Memorial Day Weekend

A little Patriotic Message from the one and only...CASSIDY
(Don't forget to pause the music on the side to listen to the video)



All weekend it rained and rained...but we had so much fun! Cassidy practically wore her snow boots all weekend. She thought they would be just perfect for jumping in the puddles with. Who needs rain boots? She definitely got good use of those snow boots even in Spring time.

Saturday Derek took us to the Nursery to look at trees. We would love to have more trees in our yard and beautiful flower gardens (like our moms have). It's a place we like to visit each year. As we were looking at Aspen trees, another type of tree caught my eye...the beautiful Purple Robe Locust tree. After I started talking to the lady about this tree it started to sprinkle. Derek suggested we start walking back to the greenhouses. I of course said, nah we're okay. Then not a minute later it poured down rain. We had quite a ways to walk back to shelter. But it was so fun to walk back in the rain. We couldn't stop laughing. Once we got to one of the greenhouses at the nursery we realized we picked the perfect place. We were surrounded by beautiful, smelly, roses. It was so romantic and memorable to be with my hubby and daughter listening to a thunder storm while smelling the sweet roses.

Later that afternoon, my friend Jaime was willing to watch Cassidy while Derek and I had a movie/dinner date. We watched Star Trek and then ate at Texas Roadhouse. We both enjoyed the movie very much, even though we're not huge Star Trek fans.

On Sunday, since we didn't have church until 1:30pm we decided we would walk to church. You can look up in the sky and see we were surrounded by rain clouds and that a storm was coming. But of course it didn't start raining until we sat down in the chapel. The walk was so relaxing and the fresh air was so sweet and refreshing. The only problem was I thought I picked some comfortable shoes to walk in but I didn't, so I walked barefooted. But I wasn't complaining, I love walking barefoot.

Monday we worked on our yard. It was nice to be working together as a family. Cassidy even helped Derek rake and helped me pull the weeds. After lunch we went to the park and took Oakley with us. Both our daughter and our dog were so happy to run wild and free. We also brought Cassidy's tricycle with us (our newest purchase)to the park. It has been so exciting seeing her get the pedaling thing down and just another step closer to being a big girl.

The weekend was perfect, not because we did anything too extravagant but because we were doing what we do best, and that was spending time together.

A Romantic Getaway...Celebrating our 10 year Anniversary: Part 2

(I KNOW THIS IS A FOREVER LONG POST FOR PART 2...I EVEN CONDENSED IT A LOT, IF YOU CAN BELIEVE THAT)

We got to Cancun around 4:30pm and it was windy but it wasn't humid and the temperature was in the 80's. We had a shuttle pick us up from the airport to take us right to our hotel. We checked into our beautiful hotel, Cancun Caribe Park Royal Grand.


(These pictures were taken directly from the balcony of our room)

The Hotel's other pool, check out those beds by the poolside

Our view to the Lagoon and the main road of the hotel strip from outside our door of the hotel

Sunset over the Lagoon

The hotel had 3 restaurants and a little cafe. It also had 2 big pools. From our balcony you could only see one of the pools. We couldn't believe we were staying in a 4 star hotel for the cost we paid. The staff was so friendly. We also found a quiet place with hammocks. When we walked outside our door we were able to see the Lagoon across the street. It was so beautiful. It was fun to check everything out at our hotel. After all the exploring we got hungry and decided to eat at one of the restaurants in our hotel called La Concha. It was Pasta night and we made friends with the Pasta chef that worked there, her name was Candie. She cooked us her specialty that wasn't on the menu. It was delicious! Derek asked for seconds. Then of course they had an all you can eat buffet with salad, other pasta entrees and desserts. I liked the Arroz con Leche the best for dessert!

Candie the Pasta Chef

The next day we just spent all morning relaxing by the poolside. Catching some sun and swimming in the fun pool.

For Lunch we decided to adventure downtown and find a Mexican restaurant to eat at. So we rode the city bus that was so cheap, 50 cents a ride. We went to a place called... Tacolote. Derek ordered chicken fajitas and I pigged out on the all you can eat buffet. It was pretty good food, probably the best Mexican food we ate the whole time in Cancun. Then we went to Walmart to buy some snacks and water. We couldn't believe how a Walmart could be so different in another country. It seemed like the Walmart in Cancun was a party place with lots of loud music. Also at the cashier lines they had little children between the ages of 8-12 bagging the groceries. And of course living so close to the ocean the seafood was so fresh and uncovered you know when your getting close because of the smell. It was just new to me.

