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).

Birthday Then and Now

Here is the picture of my 20Th birthday. Doug and Lindsay did a great job with the soccer ball cake.
Here I am 12 years later. Now I have a son to help me blow out the candles and anther one to make bunny ears.

Finally my own Rough Rider shirt. I will wear it proudly.

A lot has happened since my 20Th birthday and I can honestly say that I wouldn't change a thing.

Kid's Carnival

Our church put on a kids carnival as part of an outreach to the community. We had nice weather and a great turn out.
Brandon with Daisy the clown (Amanda)

The boys got to go for a ride on a horse. It was the first time for all of them. Brandon is picking his nose while riding. I'm not sure I could multi-task like that.

Eight is Great.

Anson had a birthday this weekend. We had a party with family and a friend party for him. This year only a couple of friends came which was nice.

Doug and his friend Bryan took the boys out for a quad ride.

Grandma made a soccer cake for the family party. For my 19Th birthday (I think) Doug made me a soccer cake. I'll have to try and find the picture so I can share it.

Anson is a great kid. He works hard, but knows how to have fun and is a joy to have around. I love him very much.