Ixtapa- Lance's 40th birthday trip

 We just returned from an amazing, relaxing, once in a lifetime trip to Ixtapa, Mexico.  We stayed at Azul Ixtapa Grand, a beautiful, luxurious, all-inclusive resort with ocean views from every room.  Nine of our friends joined us on this trip to celebrate Lance's 40th birthday.

The first day we spent the whole day poolside (and then hot tubbing when we got tired of the pool).  A great way to start vacation.  

These were some of the views from our room.

On Sunday we ventured into downtown Ixtapa to watch the Seahawks game.  It was cool seeing so many 12's there.  And what a great game to watch!

 Monday the guys (and Erika) went fishing.  It was a long, hot day of fishing and not much catching.  They ended up catching one big sailfish.  They took turns reeling it in and then taking pictures with it.  Such a cool looking fish!  Lance also went fishing another day and caught another sailfish and 2 Dorados.

 Tuesday and Wednesday we took a water taxi over to Isla Ixtapa.  These were our favorite days.  Swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, eating fresh seafood and guac, drinking Coronas with salt and lime, and getting beach side massages.  I can't think of a better way to spend my vacation.

 These were some of the views of the island.

 This is where I spent my birthday on Wednesday, sitting next to my BFF on the beach drinking coconut drinks.  Occasionally we would get up to swim in the ocean or get a massage.  Did I mention the fresh coconut they brought us?  Delicious.  Below were the "coco locos."

 We had many group dinners together.  This picture was at Emilios in downtown Ixtapa.  Amazing wood fired pizza and the best margaritas.  Lance and I went back a second time because it was so delicious!  At the hotel we ate at a Japanese restaurant and at the Oyster Bar (A cool outdoor restaurant overlooking the ocean).  The rest of the time we ate at the buffet.

Just hanging by the pool was so much fun.  

Thursday morning we ventured into Zihuatanejo for some shopping.  It got really hot very quickly so we ended up back at the pool after a couple of hours.

 Most of our friends left on Friday (one couple on Thursday), so Lance and I had Friday evening to spend together.  We had date night at Emilio's and spent the rest of the night reminiscing about all the fun adventures we had this trip.

This was such a fun trip.  So many memories were made.  $13 beach side massages, "I'm meeting my friends," Tequila rickeys (AKA Ricky Bobbies), hot tub romances, water aerobics, late nights at the lounge listening to spanish music, hoping for just one more American song to dance to.

We are blessed to have so many great friends that are so much fun to travel with.

Until next time Ixtapa!

Star Student

Today was Rylee's first 1st grade parent-teacher conference.  Her teacher had nothing but good things to say about her.  She said she is quiet, but always listens and participates.  She is doing well in math and reading, and her teacher said she was even moving up a reading group this week.  We took the kids to Menchies to celebrate.  So proud of my smart girl!

Halloween festivities

We were so busy this month that we were only able to make a quick trip to Spooner Farms pumpkin patch.  We really wanted to spend more time, but the weather just didn't permit it.  We still got in a few cute pics and picked out some great pumpkins!

 Lance decorated the front porch again this year.  It looked great!  The kids picked out the design for their pumpkins and (sort-of) helped carve them.  They liked drilling holes in the pumpkin more than anything.

 Rylee dressed up as Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) and Carson was a SWAT officer.  The kids had fun trick-or-treating, although they were ready to quit quicker than I thought.  I heard "I'm tired of knocking" and "I'm tired of carrying this bucket."  Which actually was perfect so there was time to go hang out at Jon and Mandy's house. 

We ended the night with Jon and Mandy and some of Jon's family.  The kids ate lots of candy and I had some Hall-o-wine.  =)  Then home to bed because it was a school night.  Boo.  All in all another great Halloween!

1st grade photo!

Rylee's 1st grade school picture.  SO CUTE!

Birthday Sleepover

 Rylee had her birthday slumber party last night, which concludes her 3 weeks of birthday celebrations.  We went to Mazatlan for dinner and then came back to the house for cupcakes, dancing and lots of girl time.

The mom's had a great time catching up while the girls played.  I think we might enjoy these sleepovers more than the little girls!  =)

 Such a fun night!  We are blessed to have such great girlfriends.

Another birthday celebration at Great Wolf Lodge!

 We surprised Rylee with a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge.  The kids were so excited when we pulled up and they saw the sign.  Rylee had the biggest smile on her face.  We ended up getting a free upgrade to a "Kids Camp" room which was awesome!  As you can see in the picture its like a little cabin with bunk beds.  I think the kids were just as excited about the room as they were the water park!  The hotel celebrates "Howl-O-Ween" all October.  They had fun Halloween decorations everywhere and even had trick or treating.

Such a fun birthday surprise for my big 7 year old!!!

Happy 7th Birthday Rylee!

Rylee had a wonderful birthday.  We celebrated a day early with Grandma, Papa, Aunt Mandy and Uncle Jon.  She picked out her cake (Elsa and Anna) and ice cream (mint chocolate chip) and we had everyone over for tacos.  On her actual birthday we let her choose what she wanted to do.... she chose to go to a bounce house, Red Robin and come home for more ice cream and cake!  Monday I brought cupcakes to her class and got to have lunch with her and her friend Molly at a special table.  She was pretty excited to have Carson and I at school with her!

Rylee is lucky enough to celebrate her birthday 3 weekends in a row!  Next weekend we are surprising her with a trip to Great Wolf Lodge and the following weekend she is having a birthday sleepover with her best friends.  

I can't believe my baby girl is 7 years old!  She is such a sweet, caring girl.  She is so smart and loves to learn.  She is reading pretty well and can read most easy reader books.  Her favorites are Biscuit, Pinkalicious and Amelia Bedelia.  I'm sure she will be reading chapter books in no time!  She loves riding horses (especially Rain), going to her jazz dance class, drawing and coloring, making forts, listening to music, barbies, dolls, playing with her brother (and telling him what to do) and riding bikes.  She is a very independent, strong willed girl who challenges me daily.  I love her to pieces and can't wait to see what this year brings for her!