Mexico 2010

We enjoyed a warm and sunny long January weekend in Mexico. It was a wonderful break from the unseasonably cold weather in NW Arkansas. We stayed at the Royal Hideaway Playacar Resort and Spa. It is a beautiful resort. We met some of our best friends, Mike and Anna at the Cancun airport before heading to the resort. Mike and Anna live in Raleigh, NC. We were as excited to see them as we to see the sunny beaches. And speaking of the beach, the ocean was beautiful. We have been to several tropical locations, but the ocean may have been the prettiest I have ever seen. We had a wonderful experience. The service was great and food was fabulous. The resort is all-inclusive. This was our first all-inclusive experience...and we loved it. I love that they brought fresh fruit to us as we lounged at the pool...no kidding. {The only let down was the rude return to reality as we returned home...and I had to fix my own breakfest.}

I loved these little bridges....


At the pool.
At the beach.
My sweet and funny friend, Anna and I. {I adore her. She is hilarious. She has the most contagious laugh. I miss her so much between visits.}

Allen and Mike. {Yes, the boys got a little sun.}

Allen took this outside at our villa. {Kinda silly pic of me...but I loved the open air lobby}
The last afternoon, we walked over to a marketplace buy some gifts for the kiddos who we left behind in AR and NC. I was quickly reminded that despite all the pampering that we enjoyed while on the resort...there are many local people who work very hard for very little to make a living in Mexico. The local people were very friendly. If you visit Mexico, remember to visit with the shopkeepers and tour guides. They are very appreciate of the tourists.

So, I leave you with this photo: A warm and sunny afternoon in Mexico. If you are experiencing a cold and dreary winter day...I hope this sunshine adds a little warmth to your day. ;)

Thankful for Friends

I am so thankful for friends; friends who live close by and friends who live away. This week, we have been blessed to spend time with people we love. My sweet friend, Kathryn, came into the area, to visit her family. But, I got to steal her away for a while. What a blessing to be able to catch up with an "old" friend. Well, Kathryn isn't old...we have just know each other a long time. Benjamin had a great time getting to know Braxton and Nash. They are such fun and well-behaved boys.

Yesterday, Benjamin, Georgia-Kate and I drove to Branson, to visit Rebecca and Carmen. We got to meet Baby Mark, for the first time. He is so sweet and he looks like his beautiful mother. Benjamin and Carmen actually played together! Rebecca and I were so excited.

Today, Megan and JP came to visit us. We love to spend time with them. Benjamin and JP really play well, together. I am so thankful for Megan. She has such a sweet spirit. After the chaos of last week....all the repairmen came over on, the same day! Megan stepped in and totally took care of my children while I worked with the men who came to fix the pool, the plumbing and the security system. It was a busy morning! Thank you, Megan.

Sometimes, friends really do feel like family.

Salter Path, North Carolina

Henry and Benjamin digging in the sand.

Anna, Marci and Georgia-Kate at the beach house.
At the beach
Mike spending time with boys.
Georgia-Kate
Henry and Benjamin in Beaufort,NC

"There's Nemo!" At the Aquarium

We had a GREAT time during our Atlantic Beach vacation in North Carolina with our friends, Mike and Anna Absher. We are so blessed to know them. Henry and Benjamin had a fun week together. They played in the sand, swam in the pool and played a lot of Thomas, the Train. Mike spent half of the week rebuilding the track.

Georgia-Kate slept a lot, but she did see the ocean.

Benjamin, Georgia-Kate and I flew out a few days, before Allen. I was so nervous about the flight with my little ones, but they were perfect. My mom so graciously drove us to Kansas City--so we could fly direct. I couldn't have done it without her help. She held Benjamin's hand in the security line, at the airport, until she couldn't reach him. Thanks Mom! Allen worked the first part of the week and joined us on Thursday.

Thursday Morning, we went to the Aquarium in Salter Path, NC. Benjamin was a little nervous that the fish, sharks and jellyfish could get him through the glass. He was very excited to find "Nemo" in the tank.

Anna, Georgia-Kate and I spent Friday afternoon shopping in historic Beaufort, NC. It was established as a seaport with the right to collect customs in 1722. We had a great lunch and spent a "little" money at the shops. Mike, Allen, Henry and Benjamin spent the afternoon, swimming and having a nap. We returned to Beaufort, for dinner, Saturday night. What a great place.

We will impatiently wait until our next visit with our friends.

Thank you, Mike and Anna for a wonderful time!