MEXICO TRIP JUNE 21 22 & 23

MONDAY, JUNE 21st

CROCOCUN ZOO

Jay and Natalie went scuba diving Monday morning, when they got back from diving, we ventured out to the zoo. We had so much fun at the zoo, it was a "hands on" environment. This zoo was an ecological crocodile farm, but there was much more to the zoo than just crocodiles. These are just a few pictures of the birds and animals that we got to see and hold.

This was a gated area where we walked a path that was surrounded by 40 crocodiles, our guide had a big stick, I was wishing I had one too!

The parrot was one of my favorites, his kiss was so soft

We all held the baby crocodile, although I felt a little squeamish, but the kids did great, check out that smile on Collin! Yes, I even held the snake, but I refused to have it around my neck, so it wound around my arm, Jay took some classic pictures of me, I don't know who was more afraid, me or the snake. I refuse to post those pictures on my blog I looked pretty scary. Our guide had a hard time unwinding the snake from Sydney's sun glasses, we were all laughing so hard. The snake really liked those glasses.
The kids loved the Aztec dogs (hairless dogs), they were so friendly.

The monkeys were a real attraction. Our guide explained that a lot of them were bought buy people who don't realize that they can't take care of the monkey as they get older so they give them to the zoo. The zoo then teaches the monkeys how to survive in a jungle, it takes a lot of time and patients and hope that they will survive once they are released.

Sydney loved feeding the monkeys

We even got to go into the deer pen to feed the deer. The deer were so gentle and very friendly, maybe because we had their dinner in our hands.

This was my favorite time, I could handle the deer without wanting to scream and run.

That night we went to a restaurant that was a little like a Denny's, but more pricey. The food was more American, (kind of like going to one of the States Mexican restaurants). TUESDAY, JUNE 22nd

WE WENT SNORKELING!

When we arrived at Hidden Worlds they drove us down a very long and winding road to a path that we walked, also long and winding. The Cenote was at the end of the path, well worth the efforts.

A Cenote is an underground cave full of water. The Cenotes were very sacred to the Mayans. Many artifacts have been found in Cenotes all through the Mayan Rivera. The caves are covered with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. It was a great experience to see the stalagmites as we snorkeled under the water. This is a person repelling down to the underground cave, we chose to take the stairs.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23rd

THE BEACH AT PLAYA DEL CARMIN

In the morning, Natalie and Jay went scuba diving so we took the kids to the beach. I got to take a quick picture of a wedding ceremony that had just ended. No matter what time we visited that beach, morning, afternoon or evening, there was always a wedding going on. Check out the Mayan costumes, they must have hired some actors to give the wedding a special ambiance.Nana Donna and the kids just before jumping into the water. Collin and Sydney could have stayed at the beach all day. The only way we could get them to leave was to talk them into going to McDonald's for lunch.

A nice place to eat after being in the sun all morning. It was air conditioned and Collin was happy that it had windows and a doors.

When Jay and Natalie got back we had to check out Sam's club, so guess where we went for dinner? Check out Jay, he was enjoying his hot dog.....or not?

IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH TO MAKE US HAPPY!

MEXICO TRIP JUNE 17, 18, 19 & 20

THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

On Thursday John and I left Sandy and drove to Ephraim where we dropped off Maya. From Ephraim we drove to St. George where we had dinner with the Brown's and the Rich's. We took the shuttle to Las Vegas, for an 11:30 p.m. flight to Mexico City. We had a 6 hour layover in Mexico City with no place to lay our heads, then we caught another flight from Mexico City to Cancun. We arrived in Cancun around 1:30 p.m. there we rented a car and drove to Playa del Carmin.

Suggestion, don't take the red eye flights! By the time we got to Playa del Carmin we had 12 hours of flights and layovers. We were very tired, but when we saw the kids it rejuvenated us and we were ready to have some fun in the sun. But we did go to bed early that night.

