Birthday!

Paul celebrated his 38th birthday....can't believe it because I feel 38!  How can my son be 38?

Birthday 'cake' made out of cinnamon buns...creative!

Jamie looking so adorable in his rain gear!

Harper with his grandmas...selfie!

Snowboarding!

A day up the mountain and Landon's first time snowboarding.  He seems to be a natural.

Dad and Landon.  I can see many future days on the mountain.

So cool....just cruising along.  Hard to believe he's only 4-1/2!

Little Harper isn't far behind.

Beautiful sunrise!

I was on my way to work this morning and the sunrise was spectacular.  Too many times I've said I should stop and take a picture and today I did just that.  Life goes by too quickly.  We've got to stop and smell those roses!

Christmas is here!

Christmas came quickly since we just got home from Mexico on Dec. 19th.  Hardly any time to get in the 'mood'.  Lots of Christmas music and rum and eggnogs helped.

I bought onesies for Sue and I.  So cozy!  We watched It's a Wonderful Life and sipped rum and eggnog on Christmas Eve.  Had a sleep over at Sue's.  Was great!

Pancake Santa breakfast at the firehall.  Paul was working so wasn't in the picture.

Teeny and Jamie opening presents.  Jamie got a kitchen which he loved.  Future chef!

Landon got a new skateboard.  He's wearing his full face helmet that he wears for most sports.

Harper got a new glider bike and like Landon he also has a full face helmet.  Protect those little faces!

Another wonderful Xmas dinner hosted by Sue and Rich.

Last day in Cancun

Well the weather has changed so it is making it easier to leave.  Strong winds and rain blowing sideways....it's still lovely and warm.  We have to check out by 11:00 a.m. but don't get picked up until 4:00 p.m. for our flight home.  So much for spending that time swimming and playing on the beach.

We decide to go to a large shopping mall in Cancun to spend time.  We caught the local bus there which was an experience.  Packed bus and there we are with two young children and a stroller.  Then a local fires up his guitar and starts singing Xmas carols right beside me.  We make it there but totally forgot it was the last weekend to shop before Xmas.  What we were thinking!!!

Then as if the level of noise, congestion and general chaos wasn't enough the Mariachi band starts playing in the food court!  OMG...just shoot me!

On the plane at 7:40 p.m. and homeward bound!

Day trip to Isla Mujeres

We decide to catch the fast ferry from Playa Linda which is a short walk from Royal Cancun.  When we arrive on Isla was pick up our golf cart in order to tour the island.  They only had a small golf cart so it was a bit cramped but we made due.

Off we went to the Turtle Santuary in the south part of the island.  The kids had a great time looking at all the turtles from the very small all the way up to the very large.  They could pet them and also touch some of the other creatures.  Landon and Harper get ice cream and then we're off to get lunch.

Went to the Mango Cafe.  Finally got to try it out after two other attempts.  They were renovating so was closed for a couple of days.  Was worth the wait as the food was the best we have had to date.  Coconut French toast to die for!

We shop a bit and it's time to catch the return ferry.  Didn't even have time to check out the beaches.  Did find both of Penny's properties, The Joint and El Patio and showed the kids.  They would love to come back one day.

Back in Cancun we go swimming.  It's so humid after a bit of rain.  Landon has learned how to use my snorkel and mask and is turning in to a little fish.  Amazing how far he has come!

Dad and his boys!

The whole family.

Nana and Harper.

The next day we decide to hang out at the resort.  Swimming and digging in the sand.

It's been a great day but then the sky starts to darken and the wind picks up.  It's a storm!  That's it for the pool!

Being our last night here we treat ourselves to dinner out at the Trattoria.  It's an Italian restaurant at the resort.  I had seafood risotto and went at 5 pm.  Kiara and Paul go over at 9:00 for a quiet dinner while Nana babysits.

Chichen Itza

Yesterday I went on a tour to the Inca ruins of Chichen Itza.  It was a bus ride of just over two hours from Cancun however we stopped at Hubiku.  Hubiku is a Mayan eco park where there is a sink hole which contains sacred waters of the Mayan world.  You can swim in it but the waters are quite cold.

I encountered two Mayan tribesmen who worshipped me.

 

And then of course there was the Tequila Museum.  I tried coconut, coffee, pomegranate...you get the picture?  All was good but nothing I wanted to take home.

And then we arrived at Chichen Itza.  So hot....but amazing.  This civilization started 3000 B.C. And ended suddenly about 1400 A.D.

Lots of skulls and they did make the occasional human sacrifice.

This was where sacrifices took place.

On the way back to Cancun we stopped in the nicest little town.  Not much time to look around but it was worth the stop.  These are cute little chairs in the park that couples sit in so they can kiss!

Back to the resort....arrived around 8 p.m.  Long day.