Puerto Vallarta

We had our 10 year anniversary back in January, and decided to wait until May to go on a sweet trip! Steve had just graduated from ASU, and I had just finished my recitals so we were ready for a break. One week in Puerto Vallarta- without kids. It took a few days to get used to the peace and quiet. I realized I'm glad I have kids. It's way too quiet without them around! I did get a lot of reading done. 3 books including "Twilight". But too much relaxing gets boring!!! Enough of this relaxation crap! How much lying around on the beach can one person handle??? By the third day, I talked Steve into doing an excursion. We went on a Canopy tour--15 zip lines down a mountain. Highest one was 500 feat above ground, and the longest one was 1/4 of a mile. Super fun! We had so much fun on that one that we went on another tour--Sea Safari. Snorkling, Kayaking, hiking and a BBQ on a private beach. I don't know if I've ever had so much fun. I'd go back just to do the excursions.

It was really cool of our resort to have boogie boards and kayaks for us to use--no charge. We took this huge kayak out and rode the waves in on it. That was fun-that is until we hit a huge wave sideways and I flew out of the kayak and it hit my head--no damage (that I know of :) Steve wouldn't let me go out on it again. :(
Steve liked to pick up weird dead creatures.
Blow fish, crab, Baracuda,

and a hermit crab (not dead). There were hundreds of hermit crabs along the cost. Teeny tiny ones smaller than my pinky nail. So cute!

This was our ride out to go snorkling. Fastest speed boats in the world.

This was on the private beach they took us to for a BBQ and a hike through the tropical forest. Good times, good times. I am so glad we went on this trip! Every time we have gone on a vacation together without our kids, (all 3 times) we've had so much fun together, like when we were dating. I forgot how cool I am. Ha ha! I come away feeling like I'd choose him all over again. Another thing trips are good for is realizing you're glad you have kids, because without them, you wouldn't have much to live for. And it's the best feeling to come home after a week away and have them jumping up and down, so excited that you're home.

THE END

Cousins

Aren't they cute?

"H" and cousin "S". (I finally have a kid that likes to pose :)

I know, I know

I stink at this. How the heck do you ladies do this all the time. I almost forgot that I had a blog, until Lori complained that I hadn't done anything since APRIL! There is so much that has gone on since then. Sooooo, I'll try to get caught up.

More Birthday...

I love that my B-Day can last for a couple weeks! Somehow, I talked my brothers into taking me out for lunch. My Mom and Dad came too. Chad and Dad escaped before we took a picture. Sorry you don't get to see their cute faces, but oh well. We ate at The Bamboo Club. I'd never been there, and it will be a new favorite! It's a lot like PF Changs. Anyway, it was fun to hang out with the boys. I don't think we've ever done that as adults.
THEN, my in-laws had a dinner for me. Pictured is Carolyn, Vikki, Sherri, Noah, Steve, then bottom row Whitney, me, and Tanya. I think Cindi was taking the picture??? Love you guys!

Yikes, I forgot to mention... My cool Mom was babysitting my kids on my birthday and I came home and my house was clean and the laundry was done and put away!!! That was the best present any mom could ask for! It was a lovely day.

My Fun 30th Birthday :)

Steve and I celebrated my birthday on Friday. He took me out to dinner and shopping and even a movie. We had a great time. I love that he loves to shop. That is probably one of our favorite things to do together. I grew up with my dad sitting by the dressing room or the exit and just waiting until we were done shopping. Never even looking for anything for himself. So, it's fun to have a shopping partner.

Since we celebrated my b-day last weekend, I was a little bummed I didn't have anything to look forward to. And for the last couple days, I seemed to be in mourning. Luckily I was fine today, but yesterday, every time anyone talked about my b-day, I would start crying. I know...stupid! I have nothing to be depressed over. I've had a good life. Or is it because I have to act mature now??? Anyway, I called one of my dear friends- Amanda Bogle- who has the same b-day as me, and asked her if she wanted to go to lunch. Well, let me tell you what a good friend she is...(mind you it's her b-day too) she called up my other buddies and they surprized me at Costa Vida's for lunch. Melanie Palmer, Trisha Adams, and even Jodi Goodman. I couldn't believe it. What a way to celebrate your birthday, with good old friends. Thanks gals! That was fun!

Amanda, Mel, and Me---

in my bling-bling hat Mel gave me!

Trisha, Me, and Jodi

Thanks for being such great friends!

I love Easter!

Every Easter we go to the Temple after church and snap some shots. We actually had a good time this year since the kids are getting older and don't mind taking pictures so much.

The girls in the pink are our nieces. Cute girls!


Handsom little devils.

I thought this was so endearing of Steve- tying her bow :) What a good daddy.

Shoot me some ideas!

Steve asked me the other day what I wanted to do for my "30th" Birthday coming up. It's an odd feeling to be coming to this day. I don't feel that old. I can't think of anything super fun to do. Any ideas??? What are some fun things to do around the valley?