Better than Christmas Morning – Arriving at Newport Coast Villas

Posted on February 13, 2014 by lesleycarter

Imagine getting in a vehicle, an airplane, falling asleep, and waking up in an entirely different place, a whole new world. That’s what it must feel like for Athena when we travel to new countries or cities. This morning, she woke up at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas, our home for the next six days. Although it might have been confusing for her, it was the best kind of confusion. The Marketing Manager left us welcome baskets and what was inside was better than Christmas morning.

We had our own, personalized baskets filled with unique goodies geared towards our favorite things. We both tore into the wrapping carelessly, excited about what was inside.

Sailboats with our names on them told us which basket belonged to whom. I received chocolates, wine, flowers, cookies, and a mermaid. My mermaid was bigger to represent the mommy. It was wrapped with such care that I almost felt badly about how haphazardly I tore it open. I was caught up in the moment.

If I open my basket carelessly, I don’t know what to call what Athena did. She saw the mermaid and screamed with excitement, “Mermaid, mermaid! Mommy! Mermaid!” I didn’t know that she was capable of getting bows untied and wrapping paper off of the basket but somehow she was into her goodies before I was. She rubbed the soft, pink elephant on her face and said, “awwwwwww. Love elephant.” It’s 2 hours later and she’s still entertained by everything that was in the basket.

We’re eating the animals crackers and drinking the apple juice before we head out for the day. This morning when Athena was sick with a cold and tired from traveling across the country, she still found complete joy and excitement. Those two baskets are worth their weight in gold. Even though we ran from the snow and cold in Charlotte yesterday, we woke up to Christmas this morning.

37 thoughts on “Better than Christmas Morning – Arriving at Newport Coast Villas”

Mike Pratt on February 13, 2014 at 7:16 am said:

Definitely a great way to show some customer appreciation. It’s a nice touch! Sounds like you had another fun adventure 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on February 13, 2014 at 8:03 am said:
  
  The new adventure at Newport Coast Villas, and California in general, has just begun. Stay tuned for a great week of activities and fun 🙂 Have you been to California?
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - Joseph Nebus on February 13, 2014 at 4:09 pm said:
    
    Oh, drat; I’d thought you might have meant the Newport in Rhode Island and as I’ve got relatives there I was looking forward to hearing what the area looked like from a quite different perspective. Maybe next holiday.
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
seaangel4444 on February 13, 2014 at 7:18 am said:

What a wonderful greeting! Great post as always! 🙂 Cher xo

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on February 13, 2014 at 11:19 am said:
  
  Thank you! I look forward to everything else that is in store for us this week. It will be awesome!
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - seaangel4444 on February 13, 2014 at 11:26 am said:
    
    I am sure it will be, too! 🙂
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
sueslaght on February 13, 2014 at 7:23 am said:

How fun is that?! Happy exploring and playing. 🙂

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on February 13, 2014 at 11:20 am said:
  
  They are amazing here. We took a shuttle to the beach this morning & the driver showed us all around the property. What a view! I’m glad to be back.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Let's CUT the Crap! on February 13, 2014 at 7:26 am said:

Talk about making you feel welcome!
Have lots and lots of fun. 😀

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on February 13, 2014 at 11:22 am said:
  
  It was like they knew us for years. I couldn’t have picked more fitting things for Athena and I’m her mother. 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - Let's CUT the Crap! on February 14, 2014 at 2:32 pm said:
    
    I loved your welcome baskets. Soooo amazing.
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
inspiretheworld2day on February 13, 2014 at 7:29 am said:

That is so awesome. It looks beautiful there and the baskets…priceless!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on February 13, 2014 at 11:23 am said:
  
  Yep! Best welcome ever! What was your favorite resort for going above and beyond?
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - inspiretheworld2day on February 13, 2014 at 2:33 pm said:
    
    I still love Waikaloa Village
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
voilalovely on February 13, 2014 at 8:34 am said:

Welcome to Orange County! I hope you enjoy your trip!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on February 13, 2014 at 11:24 am said:
  