FRIDAY, JUNE 18TH

Friday evening we walked down 5th Avenue (outdoor and indoor shops), then we walked to the beach. It was so beautiful, we forgot how hot and humid it was. The Rudel's took us to Jay's favorite outdoor restaurant, John really liked it too. I took a picture of it but can't find it on my camera, just picture a hug piece of meet hanging up cooking over flames, tables everywhere, most of them red plastic with chairs to match. Coca cola is written on the back of the chairs. The air is hot and humid, there are a few flies and the drinks don't stay cold very long, but the food really was good. To finish off a great first day we went swimming with the kids before hitting the sack.

I love the beautiful Caribbean ocean and blue sky, it was a little windy as you can tell by the picture

SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH

Saturday the Rudel's took us to Akumal Beach. We snorkeled out in the ocean swimming with the colorful fish and huge turtles, we had so much fun.
I also sat under a palm tree and enjoy the ocean view.
The trees are absolutely stunning all over the Mayan Riviera
Jay and Natalie are getting ready to go out in the water
Sydney's coming back from snorkeling

After playing with the turtles, Jay and Natalie took us to a private area where there is a little lagoon. The lagoon is called Yal-Ku Lagoon. The tropical fish were so colorful.

Collin and Sydney snorkeling

SUNDAY, JUNE 20TH

This was just a layed back day, we walked 5th Avenue, then John took us on a wild goose chase trying to find where he and I got off the ship last year and walked through the streets, our feet were pretty tired and the kids were not too happy, (don't blame them). John and I did find the area later on in the week.

In the evening we strolled along the Playa del Carmin beach.

The kids favorite past time was finding sea shells

Collin and Sydney were so happy to have dinner at McDonald's, Collin is not too fond of outdoor restaurants. He likes restaurants with doors and windows.

The sunsets in Playa del Carmin are spectacular!

LET'S PLAY BALL............June 1st

THE CARDINALS ......THIS YEARS CHAMPIONS
Dresden and his team went all the way!

The last two games were against the Royals. They were both nail biting games. Both times the Cardinals played neck and neck with the Royals only to win in the very last minute!

Dresden at the end of the championship game A very satisfied look wouldn't you say?

Dresden goes up to bat his couch tells him what he wants him to do

Dresden at bat, what great form

Dresden picking up an outfield ball

And throwing the ball to the third baseman

Last inning, Cards need to score one more to win, coaches rally the team
They did it! A great celebration out on the field

Dresden receiving his 1st place trophy

Congratulations Cardinals, what a team!

50th WEDDING ANNIVERSAY END OF MAY & MASTERING TAEKWONDO.......May 21st

ST. GEORGE TRIP FOR JEAN & VINCES ANNIVERSAY

The Wedding Anniversary was wonderful. Bob & Cindy hosted a beautiful garden party. Many family and friends attended. I forgot my camera!

BIG DAY!

COLLIN'S TESTING DAY

He earned his junior green belt passing with flying colors!

Grandma Jo was still in town so we picked her and the kids up and went to Collins big day. Collin followed everything his teachers told him to do and he answered all the questions correctly. We were so very proud of him. What a guy!

Waiting for instructions from his teacher, Master KimCollins class mates

Collin being quizzed by his instructors

Showing his instructors some of the moves he has learned

Partnering up to do more advanced moves

Master Darren playfully teases Collin before the demonstration

Papa John held the board while Collin kicked it into two pieces!

The trophy presentation, this is his third trophy and when he receives his fourth he will receive a larger trophy

Congratulations Collin, you did a great job

What a wonderful opportunity to see such a skilled young man. Keep up the good work!

WITCHES OF OZ.............Mid May

THE WONDERFUL WITCHES OF OZ

Up With Kids Performance

Sydney loves to sing, dance and act, so her mom and dad enrolled her in an acting group called Up With Kids. This was her first performance in front of a huge audience. Her mom and dad said she did wonderful. Congratulations Sydney, wish we could have seen the play, but we were in California visiting your cousins. Hopefully we'll get to see you in a play next year.

Sydney was the Mayor of Mousietoes

Sydney even had a speaking part, way to go little munchkin!

Sydney received flowers from her mom, dad and grandma Jo. We were so glad that Joann came for a visit from Arizona just in time to see Syd's performance.

You looked beautiful!