Karen's Nicaragua Adventure: HOME SWEET HOME

So my first trip back to the states was a quick but fun one. It all started with my staying in Managua with the nuns since my flight was really early the next day. They were all happy to see me and had me not only try on my bridesmaid dress but model it off with the flowers they cut from the garden in my hand just like the procession in church! The next day I got up at 3 to get to the airport on time. My flights all went smoothly and before ya know it I was back in Chicago. I was full of excitement coming down the escalator because I knew mom and dad were somewhere close by waiting for me. What I didnt expect to see was Mark, all grown up and tan! I looked right at him and then kept looking for my parents. Then I looked back and him and saw his goofy grin and realized I totally did not recognize him the first time. So then I ran down the escalator to give him a big hug. Next in line were mom and dad with a few tears! I expected to have major culture shock coming back after almost a year but it was surprisingly easy to slip back into English, paved roads, cars, traffic, and having everything accessible. After being home for no more than 20 minutes my relatives were already over. I got to see granny and all my aunts and uncles. It was a little overwhelming at first but it was great to see everyone. Somehow I got talked into going out with Aly Brandon and Chris to the old Dirty Martini. It felt like I never left…..we all just picked up right where we left off.

The next day was the big day at the fair. I got up early to do some shopping and then at one everyone started showing up. It was a hot day so most of the day was spent in the air conditioned buildings. We all stayed and danced to a country cover band (with my bottle of wine). Just wanna say thanks again to all my friends that traveled to come and see me…basically I have the bestest friends anyone could ask for!

Baked Potatoes...YUM!

Ramsey the love bandit always going in for the kiss! So good to see him!

WINE TASTING...that was so yummy I just had to buy a bottle for the night

Me and my gang!

Friday was the dress rehearsal which was nice, even though Becky laughed when they practiced their vows. Played a few drinking games in the basement with the bridal party and then I headed over to Chris’ new apartment to catch up with the Pius guys and St.Als gang. Aly and I kicked butt in beer pong and then had to leave at midnight cause we needed our beauty sleep for the wedding the next day!

St. Als group!

PIUS GUYS

Wedding day! We all met at the hotel at 930 and then headed to the salon to get our hair done. It was nice because the salon let us bring in a cooler to have mimosas. Then we rushed back to the hotel for makeup and to put our dresses on! I loved Beckys idea for everyone to have their own style dress with the same color. Luckily in Nicaragua I found the same color material and had my dress made for 20 bucks! It matched almost perfectly with the other dresses. Becky looked absolutely beautiful in her dress, it was so her! Then we had to race off to pictures because of course as the females were running late. We tried to do pictures as fast as we could because there were mosquitoes everywhere and we were all sweating profusely. We had the quick ceremony and then party time! The dinner was delicious, even though I ate too much, and the rest of the night flew by. Everyone had a blast dancing the night away and taking pictures in the photo booth.

Saying the I Do's

BRIDAL PARTY

PLEASE DONT STOP THE MUSIC

It was all fun and games…until the next day…when I felt hooooorible. Haha. My dads side of the family came over to visit, which was great even though I literally had to lay in the recliner the whole time. I could barely even eat my moms yummy food! I finally recuperated enough to go back to the fair with Victor who came to visit me from whitewater! We got to see the racing pigs, eat some Rueben rolls, and see a body building contest. May I reiterate that I have the bestest friends ever! Monday I ran around shopping, and had my moms delicious cooking and then sat on my patio with the girls until midnight chit chatting. Found out I get to do it all over again in June for Brittanys wedding! Great trip!

VICTOR!

So I didn’t mention that I left my house and dog under the care of two friends of mine, Manuel and Roberto. They were going to meet me at the bus stop at 3 to help me with my luggage but I got back at 215 and decided to make my way back on my own. I got back to my house and they had my whole house SPOTLESS. They swept, mopped, and organized everything, even under my bed! They made me a welcome back sign and had pizza and soda ready for me! They are great! My princesa was well taken care of and soooo happy to see me! One night at 3 in the morning I guess she was crying and Manuel thought she had to pee so took her outside. But really she wanted to see her boyfriend and she got out of her collar and took off so Manuel jumped the barbed wire in my backyard to chase her, ripped his shirt, Roberto ran out in front to chase her. I guess they were running through the neighborhood after her (she was in heat and I told them both that she better not get pregnant while I was gone which is why they were chasing her). All the neighbors woke up, and turned their lights on to see the commotion to make sure they were being robbed. When Manuel finally got her and grabbed her one of the dogs bit his leg!!! I couldn’t believe everything they went through to protect my puppies goodies. Which by the way she finally is out of heat and there aren’t dogs outside my house every hour of the day! I owe them both big time! Well Im already back in the swing of things and all my students were so happy to see me and to get their gobstopper candy gift from me…its good to be back, but only four more months and Ill be home again for Christmas!