Family Time in PV

Did I mention that we had a great time with family? My parents had a blast with Samuel and even let him sleep in their room which we didn't mind at all. Our activities included long leisurely walks down the beach, lounging by the pool, a zip line tour through the rain forest, whale watching, sea turtle releasing, flea market shopping, playing with Samuel on the beach, and eating lots of good food at the open air hotel cafe on the beach. We couldnt have asked for a better trip!

Olive Ridley Sea Turtles

Its Cherie now - Jolly and I are taking turns :O) Our vacation happened to coincide with both the whale and sea turtle breeding seasons. We took a sailboat trip to whale watch and saw a mother and her calf. We followed them for two hours or so. The mom leaped out of the water three times and the baby did once, definitely a successful tour. The highlight of our trip for me, though, was the sea turtle rescue operation a half mile down the beach from our resort. We were able to participate in the release of baby sea turtles! In case you didn't know - I am obsessed with sea turtles and have never seen them in the wild. Jolly told me about the release the night before we got to participate and I dreamed about it that night! This was definitely an experience we will treasure!

Puerto Vallarta Scenic Pics

Cherie, Samuel, and I just got back from a wonderful trip with Mojo and Papaw to the little Mexican resort town of Puerto Vallarta. It was the best vacation I can remember having in a long time. Lots of relaxation, fun adventures, and good times all around with family. Hope you enjoy these pictures of the city.

Aunt Key Originals

Here are a couple pictures Katie took of Samuel and his Christmas Sweater. I am continually amazed at her artistry. The sweater and photos are gorgeous. Thanks SOOOO much Katie, you are precious to us and so are your gifts :O)

Sweet and Sour Valentines Weekend

Gorgeous flowers Dad sent us from Shanghai, China

Irises and chocolates from my favorite Valentine

Samuel's new toy from Mimi and Papa

Baby brother's crib bedding

Hi friends and family! I feel like I am writing with a new lease on life today. Our family has survived the first full fledged stomach flu experience. Yuck!! May none of you EVER experience this particular plague. A friend of mine has a grateful journal for curing the blues, I think I shall follow in her footsteps and remark on the things (and they are many) I have to be grateful for in retrospect of this particular experience:
1. I am grateful that Jolly, Samuel, and I contracted the bug in stages, it would have been terrible to all have it at the exact same time
2. I am grateful that my mom already had plans to be here this weekend, and though its not how we would have chosen to spend our time together, she was a much needed pillar of strength and sweetness!
3. I am grateful that Mom did not get sick! Praise God! *Correction* Mom did get it, just not till after she was home for two days. Ugh. She's already feeling better.
4. I am grateful that we felt good enough to get out and buy baby brother's nursery bedding, and a new Valentine toy for Samuel - thanks Mimi and Papa!
5. I am grateful that Dad sent flowers to Mom (and me) for Valentine's day since he couldn't be with us, business trip in China, we miss you Daddy!
6. I am grateful that Jolly bought me Irises and Dove Chocolates AND I was feeling well enough to enjoy a few!
7. I am grateful that Katie came by to cheer us up and take a few PRECIOUS pictures of Samuel in the sweater she made him for Christmas. Seriously, handmade one of a kind clothing AND professional photos in our living room.
8. I am grateful that baby on the way was a champ through a long torturous night.
9. I am grateful that no one was severely dehydrated needing IV fluids, especially Samuel or I.
10. AND I am grateful that we are headed to Puerto Vallarta this Thursday for some warm sunshine and good times with Mike and Mojo!!
Hope everyone has a blessed day :O)

Alluvial Fan Hike

I've been aching to get up in to the mountains all winter! I choose not to ski pregnant because its not worth the risk to me - and all the hiking trails have been covered in snow since October. This week it warmed up enough for a hike so Jolly and I headed up to Rocky Mountain National Park with Samuel. Perfect remedy for cabin fever!! Usually we put Samuel in the hiking pack, but this time he wanted his feet on the ground. I guess that makes this his first official hike. He walked the whole mile with an occasional hand hold if it was steep or icy. We had a blast!