Before I start the Iditarod let me go back to a momentous time in my life. Tara and Jason's wedding in the Dominican Republic Feb. 5, 2016.
22 people came to help celebrate and most of us stayed for a week. We had beautiful sunny warm weather and the hotel was great. We did have a little trouble finding out where to stay as they had many "levels" but we could never understand what that quite meant.
Tara and Jason had spent many hours with different projects that they displayed on the beach before the wedding and at the reception. For ex. a beautiful tribute to those who had passed and included wedding pictures of their parents.  Sutton and Sophie Lamb, ring bearer and flower girl lead the procession. Mom and Henry walked Tara down the "beach" to a beautiful arch where Jason waited. Henry spoke, eloquently, before the ceremony and Tara looked like a princess in her long fitted off white gown with a bejeweled belt and (bride beach shoes Tara had made herself). Bubbles were afloat after the ceremony with a champagne toast. A beach train took all of us to the reception--a Dominican flavor restaurant. When Tara and Jason arrived a band led them in. They were very upbeat andjoyous.
Mom gave a thank you to all and her gratitude for such a loving, warm, ambitious and fun daughter and to the joy of having Jason, a new family member ,who shows such great character, loving, kind, loyal, hard working and supportive.  We had a delicious meal with goat on the menu as well.
An interesting wedding cake that Henry said was the best he ever had (and he doesn't even eat cake!!)
After the reception with a few interludes from the "band"  getting Jason up to dance with Tara and bringing such a Dominican party flavor to the celebration. A white horse drawn carriage was waiting to take them back to the hotel. Magical.

During the week we all were able to enjoy the beach and beautiful Caribbean water, take some excursions and experience many tasty and different restaurants. Each evening there was entertainment that was different each nite and enjoyable. Tara and Henry arranged a private boat excursion for the wedding group. Lots of dancing, snorkeling and boat fun!! Another trip was to Monkeyland---Anne, Hanks sister and fun loving aunt, enjoyed when the monkeys jumped on her head and sat there (she had food in her hand!!) We were in the mountains. The different landscape was interesting and quite beautiful. Then we went to learn more about the  production of  Dominican coffee and chocolate (a tasting as well--such flavor!) Riding through the towns was colorful and unique with the tour guides interpretation of the areas.
Four of Jason's friends from North Dakota, wives and partners, were so very fun loving and participated in all that was offered. Tara and Jason went with them on an ATV trip ending in a cave where they jumped from great heights into the water--yikes-- after the ATV dusty ride they said it was so refreshing!! Tara and Jason also swam with the dolphins.
Tara had three of her best friends from college and one from growing up in Poughkeepsie there, Jodi, Annabelle, Charlotte and Molly with husbands and partners who were such fun and so helpful to Tara from taking pictures to helping her get ready, to the joy of all being together.
Sophie and Sutton Lamb, Jodi and Chad's children, were wonderful (as expressed by EVERYONE). They had fun, helped Tara so much and showed her so much love. Such a joy to have them there.
Elaine, Kevin and Shawn from Poughkeepsie, friends from White Plains from way back came to enjoy the sun (YES ELAINE!!) and all the festivities and help Anne have a wonderful time.
We all had a difficult time leaving but left with many wonderful memories that Tara and Jason shared with us.