Just Wednesday

After a very fun filled and busy weekend, we are finally back into our routine. The boys were both back at school today and Sara and I had a nice relaxing morning. We made a quick stop to Target (don't all relaxing mornings start there?), then went home to play. Sara really wanted to "paint with orange" so that was our first activity. We then went on to legos and dolls before picking Sean up from school. Somewhere in the middle we also had a bit of camera play. We were taking pictures of each other...it was hilarious!

With all that fun, we also have some big news...Sara is using the potty! I had planned on going forward with it once the boys were out of school, which is still a few weeks away. With all the drop offs and pick ups I didn't want to make it too much! Then this morning while we were playing I decided to take her diaper off and see what happened. She stayed dry! Then to top it off a few hours later she peed twice and pooped on the potty! Hooray Sara!!!

Look at this great picture. This is what I found this afternoon...he loves to read!

Swing of things

Iain and I are finding that our Mexico trip is having more of an effect on us than we had originally thought. We are still relaxed and wanting to go back (with the kids this time though)! We have even researched going some where for Thanksgiving week! I'm not sure if it was the relaxing resort way of life or just a week away from our responsibilities. We've spent many hours discussing what could be the cause. Everyday things like the traffic, the crazy hoopla of school and busy So. Cal life seems different now. I know that Mexico isn't exactly my dream location so you can rest assured I won't be packing the house anytime soon. (Especially since their darn Mexico customs officials ransacked my luggage!! YUCK!)
Here are a few pics of the kids enjoying their souvenirs from our trip...

Sean with his new maracas!

Iain with bongos

Sara showing off her new bracelets.

Random Mexico pics

Iain going down a water slideChilaquillas, Iain's favorite Mexican dish. Taking a picture of ourselves on the ferry. A bit blurry!

Blurry again! This little guy was our roommate! We named him Gary.

Flight home. Soaring through the clouds!

Cozumel Part 3 (The evening)

After a full day around the island we hit Hard Rock Cafe. It was our first "american'ized" experience of the week. I have to say it was well received. The four of us sat drinking yummy drinks and enjoying the atmosphere for as long as we could without missing our ferry back. Remember this was after 6 hours on a scooter!!

Laura and I posing with the Day of the Dead fellows

I wasn't taller than the frog!!!

Cozumel Part 2

The Mayan Ruins we visited were called San Grevasio. I took an amazing amount of pictures but I'll spare you the history lesson. My favorite structure was the Mural. Here's the write up but the gist of it is that they painted murals inside. I was amazed that the color was still visible.

Whole structure

Close up of a mural.

These little (big) guys were everywhere! They are bigger than they look too!

Cozumel Part 1

This was by far my favorite day. Since we spent our honeymoon on Cozumel, it has a special meaning to us. Not to mention it is one of the most beautiful places in the world!! Here's your geography lesson of the day. The resort we stayed at was in the Mayan Riviera part of this map (above), in Cancun. It is down at the end of the Yucatan peninsula. This map (below) shows where Cozumel is compared to Cancun. It's the island on the upper right part of the map.

This third map is of Cozumel. Half of the island is on the Gulf of Mexico and has world renowned snorkeling/diving. The other half of the island is on the Caribbean Sea and has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. You really can't go wrong!!

After a 40 minute ferry ride, we arrived in downtown Cozumel. It was much more built up than we remembered, but I guess a lot changes in 10 years huh?? We rented our mopeds and were off! We rode all around the island, stopping for snorkeling, taking pictures, staring in awe at some beaches and checking out Mayan ruins. It took about 6 hours to get around, but that is with all of our stops.

Being silly back in Playa del Carmen before the ferry.

Helmets are great fashion accessories!More silliness at lunch. Yummy fish tacos!

Playa Bonita. Our favorite beach!

Another close up of Playa Bonita. Click on it to see the water. There were 5 different layers of color.

Did I mention how fabulous I looked on the moped?

Eco and Satu

10 years ago, when we were on our honeymoon, we wanted to swim with the dolphins. We were hesitant to spend the money since we were just starting out so we didn't do it. We have both talked about it and regretted that decision ever since. Last week we found ourselves back in Cancun, again faced with the big question, do we or don't we? Yep, you bet we do!!!

Kisses from Satu

Kisses from Eco

Enjoying the rideIt's okay to laugh! As bad as it looks, it was fun! It looks like I'm screaming in fear but actually it's more of a "holy cow, what am I doing" type of yell!! :-)

Adios!!

We're off! The long awaited trip to Mexico is here! I can't believe Iain and I are leaving on a vacation, by ourselves, for 6 days!! We'll have a margarita for you all! See ya soon!

Swimming Day

Today was the big day, the first day of swimming lessons. We are back at the same place as last year but with a new teacher. (Last years teacher moved to Utah.)

Sean did great! He jumped right in and swam like a fish. He was doing big arms, kicking and doing the back float. This year is more for practicing what he already knows, than learning new things.

This was Sara's expression when Sean jumped in!! She was cheering him on, literally jumping up and down. It was very sweet! Then it was Sara's turn. As you recall from last year it took her a few lessons to adjust. It looks like she's going to need that adjustment time again. She has been in our pool for the past few weeks and loved it, today was a bit different. She wasn't a happy camper! It started with floating around the pool. This seemed okay at first.
Sean watching Sara. I just love his floppy hair! Then came the back floats. Not so fun!
All done! I know this picture is sad! She got a huge hug and lost of cuddles in a nice warm towel!!