest people who've known me my entire life -- my mother and my four sisters."
Thank you again Women On Their Way By Wyndham Worldwide for making it possible for my family to create memories that will last a lifetime!
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After exploring Quito and availing ourselves of expertly made handicrafts in the town of Otavalo, we headed to Manta, the fishing capital of Ecuador. Although there are many reasons one might choose to visit Manta--the beaches, the seafood, or to hop aboard one of the cruise ships that have made Manta their stop--we were there for the kiteboarding. For those not familiar with the sport, kiteboarding is similar to surfing, but with a very large, inflatable kite. Your feet are attached to a board and you hold on to the kite as it harnesses the power of the wind to move you along the water. As you might imagine, you need a steady amount of powerful wind to accomplish this, and for that, Manta and the nearby kiting beach of Santa Marianita are the perfect spots. While in Manta, we stayed at another Howard Johnson's located right at the foot of Murcielago beach, making it an easy walk along the beach to several sites where we could launch our kite. After a day in the wind, water, and sand, we were also close enough to the boardwalk to shower off before enjoying a steaming hot bowl of shrimp soup at one of the many beach-front restaurants.
Tip: For a fresh and delicious seafood dinner, make sure to visit 
That was six years ago, and since then I try to work a volunteer experience into every trip I take. I've taught English in Peru, worked with street children in India, and cared for disabled orphans in Vietnam. And this year I worked at a school for the disabled in Quito, Ecuador. The school, which is called El Fundacion de Ayudamos a Vivir (literally translated, it means the "Help them to Live" foundation), has about thirty students whose families bus them there each day to receive specialized care that includes schooling as well as cognitive and physical therapy. The students range in ages from 7 to 24 years and suffer from a variety of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Down's syndrome, and mental retardation. Some students are highly functional physically, but not mentally--such as Francisco and Sebastian, twin boys that look like any average teenagers, but who exist in their own world. Other students are highly functional mentally, but not physically--such as Vanessa, who suffers from muscular dystrophy and cannot control her body, but who understands every word you say to her.
Using our Wyndham Reward to reserve our hotel online is easy as 1, 2, 3. Travel on Southwest Airlines is affordable when we booked in advance. We enjoyed our stay at the Wingate by Wyndham. The hotel is in a great location, the staff are warm and friendly and Fun in the Sun by the poolside added to the many amenities. Each morning the kids were able to make homemade waffles in the shape of the state of Texas. 
Downtown Aquarium - We had the opportunity to see the beautiful rare White Tigers of the Maharaja's Temple, travel via train into an acrylic tunnel with live sharks swimming overhead, play games to win for big prizes and much more. 
Space Center Houston - #1 Attraction for Family Fun! It's wonderful to read about history and science then travel to see it. The NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Tour gave us a beyond the scenes journey. We visited and learned amazing facts about the Historic Apollo Mission Control Center. Afterwards lunch in the cafe was great! We had many choices to choose from. We ended our day watching a space film, tasting actual astronaut food and the kids getting their exercise on by playing indoor baseball, football and soccer at the Kids Space Place.
Our last trip of 2011 was to travel to Panama City Beach Florida the first week of November 2011. We stayed at the Wyndham Vacation Resorts Panama City Beach. This area is known for its Emerald Waters and White Sands. We stayed in one of the Presidential Reserve 2 Bedroom Units on the 20th floor. What a view from up there!
The temperature got up to 75-80 during the day but was a little cool in the evenings- needed a sweater in my opinion but it sure beat the Ohio weather we were having back home.
We spent a wonderful full week there just soaking up the sun and enjoying each other and the many amenities that the resort had to offer.
Here we are again- Part 3. We are now in Moab, Utah. A wonderful place to sight see in Arches National Monument and to 4-wheel. We have rented another jeep and are starting our 4-wheeling adventure. The first picture is at Gemini Bridges. The other one, below, is on our 4-wheeling adventure. That little line (road) in the picture is where we will end up after going down a mountain side!
The temperature got up to 104 degrees, but in the shade it was 10 degrees cooler and felt wonderful! This dry heat is so much nicer than the humidity we have back home at 80 degrees.
Leaving Steamboat Springs, we traveled through Rocky Mountain National Park. It was getting late enough in the fall that we were not sure we would get to drive through the park, but the weather cooperated and we were able to see a lot of deer and elk.
Sometimes Iyou just need to get away. After a back injury ruined some summer plans, I decided to stay close after I had surgery to correct the problem. I am fortunate to not only live close to many beautiful nature scapes, but also to some very significant historical sites.
