Alcapulco

On day six of the cruise we had a short stop in Alcapulco. We were only there five hours so we did not do much. We walked along the shore and saw all the kids trying to sell us "Stride" gum (what happened to chicklets??) and adults were selling homemade umbrella pens and sea shells. Trevor collects shells from all our vacations so he loved seeing all these: Across the street from the port was this old fort with lots of charm. By the time we decided to walk through it it started sprinkling and it was almost time for the boat to leave so we did not have time to take a tour. We would have liked to because it was a really cool fort!

Can't you just imagine water in this mote???


From the fort we could see our ship- check out the dark clouds behind us. By the time we got back to the boat it was POURING RAIN- we were absolutely soaked!!!

2008 Panama Canal Disney Cruise

So I am finally posting about our vacation that we took six weeks ago. With over 400 pictures it has been a chore going through and organizing them. Plus we got home the night before school started and so getting the kids in a routine was number one priority :o)! There will be lots of post to follow this as we were gone for 16 days and there is a lot of stuff to cover. I will spare you every detail, but I wanted to post for the sake of journaling. So for the next few weeks check back often and see what new adventures we took!

From August 17th to September 1st we set sail on the beautiful Disney Magic to embark on the adventure of a lifetime! We booked this trip 18 months prior (it sold out in just a few hours) so this was a trip we were all looking forward to! The Disney Magic docked in San Pedro, CA all summer doing week long Mexican Rivera Cruises. We were fortunate to go on the exclusive two week repositioning cruise from San Pedro, CA to Port Canaveral, FL. Our destinations included Cabo San Lucas, Puerta Vallarta, Alcapulco, Panama Canal, Cartegena, Aruba andCastaway Cay. We took this trip with Randy, Cathy, Rebecca, Rachel and Dallin. It was such a wonderful trip that after two weeks we were not ready to come home! Here are some pictures before the boat pulled out:

Us in the Terminal with Mickey Mouse (Trevor's favorite character):

The girls were so excited!!! This is there second cruise:
Us on the 10th deck
Looking down on the 9th deck during the farewell celebration:
My parents on the land wishing us off....wish you were on our boat- don't feel too bad for them, they brought the boat over from Florida to California in May!
We had two connecting rooms. Here is the kids room:
Here is Ryan and I's room. Thanks mom for all the great door decorations!

Day 2- Cabo San Lucas

We tendered into Cabo on Tuesday where we grabbed a taxi to the Sheraton Resort. The pools were beautiful and so was the sand and ocean! There was a strong undercurrent in the ocean so we stayed out of the water. We did however get a good laugh at those who decided to take a walk along the shore and get knocked off there feet :o)! LOL!! Sounds mean, but it was very entertaining from our lounge chairs!
There was a waterfall seperating two of the pools and the little kids enjoyed climbing up and down it. If we were in Maui the lifeguards would never had allowed it, but in Mexico they just do not care!
Here is the gang!

Day 3- Puerta Vallarta

We took a taxi to downtown Puerta Vallarta. It was so hot and humid that day! The girls really wanted some souvenirs so we endured the heat and humidity for them. Here is what they all found: Mackenzie- three bracelets, Madalyn- Coach Sunglasses, Trevor- a set of 7 rainbow colored stone toucans and Meredith- a bracelet. The toucans were pretty hilarious, but Trevor had his heart set on them. Sorry I did not take pictures of them.

Notice the fork and spoon on the street letting everyone know there is a restaurant there: They got to hold an endangered reptile of some sort (not my thing):

The streets were very narrow:

There was a fun pirate shop by the dock and the kids got a kick out of the skeletons!

TAGGED!!!

While I was out of town I got tagged by my good friend Erin. I am not good at these things because I am one who cannot think of things about myself quickly. I know that once I post this that I will suddenly come up with some great things to say. Oh well, you will all have to deal with my first answers :o)!
Sorry it has taken me so long to respond Erin! Life has been a bit crazy since I got home- afterall I have not even posted a single vacation photo yet! Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. Anyway here it goes:

3 Joys:
1. My family
2. Music
3. Fireworks

3 Fears:
1. Failure
2. A dirty house
3. My car breaking down or getting a flat when I do not have Ryan with me

3 Obsessions:
1. Dental floss- weird huh???
2. Golden Spoon
3. Reality TV (specifically- SYTYCD, Project Runway, Designers Challenge, Flipping Out, American Idol and Biggest Loser)

3 Surprising Facts:
1. My pet peeve is snoring- drives me crazy!
2. I like to take familiar tunes and change the words to apply to whatever my family is doing at the time.
3. I work part time for a pediatric cardiologist

I tag anyone who wants to join in! Why limit it to just a few......

First Day of Preschool

Meredith's first day of preschool was today. She has graduated into the three day a week program. She attends for 3 1/2 hours three days a week. She is sure growing up fast! Who knew that the tallest kid in her preschool class would be her (my 4 lb. preemie)! She if following in her sisters footsteps in the height catagory! Here is Meredith with one of her teachers Mrs. Lloyd. Mrs. Lloyd has been either Trevor or Meredith's teacher for the past three years. We just love her! Her husband had a stroke the night before school got out and passed away a few weeks later. I am so thankful that I was able to attend "Mr. Bill's" funeral and learn about what a wonderful man he was. Thanks for coming back to teach my child this year- I know life is difficult for you right now. Hopefully the beautiful children in the class will help keep your mind busy.
Meredith had no problem going back to school. She is a great listener, helper and is eager to learn. Hope you have a great year May May!!!

First Day of School 2008

We got home from our long, relaxing vacation last night and school started this morning! A rude of wakening when we are use to being up until midnight and sleeping in until ten oclock am! Anyway, we made it and the girls were excited to start school. Trevor was a little apprehensive.

Mackenzie is in 7th grade this year taking Cantata Choir and accelerated Science.

Madalyn started 6th grade this year- middle school! She had a hard time figuring out her locker last night, but today she had it mastered!

Trevor would rather just play at recess, but ended up having a great first day at school. We are so excited that he has the same first grade teacher as Madalyn and his best friend is in his class.

Here's to hoping for a great school year in 2008/09!!!

GO LIONS!

P.s.- I will post about our vacation once I get some time to upload and organize the 500+ pictures :o)!