How Cute is my Niece?

Chelsey asked me to do a little photo shoot for Lily for Valentines Day....they turned out pretty darn cute!

Baca Birthday

It was Baca's birthday and Gona was in Mexico, so we took charge and threw Baca a little birthday dinner. Just pork chops and mashed potatoes, but did make this monstrous 4 layer german chocolate cake.....man it was yummy! Happy birthday Baca!

Superbowl

Watched the first half of the superbowl at Bellis' house (neighbor whose backyard bumps up against ours.) Good thing we planned on going to their place as this was the day of the crazy 13 inches of snow! I made jello shots, which I hadn't made since college...was a great time! The kids played upstairs and grownups hung out in the very Seahawks themed basement!

Sans Naps

While not having to plan around naps is awesome! I do dislike the cranky 2pm toddlerness of Mr. Grayson. Some days he just passes out....we were laying together doing something and when I asked him something he didn't answer....poor little dude!

Holy Snowstorm!

We had one of the quickest heaviest snowfalls I have ever been a part of two weekends ago. There was zero snow on the ground, then overnight, it snowed 13 and a half inches! The kids played for quite a while, but REALLY enjoyed playing after school each day last week. I have been watching a few of Kenna's friends afterschool as their mom works out some childcare/job transitions, and they really have just had the best snow days!

McKenna Achieves Green Belt

Couldn't be more proud of this little lady! She works so hard to ensure that she meets the requirements of her belt exam each cycle. I am often baffled by how she found karate. Not something that I would have ever signed her up for, but something she really wanted to do, and continues to love! She really is quite good, and has THE best high kicks! So proud of you McKenna!

Daddy Daughter Dance

After a week in California for his new job, daddy came home this weekend in time for the Valentine's Daddy Daughter Dance. The parks and req program here holds 5 of them during the month of February and it turned out perfectly as Josh's friends and their daughters chose to go to this one as well!

Chelsey helped me get McKenna's hair curled and up in a messy bun. I arranged for a corsage and picked up some black tights for McKenna. It sounds as if they had just a wonderful time. Kenna learned how to do the twist, they did a conga line, and ate sugary snacks. I think we will make it a tradition!

Mexico Part 7

Another thrill we were able to experience was swimming with the dolphins as a family. Because the port is usually closed when there are no cruise ships, we had to make special arrangements. Kathy knows the manager of the local dolphin discovery and we got to visit in private class! We were the only ones in the port that day, felt like royalty! We were introduced to Danny and got to give them kisses, shake hands, pet them, have them pull us through the water, give high fives and have them swim to our hand. It was quite magical as they are so smart and funny. At one point he was mad when he didn't get a fish and splashed the trainer. What magestic animals!

The water was a little cold and the sun a little bright, but I think the kids will never forget this! After the swim they each got to pick a stuffed dolphin to take home and they played dolphin games for the remainder of their time there, and slept with them every night!

On Wednesday we packed up and said goodbye to the beach house. We drove to Playa del Carmen and stayed in a magnificent hotel. You walk off of the streets of 5th avenue and then into your own private jungle oasis! The pool was chilly, but the kids didn't care and had fun until they started getting chilly. We walked a short ways to get some wonderful gourmet pizza and ice cream and toast Denny for an early birthday celebration. Then we retreated to our treehouses and slept. After having such a calming room with the ocean lulling you to sleep, was hard to get used to the car and people noise of the city. That and sleeping with my wiggly buddy Zachey prevented both Josh and I from getting much sleep.

The next morning we woke up and had the best breakfast buffet I have ever experienced and made our way to the cancun airport. We said teary goodbyes to Gona as she is staying in Mexico for a few more weeks, and headed through security. The trip home went fairly well aside from me about losing it in both customs and the second time through security with three small kids, 5 backpacks a carseat and 4 roller bags (please revisit my previous post on how checking bags totally worth the money next time!) We did all make it home in one piece and the kids slept in till nearly 8 today! We have enjoyed looking at these pictures and laughing about Mexico, I have not so much enjoyed the 7 or so loads of laundry and de-sanding the kids clothes...ha!

This definitely ranks near the top of best vacations I have ever been on. It was really just the perfect mix of cultural activities and relaxation. I couldn't be happier with the kids behavior and their sense of adventure - they are the perfect little travelers! I can't wait to do it again!!!