CANCUN!! February 15-22, 2009

At 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2009 the alarm sounded and we were up and ready for a week in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, with our children (Alex and Joy, Melissa and Amy). We had no idea the week would or could be as great as it turned out to be. I think I can sum up the week with these words: eat, lay by the pool, eat, lay by the beach, eat, drink, enjoy the shows, sleep. The week was extremely relaxing and our family ties were strengthened.

Here are a few pictures telling the story of our week together. (If you want to make the pictures bigger, just double click on them)

Our morning started at 3:30 a.m. so we could get to Kansas City International Airport at 5:15 a.m. for a 7:15 a.m. flight to Cancun. We arrived at Cancun International Airport and were greeted by Lomas travel who swept us right off for our resort.

As you can see, Melissa was anxious to start having fun.

30 minutes after we boarded our van, we arrived at:

We loaded up our luggage and headed for the registration desk.

The registration process took about 5 minutes.

And we started having fun!

We ran outside to this beautiful view.

Kids of all ages were having fun.

Every day we had new towel animals.

We sunned ourselves at the beach.

We dressed for many wonderful dinners.

We ate off the yummy buffet.

We attended the shows.

Some of us went diving.

Some of us swam.

We watched the native rodents. (anyone know what it is?)

Bruce was the international champion bingo player.

Ate yummy soup.

Watched the native animals.

Swam in the ocean (see Alex looking for fish?)

Read books.

Some of us were not real happy to see the camera again!

Watched the construction of sand castles.

Went kayaking.

Walked downtown.

Look, it is Hotel Melissa!

Got up early to watch the sunrise.

Waited for the buffet to be filled.

Shopped across the street.

Slept in our hotel.

Dug for treasures in our beach bags.

A view from the ocean.

Bonded!

Made new friends (Gaye and Henry from British Columbia)

Drank the daily special.

Enjoyed our last dinner together.

Displayed true talent.

Looked at that grey rice.

Smoked chocolate cigars.

Left the hotel

Waited at the Cancun airport to come home.

We had a great time and praise God for safe travels and good health!

2009 Family Vacation - Teaser

I am working on a post for our 2009 family vacation to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. This was our view when we stepped out of our hotel. Stay tuned for more!

February 14, 2009 (part 2)

Aren't we lovely?? Bruce and I joined my fellow PEZ sorority sisters and their husbands at the Peppercorn Duck Club in Kansas City for an evening full of good food, wine and fellowship. I can think of no better way to celebrate our love than with that group of people. We arrived home around midnight for three hours of sleep before the family vacation adventure. More on that later.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day! This is a happy day at our house. We finished packing this morning. Bruce thought everything would fit in one suitcase. NOT! The big suit case is full (40 pounds). Two medium suit cases are full and we have one carry one. I know we are taking too much but I can't figure out what to leave behind so I'm not leaving anything behind. Last night we went to the boat and RV show. It was pathetic! One of the vendors told us they expected 12,000 yesterday but when we left at 8:00 p.m. they had yet to hit 1,000. Economy. It is finally time for our big family vacation and we are READY! I'll talk to you when we get home. Until then, be safe and be blessed!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Here is a link to look at our new Jasmine!! We think she is a cutie pie. http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12117629

Sunday, February 8, 2009

We've had a good weekend and hope you have too. It was so warm here yesterday that we walked in our shorts and I actually wore carpi's the whole day. I love it! Thursday night we had dinner with our friend Kari Swan. We have not done a good job of keeping connected with all of our friends in Olathe. Work is really getting in our way! Friday night we had dinner with more friends - Jim and Lisa Wilms. While we were walking into the restaurant we bumped into two other sets of long time friends. Fun night. Last night Glenn and Vickie Youngblood came over for dinner and we played Farkle. Of course I lost but I'm a really good loser! We have BIG news. We are getting another doxie and her name is already Jasmine! Can you believe that? She is two years old and is at a pet shelter called Home For Disposable Pets in Riley, Kansas. She has spent her whole life in a kennel at a breeder. She's a tiny little thing at only 5 pounds and has really crazy hair. Her foster mom describes her hair as blue and brown. Bruce and I loved her at first sight. She is being spayed next week and we will get to bring her home when we get back from Cancun. Two weeks later she will go on her first RV trip. Jasmine One made her first big trip two weeks after we got her too. We sure hope Jasmine Two loves travelling as much as Jasmine One!