  This is the beginning of our life here. We’re in the process of moving back 🙂 Do you live in OC?
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - voilalovely on February 14, 2014 at 8:27 am said:
    
    That’s great! Yes, I also live in Orange County. We were actually thinking of spending our Saturday morning at Beachcomber Café! Did you like it?
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
stitchinggrandma on February 13, 2014 at 8:43 am said:

Love the welcome baskets!! Still set on moving to California?? The weather is a definate plus, especially with all the fun you had yesterday with the snow!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on February 13, 2014 at 11:26 am said:
  
  This is the beginning of our life in California. Darren is driving across the country with our stuff and we’ll be staying 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - stitchinggrandma on February 13, 2014 at 3:11 pm said:
    
    Awesome. I was guessing. Hope the house sells soon!! Spring is just around the corner, and that is usually the best time for the sale.
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
irenedesign2011 on February 13, 2014 at 9:08 am said:

This was a wonderful way to welcome you and your family Lesley. I suppose, that Athenas vacation started perfect this way, even she had the cold.
Irene

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on February 13, 2014 at 11:27 am said:
  
  We picked up medication at the market here and we’re both feeling a little better. That morning wake-up was the best way to start the day.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
  - irenedesign2011 on February 13, 2014 at 11:29 am said:
    
    I really understand that 😀
    
    LikeLike
    
    Reply ↓
colin on February 13, 2014 at 9:23 am said:

This is a great story. Enjoy your stay in the warm weather.

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on February 13, 2014 at 11:28 am said:
  
  We just got out of Charlotte in time. It’s really snowing there now. Most flights were cancelled.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
queenofhearts58 on February 13, 2014 at 9:30 am said:

Thanks for liking my post. This sounds so lovely. You both had such a good time with the welcome baskets. I’m sure the rest of this trip will be filled with more surprises. Enjoy your voyage. Much love and light to you and have a blessed day

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on February 13, 2014 at 11:29 am said:
  
  We went to the beach this morning and now we’re off for a boat tour. There is so much to do here and it’s the perfect weather to do it in. 🙂
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
donnajeanmcdunn on February 13, 2014 at 11:23 am said:

Wow, what a great time. Love the welcome baskets!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
- lesleycarter on February 13, 2014 at 11:29 am said:
  
  Thanks! It makes me even more excited for what’s to come 🙂 Have a great day.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply ↓
Katie Hale on February 13, 2014 at 12:19 pm said:

That sounds like such a wonderful surprise when you arrive in a new place! I would probably have torn the wrappings off too.

http://www.secondhandhedgehog.com

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Dylan on February 13, 2014 at 12:59 pm said:

Now THAT’S a warm welcome! Looks like a great place to stay!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
dwdirwin on February 13, 2014 at 1:15 pm said:

Wow- nice place- very impressive. We only make it to Disneyland when we visit in OC 🙂 Is that where you are moving to?

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Lisa on February 13, 2014 at 1:33 pm said:

Wow how awesome that all is!!! Sorry to hear Arhena has a cold! Have loads of fun!! Hugz Lisa and Bear

LikeLike

Reply ↓
colonialist on February 13, 2014 at 1:47 pm said:

Great way to counteract not feeling too good. Hope that didn’t stop you from hitting the beach!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
Jill Archer on February 14, 2014 at 6:40 am said:

Happy Valentine’s Day, Lesley! Enjoy your vacation!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
mswanderlust1963 on February 16, 2014 at 4:57 pm said:

I love the Newport coast villas. We have stayed there 3 times, the last being just last September. All 3 times having a phenomenal view. (We are Marriott owners- and love it). The service is always outstanding. We have been fortunate enough to use our weeks all over the world. Certainly pleased to hear your experience was wonderful!

LikeLike

Reply ↓
cherylfoston on March 9, 2014 at 2:14 pm said:

I am sure she will appreciate all that travel as she gets older and realize what a blessed childhood and wonderful family she has. I think it is all so wonderful!

LikeLike

Reply ↓