Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008

We had a fun Easter a few weeks ago. Despite coming early this year, Easter was on a beautiful Spring day. The Easter Bunny didn't disappoint (the umbrella was a hit!).

Reminiscing Cancun (2/24/08-3/2/08)

Well we have been back from Cancun for a couple weeks now, and of course I'm barely getting this blogged (shocker!). I have yet to post our NYC... I'm guessing it will never happen. But the good news is that blogging on a Mac has become easier. Three Cheers for that, yo!!!

  

We're still adapting back into reality. Of course it's hard to get back into a routine, but it's also really hard to come back to 40 degree weather after a week of mid-80s. But thankfully, Spring is on the horizon! It won't be long until I feel like I'm back in Cancun... minus the beautiful aqua ocean, white sand beaches, mariachi bands, and time-share stalkers (Cancun does have that one imperfection-- but it wasn't that bad!) So here is a summary of our trip and a look at few of our 500+ pictures! If you want to see a bigger selection, click HERE (there were too many to post on the blog!)

Sunday: We arrived in Cancun, checked in at our hotel (the Hilton-- very nice!) and had an early dinner by the pool(s) and enjoyed a nice evening swim (pretty much had the whole pool to ourselves).  

Monday: We spent the day shopping in the city at the market and had ourselves what turned out to be one of the best and cheapest meals of the whole trip (if you go to Cancun- be prepared to fork out a lot of moola for food- holy smokes!). We cooled off at the beach and pool when we got back to the hotel. Just another day in paradise.... 

Tuesday: We hopped on a "luxury" tour-bus to Chichen Itza (one of the New 7 Wonders of the World) and stopped along the way at an old Mayan village and swam in an ancient cenote where once upon a time Mayan leaders bathed (something like that- it was hard to listen to all the tour-guide's details with a 2-year old vying for our attention). Speaking of our tour guide- he was wonderful! His name is "Manny" -- if you ever get the pleasure of going on one of these tours you can try to request him. :) We were fascinated with the ruins and to learn about those who built these amazing structures.   

Wednesday: This was kind of a "chill" day-- literally and figuratively. It was windy and overcast, and did rain for a brief moment. It was probably only 70 degrees (chilly for Cancun standards) so we just hung out at the hotel, and later took a bus closer to town where we hung out at a mall and had dinner. The most exciting part of the day was when Trav had a brawl with a hidden rock under the waves he was trying to play in. The rock won. Ouch!

Thursday: We decided to

live dangerously and venture off on our own. We rented a car and drove to Tulum. (The pic at the top is us at Tulum). These ruins were awesome as well- and in a location we would prefer to Chichen Itza's, (had we lived 1500 years ago and been in the market for a seaside-village home). Really- it was very beautiful and we saw a lot of lizards, which made Afton's day, and probably whole trip! Later we went to an "Eco Theme Park" called Xcaret. It was pretty cool, but really just a glorified zoo. I think if we had more time there it would have been a better experience (most exhibits and activities closed at 5:30- and we didn't get to the park until 1:00). But we did have a nice refreshing float down an underground river - and we saw some Jaguars that Afton is still talking about. So-- overall it was a great day!  

  

Friday: This was probably one of our favorite days. We took a ferry to a small island called Isla Mujeres. We played at the beach, and wandered the colorful streets. We ate at an awesome little restaurant right on the beach where Trav and Afton enjoyed their seafood and I had some pretty good chicken fajitas. I enjoyed the one-man band the most. He didn't stop smiling the whole time he sang. It was so cute!  

Saturday: Despite the last-day-of-vacation blues creeping in, we still had a great day. We debated on doing another "excursion" but ultimately decided it would be best to have another relaxing day enjoying the beach, pool, and the town. We went to a huge mall and spotted an aquarium that we ended up visiting. Afton touched a "shark" and saw turtles and that was all she could talk about the rest of the day. I love that she has no-fear and that she has such a love for animals. We finished our souvenir shopping and had a nice dinner prior to the dreaded packing.  

