Tulum, Mexcio

Dave and I took a couples trip to Tulum, Mexico with the Chandlers and Lecomtes. It was a blast.
Here are some of the highlights of our trip:

Our last day - group shot.

Our tour guide took us to swim in a cenote (underground, fresh water cave) that was totally amazing. We descended a steep, 40 stepped circular stairway into the cavern. It was kind of creepy! The water was crystal clear and this amazing blue-green color (from the unique minerals in the water). The boys brought their snorkeling gear and were able to see two human skeletons the guide pointed out. I guess before there was a man-made entrance, the only opening was a small, 4 foot hole a couple hundred feet from the water. If you were unlucky enough to fall in, there was no getting out.

Our guide took us to his Mayan mother-in-law for an authentic meal. It was incredible to see how a different culture lives even in our modern world. The meal was prepared in a Mayan cooking hut over a wood stove. There was a chicken/turkey coop in the back and fruit trees all around.

We were able to go to several villages and hand out candy to the children. Most of the kids don't go to school here and have very little in terms of food and clothing. Had we known, we would have brought supplies to hand out with the candy. If we go again in the future, I'm sure several bags will be filled with soap, clothing, school supplies and other hygiene items they are in need of.

Iguanas are everywhere at the Tulum ruins.
You've got to be careful because they can BITE!

Stef and I at a Mayan open air market. We got a bunch of different fruit to try and some ingredients to make fresh guacamole. So good!!!!!

Tulum ruins in the background.

Stacy, Stef and I on the deck of the house we rented in the Sian Ka'an bio-reserve near Tulum, Mexico. The house we totally "off-grid" with a windmill and solar panels for power and water collected into cisterns. Behind us is the Caribbean Ocean and on the opposite side is a fresh-water lake with crocodiles and many cool birds. We had a great time laying out and soaking in the much loved sunshine and swimming in the pool at the house.

April: Spring Break 2010

It took all morning to get the family ready to head out for our first activity of SPRING BREAK 2010. We got to the gas station for a fill up (and mom's mandatory soda) and the battery died on the van. We got jumped and were off again, first through the drive-thru of JCW's for hamburgers and then to a service station. Another hour and a new battery later, we finally were heading off.

Because it was SNOWing on the first day of spring break, we thought it would be great to go to the Living Planet Aquarium. Unfortunately, so did the rest of the state! It was very crowded, but because it was our first time there the kids loved it! They have a new penguin exhibit, sharks, tons of cool fish and reptiles and even sting rays to touch. We'll have to do that again sometime when its not a holiday.

April: Spring Break 2010

HOGLE ZOO, here we come. The Cottrells, Lecomtes and Monsons bombarded the zoo with our little wild things. It was pretty chilly outside - even snow on the ground, but that made for more active animals. We saw the new baby elephant, some crazy monkeys and cool large cats.

David was able to come with us as well, although he was the photographer
- so sorry, no pictures of him!

April: Spring Break 2010

We were planning on going to sunny, hot Las Vegas for spring break (I NEED the sunshine. It's too dang cold in Utah) but a cold storm arrived there - needless to say, we didn't go. To make it up to the kids, we planned a fun activity each day to do as a family.

We met my parents at Pizza Factory for lunch, went to the MTC to visit them and then to BYU to bowl and eat yummy ice cream.

Because I lack great bowling skills, I tried to make it up with a pink ball.
Don't I look good?

My parents had been planning since the fall to serve a LDS mission in Madrid, Spain but had numerous visa delays. Their departure date finally was set for April 12th after 6 long months of waiting. We were so excited to have them live with us for three weeks while they trained at the MTC. Over spring break, David and I took the kids to visit them at the MTC. It was a great experience and I know the kids are even more excited themselves to serve missions in the future.

David and I talk about how we are going to Spain next year to visit my parents. Josh and Sarah always correct me that THEY are going to Spain as well. We are hoping to be able to take the older kids. I guess we will just have to wait and see . . .

Dan, Ray, Jake, Elder Poppy, Josh, Sarah & her friend Shannon
on the couch in the lobby of the MTC.

Me and my mom.

Mustache

At our biannual teeth cleaning at the dentist, the boys got stick-
on mustaches from the "prize bin". It was too funny not to share!

Best Buddies

It makes a mom feel good when her kids are friends and like to play together. For the most part, Rachel and Dan have a great time together. They jump, ride their bikes, draw and pretty much get along -- as long as Rachel is the boss!

March 2010: Karate Kid

Josh is moving right along with his karate advancements.
Here he is testing for his blue belt. Only three more belts until his black belt . . .

March 14 -Josh turns 10

Don't do it!!!!!

Stefanie dared Josh to stick his head in the cake - I wasn't took keen on the idea since I actually wanted to eat the cake without Josh's cooties all over it. Josh though he was pretty funny.

We had the Chandlers and the Lecomtes over for a traditional Thanksgiving feast for his birthday. Thanksgiving in March? Well, I had a frozen turkey leftover from the holidays and figured, why not?

Maui in February

While our parents waited for 6 months for their missionary visas for Spain, my sister Julie and I went with our mom to Maui. It was just what I needed to stay off the winter-time blues.

Julie is not known for her aquatic abilities but was determined to make a go at snorkeling at least once while we were there. After much hyperventilating and therapy, she was successful. This photo of wet hair is proof that she did it! (It was the only time she got her hair wet swimming the entire trip. :)

We had many great adventures while we were there. We did a small hike on the north side of the island to a couple waterfalls and ate lunch at Mama's Fish House - YUMMY! We found great treasures at the craft fair, shopped a ton downtown Lahaina and lounged at the pool and on the beach. It was great to spend quality time with my sister and my mom. I love you guys!!!

Sledding@Thanksgiving Point

Yeah - even old ladies can have some fun !

The Granatas invited us to their private sledding party at Thanksgiving Point. The boys had gotten snowboards for Christmas and were anxious to try them out. We all had a great time in the snow.