Seafood at Walmart

KEEP GOING...

Night Life in Cancun

Derek and I had a fun time walking ALOT to the shops, restaurants, and other beautiful, amazing hotels. Each hotel we visited, was so unique and offered different amenities. Of course off the main road they call the strip the "Hotel Zone" it's just one hotel after the other. We had a great time exploring and looking at some of the different hotels.

One of our favorite hotels was the Le Blanc Spa Resort. It was luxury all the way. You are first welcomed to the hotel by the doormen which then would hand you a steamed washcloth to clean your hands and face. Then as soon as you walk in you are surrounded with beautiful instrumental music. This particular evening was a Chello player. Of course you look around and everthing is white; the furniture, tables, sheer curtains in the seating areas, it was very elegant. As we sat down to listen to the enchanting music, we were immediately asked if we wanted anything to drink, since it's an all inclusive hotel.

After enjoying the music for some time we decided to walk around. We walked outside around the pools and found a comfortable place to lay down and watch the stars. It was so peaceful as you could only hear the ocean and the crashing of the waves. Next, we checked out their restaurants. Our mouths watered as we looked at the menus. It was a very classy, relaxing hotel. It was fun to just check it out and then of course dream of someday being able to afford such a place to stay at. This hotel is ranked #1 in Cancun.

Almost every night we would adventure to some of the popular places of the Night Life in Cancun. They had so many dance clubs and in the center of it all they would have: live music, guys putting on a fire dance show, people dressed up in different superhero costumes, and yummy places to eat.

Derek got a picture with Spider-Man and Venom. Of course after the first couple of pictures my camera had to die so I wasn't able to get some pictures of him and Spidey kicking Venom's butt. It was so funny they were really getting into some action photos. We also found a Haagen Dazs store that offered free internet access so we would sit inside the ice cream parlor and get on MSN instant messaging to talk with Cassidy back home. It was a special treat to not only keep in touch with our little girl but to enjoy some delicious ice cream at the same time. My favorite was Belgian Chocolate. Yum! We have looked for some since we got home and learned there's no Belgian Chocolate ice cream to be found in the whole United States. Okay I guess we have to go back. :)




THERE'S MORE...

Beach Fun

Derek had to hold my hand to get in the ocean because of the waves. It doesn't show it with the pictures but the undertow was pretty strong and so you couldn't get in too far without a wave taking you down. So my man helped me build my confidence and then once I was comfortable to be on my own he had fun with the camera. Being in the ocean was a highlight in my week, I felt like a kid playing in the waves and having the water splash in my face.



One night we went to a Beach Dinner Party. They served a Mexican Buffet right on the beach. Then we were entertained with a Mexican Dance Show. The Mexican dancers were really good. I enjoyed all their different costumes of their different cultural dance routines.

One of the dances was just the men dancing with masks looking like old men. Then they came out to the crowd and invited ladies to dance with them. Well, I guess it was my lucky night because they got me up there. I didn't care if I made a fool of myself it was fun, and Derek was cheering me on. :) This trip was full of surprises.

Waiting in line for dinner

Mexican Dance Show

We enjoyed walking on the beach anytime we wanted. The water was a gorgeous turquoise blue and the soft white sands that never burned our feet. Before we left home we promised Cassidy we would bring her home some seashells. Whenever we walked on the beach we were keeping our eyes open. We mostly found small seashells but Derek was determined for his little girl to find some big ones. It was so cute watching him wait for that brief moment between the waves to run as fast as he could to capture that perfect seashell. Let's just say he got wet! :) What daddy's do for their little girls.

Look a Big Seashell!

Surfer Boy

KEEP GOING...

Our Excursions in Cancun

We booked one excursion online before we left Colorado and that was for the Zip lining Adventure. We heard so many reviews about this excursion being one of the best things to do in Cancun. We were so excited! Well the reviews were right on, this was an awesome experience and recommend it to everyone! We first hopped in a van with air conditioning :)for an hour drive to the jungle. Then we got our gear on for zip lining. Of course walking up the stairs 50-60ft high made me nervous. But once it was your turn to be hooked on to the cable the adrenaline would kick in and you were ready to fly like a bird. Our guides were very professional and knew how to give us a good time. They all had nicknames, Jungle Boy, Pocahontas,...We zip lined 12 times from tree to tree. It was awesome!

