Back "home"...for now.

Well, we made it back to Panama on a 6 AM Delta flight out of Midway via a quick stop in Atlanta. We normally prefer the nonstop flights we have found out of O'hare on Copa airlines; but this time we booked a one-way flight back to Panama as we will be moving to our next destination without a stop in the U.S. Those plans are fluid at the moment and no update is possible as this post is being written--hang in there, like I have to, as Sha has been changing her mind recently. It was good to get back "home" from our crazy short week; but we had a wonderful time! Even after a week at home, I'm still not back to "normal."
My goddaughter Melanie and her husband Josh threw another spectacular dinner bash for us and the nephews Ian, Kyle and Michael. The wine and tacos were plentiful and awesome; as was hearing about the new things going on in their lives. We talked and laughed all night! Had such a good time we forgot to take pics until it was time to leave!

John and Angie were wonderful hosts that allowed us to catch up with them during our in and out dashes to wedding events as we arrived by them early Friday afternoon. We even got to take a ride during the afternoon on their pontoon boat around Lake Delavan before heading to the rehearsal dinner at Geneva National. 

Saturday after a late breakfast, John, Sha and me went to the Inn Between (a pub on the lake) to have a soda and relax before prepping for the wedding. Not long after we arrived, we were surprised to see Patti (one of Sha's older sisters) and Lisa (Patti's daughter) waltz into the bar! That was really cool as we have not seen Patti in many years, plus it was her birthday, making it all that more special. Cool to see the sisters catching up!

​L-R: Patti, Kev, Lisa, John, Sha

The wedding at Geneva National was spectacular! Our long-time friends Bob and Cindy's daughter had a great day for an outdoor wedding with Lake Como in the background as they said their vows. It even clouded over a bit for the ceremony so yours truly didn't sweat through his suit jacket. The vows were unique, the dinner was elegant and the live band had the dance floor packed all night long! This group was fantastic! What a fun wedding.

A quick Sunday breakfast and goodbyes with John and Angie had us hitting the road to Wind Lake (about 40 miles from Delavan) to spend the afternoon with Randi, Ed and their son Marty. We enjoyed afternoon conversations and an early dinner with our wonderful Georgian friends before making our way to the comfortable Elmwood Park AirBnB and our hosts Bob and Nancy.
We had accomplished all of our goals to date at the time of rising on Monday morning; except one. Prescriptions were refilled, toiletry  supplies in hand, a couple of new shirts for BB; but Sha's swimsuit replacement list was not completed. So off she went after breakfast to complete the task. I got a call early afternoon that things were not going well and I was happy to hear that she had called Nancy first for additional options for shopping--because that would have been a no-win situation for me. I wished her good luck and back at it she was. Later that afternoon I was thrilled with the fashion show and more pleased that Sha had found some luck and some great suits for our pool! Check that off the list!
A BBQ at home with Bob and Nancy, and oldest son Brian's family, on Monday night concluded "shopping day." Next, a Tuesday late morning doctor visit and lunch with Tracey and Peg kicked off our final day with dining out at Maria's restaurant on Tuesday night with Bob and Nancy, wrapping up a fast-paced visit to the States. 
​Upon returning home and unpacking...we needed to rest!

Before traveling back to the States for the wedding, we had been in contact with Samantha our niece who lives in North Carolina about their family's visit to Panama. Sam, her husband Adam and their three sons; twins Jack and Parker and Asher told us about their plans to travel around Panama and their itinerary of dates and where they'd be. We were lucky enough to be able to plan a day in Panama City the day before they left for home to get together with them for a morning and afternoon. Their boys are marvelous young men and I enjoyed conversing and spending time with them. We played Shanghai, had some lunch and went swimming as we heard about their adventures fishing, scuba/snorkeling, hiking and the cool tours they did, especially the food tours. They even were lucky enough to see a whale and its new born baby while on a fishing trip! This was a unique opportunity for all of us and we enjoyed it to the fullest!

Crossing the Bridge of Americas as you enter Panama City. The Port of Panama is in the background. Not sure, but I might have been singing!?

A typical street in Casco Viejo where Sam and family stayed.

Casco Viejo street vendor.

The Foodmans and the Seibels. L-R: Parker, Kev, Sam, Asher, Adam, Jack and Sha.

A quick group photo during Shanghai by the pool!

Asher playing it cool while uncle concentrates during Shanghai play.

Well, we are trying to get back to normal, but I seem to be having a tough time for some reason; although the hammock and the pool are making it a stress-free problem. The middle of next week we will be welcoming another visitor, this time it will be one Sha's co-workers, Mindy, from her days at Sun Microsystems. That will add one American to our group when we celebrate the fourth of July.

You are now officially caught up on the adventures of BB and NGG. We appreciate that you read our blog and hope that your blog-worthy adventure has you smiling more than not. 

Caio mi amigos!

​Pura Vida!