Beware: Loads of Pictures!!

Sam and I made it home from Mexico safely and we were greeted by 2 cheerful, giggling, smiley girls! We had a great time, but really missed them A LOT! The report was that they did exceptionally well and Jenna only broke down crying for us one day. Apparently, Jocelyn had no clue that we were gone, (sad huh?) and Jenna only wanted me when she got in trouble, as if maybe I would say that it was okay for her to throw her toys at Mikayla's face?!

The pictures will tell you how our stay was: (and they are in no order except the one that Blogger uploads them in.)

Here is Sam and Mandi having to take the "backseat" since Frank and I both easily get carsick.


Seattle Airport-waiting for deparute: Sam is...excited...or caffeinated?


Sam and I wishing that our surroundings were actually the resort we were staying in. This was a Palace that we walked through and gawked at. Maybe one day when we are rich and famous...


The beach from "The Palace"


Mandi and I in costume experiencing the Mexican culture


Frank and his buddy. They look a little alike, don't they? (Just jokin' Frankie!)


Tulum beach. Blue sky. Turquoise water. Palm trees. Need I say more?


The Mayan Ruins at Tulum


Tulum from a distance


Why are we posing here, and not swimming down in the water? I don't know.


More fascinating Ruins


Back at our resort beach (which wasn't a Palace, but was definitely nice!)


Awwww. The beauty.


The little Love-birds!


This is basically what we did...all day long.


Oh yes, and this too! After having kids, I forgot how nice it is to read things other than, "Caring for Your Toddler" or "Raising them Right" etc. I and never read at home with a Strawberry Pina Colada sitting next to me!


We took an all-day excursion to XCaret, which is a natural, fresh-water, water park/zoo. This is an area that we snorkeled through. It was beautiful. Most of it was dark, and under caves. Truly amazing, but then there were areas that were open and where light could shine through.


A fresh-water beach at the same park. The large building is a restaurant. We laid out at this beach towards the end of the day. It was very relaxing!


Our friend-a large Iguana!


Sam had fun playing with the colors on our camera, and I love how this one turned out.


Part of the park that we snorkeled through.


Sam sitting in a Mayan Throne...wearing Hawaiian swim shorts...fitting huh?

Mandi and I eating our invisible food in a Mayan Hut. Hey Mandi...your legs look a little red!


We had an amazing vacation, but we are glad to be home to our girls!
A HUGE thanks to Amy and Nate, for moving into our house and acting as a "mother and father" to Jenna and Jocelyn. Also to Juliana for being the "big sister" and helping with all the teeth-brushing, clothing, feeding, etc. And to Isaiah and Mikayla for playing with them.
Another HUGE thanks to my parents for stepping in when Amy needed a break, or when she had 4 different places to be at once, with 5 kids! Thanks for keeping them overnight and spoiling them rotten!
And one last HUGE thanks to Sam's parents for putting their fair share of baby-sitting time in as well! And, not only that, I came home to a remodeled pantry...a wonderful birthday surprise! :-)