Sunday: We had to wake up early to finish packing and to 

get to the airport. But I snuck a couple more pictures of Afton on the beach in this cute dress my mom bought for her. It was a little windy- so she had the great "tousled hair" look goin' on... she worked it! :)  

We loved our trip and can't wait to go back some day. We hope next time we get to enjoy it with more people! (Hint-Hint). :)

 

Getting Prepped for Cancun!

We're so excited to be leaving for Cancun tomorrow! Last night we were getting some things packed and trying to figure out which life jacket we should take for Afton. She decided she should try out the smaller one on Mr. Bear. When we actually get to Mexico, I really hope she doesn't try to take him for a swim, too. :)

We're looking forward to seeing (and feeling) the sun. I better go finish getting packed. Adios, amigos!! 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Ahhh, the day of love! I am so blessed to have so many loves in my life: family, friends, and my sweetheart of 12 years (including the dating years)! And of course, one of my biggest, most treasured loves of my life is my sweet Afton. She is the best!

Happy Valentine's, everyone!

Figuring Stuff Out

Hey anyone reading this. I just figured out how to add links to other sites along the side of my Blog (I know- I'm a little slow). If I've added a link to your site and you'd prefer me to remove it- let me know. Or if you want me to add one- let me know!
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Me... I sure did! I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Not that I don't any other year... but sometimes certain circumstances make you see that more clearly.
The countdown is on... one month to Christmas!!!

Camera Phone Pics

Thank goodness for cameras on cell phones. There are so many times I catch Afton doing something funny and I all I have with me is my trusty cell phone. Granted, the quality isn't great- but that's OK. Thought I'd post a couple of those recent moments.

This first one is Afton trying to buckle Mr. Bear into the grocery cart seat. I thought it was so cute- she takes such good care of her pal!

This next one is of little A checking out a toy catalog on her drive to Grandma's house this morning. It is a half hour drive and she didn't put that thing down. When I was at a stop I snapped a quick picture cuz it was cracking me up. She is very fascinated by the Choo Choo Trains. Guess we'll have to see what Santa brings....

That's all for now!

(Still planning out my NYC post- I have over 600 pictures I have to choose from). :)

Happy Fall & Halloween!

It's time for a posting! I really want to post some pics from our New York trip, but they are all on my Mac and I still haven't figured out how to post easily from that crazy machine (sorry Mac-lovers, I'm not quite with you, yet). So for now, I will at least get some Halloween and other random pics posted.

First- here is Halloween.


We were lucky enough to find an alligator costume (at Walgreen's of all places). I thought I was going to have to learn to sew (gasp) to keep from disappointing little A. I've never known a 2-year old to be so insistent on a Halloween costume! Procrastinator-me waited too long to order the costume Afton "picked" out of a catalog 2 months ago. Of course, they ran out of her size. But to dispute my own self-ridiculing, how was I to know she wouldn't change her mind 50 times like most other kids?

Anyway...I called all over the place and had pretty much given up on the idea and then it happened! The Halloween gods smiled down upon me! I just happened to find an alligator costume on my way to pick up a prescription for a toothache. Hmmm.. maybe those Halloween gods have a sick sense of humor. They knew the only way I'd find the dang costume was to have some kind of an ailment- so why not a toothache? One that eventually required my first (hopefully last) root canal. Man... I guess the joke's on me. Oh well it was worth it! Even though it was just a Halloween costume - it made Afton very happy. So there you go- that's all the matters, right?

We went to "Trick-or-Treat Street" a few days before Halloween with Ali (and her sis) and the boys, Bec and the girls, and my mom. Afton had a blast and was not shy or timid at all. She'd get right up to the front of the pack and get her bag right under the distributor's hand. On Halloween night we had the fam over for a little party. We had lots of food, fun, and caramel apple fondue. Yum! Afton went trick-or-treating with her cousins, and was a little trooper. Trav said she wouldn't let him carry her bag or her, even though he could tell she was tired. She really relishes every moment!

OK- here are some extra pics that we've recently taken.

That's enough blogging for me for now. See you soon (hopefully with my NYC trip posting, and hopefully before Christmas). :)