The Friday evening I arrived was festive in downtown Gettysburg thanks to 
On Sunday morning, after checking out, I dined at the 
Welcome back to Part 2. We stayed 3 days at the Wyndham Durango. Durango is known for the Narrow Gage Railroad that travels from Durango to Silverton carrying passengers back in time to a small gold mining town of yesteryear. We did not take the trip this year but have many times in the past.]]>
Every time we get to Durango we have to take in the Durango Melodrama and Vaudeville act at the Henry Strater Theatre. It is well worth the evening. 
Four wheeling was such a blast of fun! We rented a jeep this year as we no longer have our own 4-wheeling vehicle. This year the mountains were still very green and the flowers were still blooming. It is hard to describe the grandeur and magnificent views up in the mountains. Pictures cannot do justice to actually seeing it for yourselves. If you ever get the chance to see the mountains- go do it. That's my car mirror in the corner of the picture.
It had rained early in the morning and parts of the road were wet. No guard rails up here! But the scenery is well worth the trip. What a view!
Rachel
Traveling along the Santa Fe Trail, we came upon Bent's Old Fort and made time to take a tour. The adobe fort has been completely reconstructed and costume-clad guides lead you on very interesting tours. One of the commander's quarters was once occupied by frontiersman Kit Carson.
We celebrated my birthday in Taos, NM. We visited the Taos Pueblo - interesting place. I had to pay to take pictures inside the pueblo but it was worth it. There are about 150 Native Americans currently living at the pueblos, but most of them have other homes in Taos where they shower and do their laundry. They use the pueblo mainly for festivals and some have shops where they sell items they make.
When you are touring by car, you see so many more things than by flying. While driving from Taos, NM to Pagosa Springs, CO, we came upon some very interesting houses; ones that I would call weird. We found out they are made from junk, (old tires, glass bottles, aluminum cans) just about anything. They were called "earthships". This concept is the brainchild of Michael Reynolds. There is a whole community of strange-looking houses near Taos, NM. 
We made it to Wyndham Pagosa in Pagosa Springs, CO and were checked in quickly. We spent 3 days at Pagosa Springs, hiking to places like Wolf Creek Pass to Treasure Falls and also took the Plumtaw-Piedra Loop driving tour, a 35 mile loop up in the mountains and back.
Here are my twin grandchildren enjoying one of the pools with their dad.
Join my husband and me next month 4-wheeling in the mountains of Colorado and Utah.
We just returned from a much needed spring break. The winter months in Chicago had worn us down - it evened snowed the day we left (in late April!) - and we were all in dire need of sunshine. A quick flight to Miami followed by an even quicker flight to the big island of the Bahamas was all it took to get us out of our winter rut. Our resort of choice, the Wyndham Viva Fortuna Beach was just right: the beautiful ocean view, the spotless, white sand beach, and the crystal clear, warm Bahamian waters were all we needed to enjoy some uninterrupted family together time.
Part of the reason for my trip to Israel was to attend the Bat Mitzvah of a lovely young lady named Tiferet. While most people have heard of a Bar Mitzvah, which is held when a Jewish boy turns thirteen, not everyone is familiar with its female equivalent. The two celebrations are similar in that they both commemorate a Jewish youth's 'coming of age' that signifies that the boy or girl is old enough to accept the commandments and abide by Jewish law. However, in the Orthodox community, a Bat Mitzvah is often celebrated when a girl turns the age of twelve and does not include the traditional reading of the Torah.]]>
In terms of the event itself, a Bat Mitzvah celebration is like a birthday and wedding reception rolled into one. As we entered the reception room of the family's synagogue, Tiferet--who looked radiant in a dress of turquoise lace--posed for professional photographs with her family. Meanwhile, the caterers busily arranged a large spread of food upon the tables. As the guests began filtering in, they signed a guest book and began to mingle, eventually seating themselves to enjoy the delicious kosher meal to a backdrop of traditional Israeli music. After the feasting, the guests were treated to a selection of both modern and classical piano music played by the Bat Mitzvah girl herself, who had practiced for months for this occasion. Soon thereafter, the dancing began.
After all of the festivities, the entire family retired to their home to relax and watch as Tiferet opened her gifts. You might be wondering what's appropriate to give at a Bat Mitzvah (I know I did!). As it happens, the type of gift you give depends on the recipient's individual tastes and isn't unlike what you might choose for a special birthday. For myself, I gave a gift of a silver charm necklace, which turned out to be one of many pieces of jewelry that the girl-of-the-hour received (so I think it's safe to say that jewelry is a safe bet). Other great ideas include books, journals, religious items, and money. Several web sites suggest that when gifting money, make it in increments of 18 because this is the numerical equivalent to the Hebrew word for "life."