Spring has Sprung

We have really enjoyed being outside lately now that the weather is finally nice. Easter was a little later this year, so we were able to have our egg hunt out in the backyard. This year I wrote little messages on the eggs with marker like, "He is Risen"
Brandon showing off his find.

Uncle Rhys came and played with the boys one evening so Doug and I could go on a date. We had a great time. I think that was our first date since our Mexico trip, so it was much needed.

Boys will be boys. They can't just ride in the cars, they have to crash them.

I can not get a normal picture of Cameron, he always has to act silly. Oh well, it is part of his fun personality.

Birthday Boy.

I had to work on the day of Brandon's birthday, but I was able to to got out for lunch with him, Grandma, and Auntie Janelle. After supper we went and played at a playground. The first one we went to had to many puddles so we went to the one at CPES. It was also not the driest but better than the first one. It was also kind of cool that day, but Brandon still had fun. We celebrated Brandon's birthday on the weekend with two parties.

This picture is blurry, but I had to post it because Calliegh and Brandon get along great, but they also fight like brother and sister. Brandon was frustrated that Calliegh helped him blow out the candles. Maybe I should remind him how many times he has done that to his brothers.

Anson hanging out with Libby during the gift opening. Anson was bored because there wasn't anyone his age to play with. I had to remind him repeatedly that it was Brandon's day. (And no, Anson doesn't smile for pictures...I hope that it's just a stage)

Opening a gift from his friends that go to the same sitter as him.

Gift from Liam.

I had some organized games and activities for the kids, but they also just played nicely with the toys. It didn't get crazy until right before the parents came.

This year was the first year that we had a family party as well as a friend party. I'm not sure it was a good idea to do them both on the same day, because I was tired by the end of the day. Also we had the three families of the party kids join us after the party for supper, but by that time the kids were wild and the noise was overwhelming. It still was nothing compared to family gatherings on my side, but I felt bad for the guests who aren't use to that level of activity and noise.

Brandon cuddling with Cruze. Usually Cruze gets pretty tight squeezes. I'm not sure why he still goes near Brandon.

It is hard to believe that Brandon is four already. He still very much likes to cuddle with me. But I can tell that he is growing up because now he cares if he wins or loses at a game.

Mexico Part two - The Food.

I just love Mexican food. Maybe because I grew up eating Mexican and Mennonite food. The first time I had a burger was when we were moving from Mexico to Texas. We stopped at a McDonald's, I could not finish my burger. I thought it was disgusting.

At our resort there were four different restaurants. For breakfast there was a buffet and an area where you could get them to make you bacon, eggs, omelets, or pancakes. For lunch we usually ate a the beach hut. We could get burger and fries, but there was also fried fish, re fried beans and more. For supper we could go to a restaurant and order from a menu, or some nights they had themed meals. One night we ate out on the beach. Another night was Mexican night. The variety of food they served was amazing.
This picture was taken the night we ate out on the beach.

Guests staying at our resort received a coupon to go to a fancy restaurant for one meal. Above is the dessert we got there.

The pork I ordered at the restaurant was delicious. On top was a peanut sauce that tasted kind of like peanut butter. It was interesting, but good.

We ate outside. It was a beautiful evening...very romantic.

The restaurant.

I would definitely go all inclusive again. It was so nice not to have to think about meals planning.

The food at the botanical gardens we went to. It was awesome. Served with fresh tortillas of course.

One evening we took an hour long boat ride to this island for dinner and a show. The show was good, although the storyline was confusing, and the food was once again delicious.

Eating on the beach without a care in the world. What a great way to spend time together for our tenth anniversary.

Mexico Part 1 - The View

Doug and I had our 10Th anniversary in June. To celebrate we took a trip to Mexico. We decided to go in the winter because we have nice weather here in June.

Anyway we had an awesome time! We hung out at the beach, and went on some excursions. It was so wonderful to slow down and spend time together without any responsibilities.

As soon as we got back from our trip we were back at the rat race of life. Today I got an unexpected day off work because two of the boys are sick, so I finally get to sit down and post about our trip. There is so much I want to share, so it will come in parts.

The following are some pictures of the spectacular scenery in Puerta Vallarta. Every day was 25-30 degrees Celsius and sunny. I could get used to that kind of weather in January.
One evening our resort hosted an awesome supper out on the beach and this was the view from our table of the ocean.

This is the view of our resort from a boat.

Another evening view of the ocean from our beach.

My first time ever seeing palm trees.

Almost daily, Doug and I took a walk on the beach. It was so beautiful. I don't think that I could ever get sick of the ocean view.

This was the view from our balcony. We were on the sixth floor. We couldn't have picked a better room.

Another view from our balcony of the ocean and our resort swimming pool.

I would go back in a heartbeat. As a matter of fact I think that spending January and February there would be awesome, unfortunately not realistic.

Our Christmas

Our house Christmas morning. I love the frost on the tree.

The boys love adventures in Odyssey, so they were pretty excited to get some new Cd's. Unfortunately they had a hard time falling asleep the first few nights because they wanted to hear all of the stories. I love the sunrise that we had Christmas morning. You can see a glimpse of it in the window.

Brandon got a little keyboard for Christmas which he loved until it broke on boxing day. Why aren't kids toys built to last longer? We plan on returning it and getting him something else.

Anson got a Rider clock for his room. We plan on re-doing his room into a Rider room in the near future...hopefully.

Cameron loving his new Flames jersey. When he wears it, he always says,"My chest is on fire." He is such a character.

A Snooze with Cruze

Cruze loves to cuddle with whoever is on the couch. On this particular day Doug was having a nap, Brandon joined him and so did Cruze.

A Few Odds and Ends

This past weekend the Bible school that Doug and I attended had their annual alumni weekend. It was great to see friends, and get spiritually uplifted. We also had fun at the hillbilly Christmas theme night. The following hillbillies are Anson and Cameron, along with friend Jordan and Grandma (who also went to the same Bible school)
In the busyness of work and trying to run a home, I realized that my little blog isn't high up on the priority list and therefore I have yet to blog anything about Cameron's 7Th birthday, which was almost a month ago. We had a couple of friends over after school to celebrate and we also did the regular family supper. He was pleased with the DQ shirt he received from Uncle Rhys and Auntie Janelle. Cameron is a great encourager and hugger. The other day he mentioned how glad he was to have Doug and myself as his parents so that we could teach him about God. Also often at meals times Cameron will thank me for the meal and say that it is great. Some of his favourite things right now are Lego and transformers.

About a week ago we welcomed a 4 month old puppy into our home. Cruze is fun to have around. Brandon is quite possessive of him saying, "That is MY Cruze!"

Also a little side note: Starting January I'm starting a new work arrangement. Which will be a week on, a week off. I'll be working full time the week I'm on. That might be a little overwhelming, but the week off is going to be awesome! I need more time at home and more time with the boys...(and hubby of course).