Okay, this next part will surprise a lot of you. It surprised me! At the half way point they asked us if we wanted to do it upside down. So, I jumped to the opportunity. I don't know what came over me, Derek was shocked. I DID IT! I remember screaming with excitement. The hardest part was to let go of the ropes and just hang without holding on. I really had to put all my trust and faith in my guide. He followed behind me, so he could stop me when we got to the next platform. But before we reached the platform he shook me just to make me scream some more. I'm so glad I tried it upside down. My husband was so proud of me, and then of course he had to do it, his wife couldn't show him up. :) It was funny to watch Derek because of his height he had to swat away the tree leaves out of his face.

Once we finished the zip line course then we each got a mountain bike and rode 2 miles through the jungle to the Cenote (fresh water sink holes) to swim and jump off the cliffs. The water felt so refreshing. Derek and I both enjoyed swinging off the ropes and falling in the water. Then I built up my courage to jump off the 20 ft.cliff. I felt my stomach jump to my throat. But it was fun. After 1/2 hr of playing in the water we got back on our bikes and rode back to the main hut. They had lunch waiting for us, Monkey Fajitas is what they called it. :) It was delicious! We had an unforgettable experience. We would definitely do it again.




One morning we decided to take a tour of the resorts in our hotel and because in doing so we were able to have free breakfast buffet and then an additional tour. We chose the Cancun Lover's Cruise.

It ended up being the perfect choice especially for our last night together in Cancun. It was very romantic. The ladies were given a Carnation on the pier and then we were escorted to an old ship called the Columbus. There was a Saxophone player on board playing beautiful love songs. We sailed during sunset in the Lagoon. Derek and I were talking and enjoying each other's company drinking our unlimited virgin pina coladas when I saw a dolphin jump out of the water. It was so beautiful. Then the rest of the evening we were privileged to see more dolphins swimming next to the ship and jumping out of the water. It was so magical. After Sunset we were escorted below to eat dinner. They served us Lobster and Steak (Surf and Turf), a baked potato, mixed veggies, dinner roll, and a chocolate cake for dessert. That was our first time eating Lobster, and now we know why everyone makes a big deal about it. It was so delicious. And both of us aren't huge fans of seafood. Then we went back up on deck and danced to the beautiful music. Derek sure knows how to be Mucho Suave. And he stole my heart again that night. It was a perfect evening with my man.

Yummy Lobster and Steak

CONGRATULATIONS YOU MADE IT TO THE END OF PART 2 :)...

The Beginning of our Vacation... Part 1

It was time for our CANCUN TRIP...but first we had to drive to Arizona to drop off our little munchkin with Aunt Sara and Grammy. Cassidy was so excited to leave Colorado and head to AZ to be with her cousins. On our way to AZ we were able to stop in New Mexico to visit with some good friends (Lisa and her cute kids-Hannah and Isaac). We met at a park, it was a great idea (thanks Lisa) that gave Cassidy a chance to play and get out of the car. Even though it was such a short visit it was so good to see them again. We sure miss them and hope someday they will move back to Colorado.




We wanted to drive to Phoenix in one day so we were on the road again. In Flagstaff we needed a potty break so where better than the Institute building where Derek and I met. We got distracted with looking through all the old scrapbooks of way back when. It was fun to see pictures of our old friends and to talk about old memories. We got to Grammy's really late. We hit the sack after arrival hugs and saying good-night.

Derek and I planned to stay in AZ an extra day before we flew to Cancun to help our little girl get adjusted. So the next morning Grammy took us to a fun park (Sahuaro Ranch Park) to hang out and catch some sun. Cassidy enjoyed climbing on all the fun park equipment. Then we had to pick up some lunch at Japan Express, teriyaki chicken (family tradition). When we got back to Grammy's house Cassidy and I played around in the pool. Later that afternoon Aunt Sara, Uncle Scott, and cousins Michael, Matthew, and Macey came over for the weekend. Cassidy and all her cousins were so excited about the new bunk bed that Grammy bought for the kids. They climbed up and down them constantly. It was a nice day. That night when we put Cassidy to bed we knew we would have to say our goodbyes to our little girl. I didn't realize that I would be so emotional (of course after she fell asleep).

Our Little Monkey

Famous Bunk Beds

We got up early to head to the airport, our sweet little angel was dreaming away. We knew Cassidy was going to be well taken care of and so busy with fun things to do. Because her Grammy, Aunt Sara, and Uncle Scott were watching her.

Easter

Most of our Easter Festivities was on Saturday...that morning we had our Ward Easter Egg Hunt, of course it was snowing and pretty cold. But we were all bundled up. It took Cassidy awhile to find the desire to go looking for eggs. After some encouragement and getting her muscles moving to keep warm she ran toward a tree with eggs all around it. But the cutest part was that she went running for not an egg, but a PINE CONE. She picked it off the ground and held it up high as if it was her treasure. It was the cutest thing! I'm sure if I would have let her she would have filled her Easter basket full of pine cones rather than eggs.

She's Considering Hunting for Eggs

Getting the hang of this Easter Egg Hunt Thing

Then that evening we went to the church for an Easter Cantata (a musical program). The music was beautiful. The message was so powerful and reminded us what Easter is truly all about, knowing our Savior Lives. Cassidy sat still pretty much the whole time (not like her) and just listened. I think it made her so happy she wanted to go up and sing too.

After the Cantata, Derek took his girls out to dinner to one of our favorite restaurants Johnny Carino's, it was delicious!

Sunday we woke up to more snow. It was a quiet Sunday Easter, but it was lovely to be together.

Cassidy in her Easter Dress

Even Oakley had a great Easter

My Turn to Teach

Well I finished the end of my 2 weeks teaching the little munchkins for preschool. Camille and I taught together, and I'm so glad I had her by my side. Even though it's not always easy to keep eight 3 year olds together, I had a fun time. I soon realized that Cassidy did get in trouble the most (I wonder if it had something to do with preschool being at her house). I know all kids have good days and bad days just like us adults. We got through it together.

Our first day to teach was the day before St. Patrick's Day, so of course we celebrated and talked all about the Irish Holiday. We asked the kids to all come dressed in green. Their craft was painting a Leprechaun, going on a treasure hunt for a pot of gold (actually yellow jello) with clues from songs they know. For example, 3 little monkeys jumping on the _____? They ran to Cassidy's bed and found a clue...and on and on. It was a clever idea of Camille's. The kids enjoyed it! We also talked a lot about an Irish traditional food-Potatoes. The kids sampled different things to eat made out of potatoes: mashed potatoes, potato bread, and potato chips. They didn't mind that either.

The rest of the 2 weeks our theme was all about the Circus, Clowns, and Animals. I know fun, huh? We did things like reading a Clown story, more like trying to read, in a camping tent decorated like our Circus tent. Pretended to walk on a tightrope, painted the kid's faces and wore red clown noses, made Ice Cream clown faces for snack, practiced our Math with 3 Rings taped to the carpet: small, medium, and large circles. The kids placed stuffed animals according to their size to the size of the circle ring. This activity was a hit!

We talked about different kind of animals and how to take care of them. Each child picked out an animal friend and then fed, groomed, and loved them in their own laundry baskets as their animal home. Worked on a Monkey puzzle worksheet. Ate animal crackers for snack time. The kids also got to take their potted grass seeds home because they started growing like crazy. They planted them with Miss Valeri and Miss Anna and got all excited to watch their grass grow. It was great! Welcoming Spring!

The last day we made a Lion Face craft. It took a long time to do so we didn't get to all the other things planned except for the Balloon Sensory Science activity where Camille put all different kinds of things in balloons and the children had to guess and feel what they thought it was: water, rice, beans, flour, etc. Do they all feel the same? How do they differ? The kids really liked that too. The kids colored a picture of a house that focused on our letter "H" for that day. Then we ate caramel popcorn for snack. It was delicious!

Most of the time I was really enjoying this preschool thing. I'm so glad we're doing this. Today was the next rotation at a new house with new teachers and Cassidy didn't want me to leave her. But I'm sure she got over it quick. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to share with my daughter and to share it with friends and their cute kids.

We used the kids handprints for the Leprechaun hat, face, and beard

Derek helped me with the sign, he's such a wonderful helper

Decorating their Ice Cream Clown Faces

Tightrope Walking, Steady!

I think Tyler enjoyed laying on the soft pile of animals

Look at that grass grow!

Such great Animal Care-Givers

Free Play-Time!!

As you can see we continued to have fun with the tent. It stayed up for another week.