Final Port

Our last port was Puerto Vallarta. We had an awesome excursion booked for this one. We went on a canopy zip line adventure. It was SO much fun. First we took about a 45 min drive through the city and surrounding towns to get to our destination in the middle of the jungle. This was cool because we got to see what real Mexico is like, not just the tourist spots. The ride was an adventure of its own, we were with 6 other people and we all thought that it was better that the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland! I thought that I was totally going to freak out but when I got up there it was so easy and not scary at all. OK I take that back, after about 10 different zip lines, landing on single tree platforms 75 - 90 feet in the air, we had to rappel to solid ground. I was totally freaked out to do this but turns out it wasn't that bad or that hard! Notice the picture of the cattle herd. I thought this was hilarious. Everyone jumped up with their cameras (including Tim) to get a picture. After I asked Tim why he took a picture, he said "because it was a real cattle herd, you don't see that everyday." I said "Yes you do, they are out all the time in Manti!" Besides the mosquito bites I got all over my legs, this was a GREAT tour!

Allison didn't do the canopy tour because she is pregnant so when we got back, the two of us went to play on the beach and do some shopping. We definitely learned some valuable lessons for our next cruise. Number one, get away from the dock to find the best deals on Taxi's!

We had an absolutely AMAZING week and it was sad to see it end, although we all missed our kids. Tim and I were also sad to leave the beautiful sun and come home to cold, wet snow. Cruises are the best, total relaxation, no commitments, 24 hour food, endless amounts of food, entertainment, more food, and sleep! When can we go again?!

Second Port

Mazatlan was our second port. Here we boarded an "air conditioned" (not really!) trolley for a tour of the city. It is so crazy how they totally trap you to do things. First they took us to this look out to see the lighthouse and an iguana, they practically put the iguana in your arms and then it is after that when you notice that the guys shirt says tips for picture. You don't even have a choice! Then our tour guide takes us to this one jewelry shop that we have to spend like 20 minutes there for a "free drink" (again with a huge tip jar on the counter). After the "free drink" they take us to see the cliff divers. These crazy guys jump from the cliff right into rocks, I am surprised that we did not witness a death. We were then dropped off to shop. Mazatlan had awesome shopping, I got some great deals! Our next stop was lunch, again we had no choice, the driver stopped at a restaurant, the only restaurant around, and that is where we ate. At least the food was good! I do think that this was my favorite port because we got to see so much of the city and of course because of the shopping!!

First Port

Our first port was Cabo San Lucas. Here we ate some awesome nachos and went Snuba diving. Snuba is a mix between snorkeling and scuba diving. Your oxygen tanks are on a little raft then you are able to dive down about 20 feet. It is a lot of fun. There wasn't really any coral but there was colorful fish, a puffer fish and parts of a sunken ship. It is so cool to dive down to the bottom of the ocean and see whats down there. Maybe for our next cruise we will be scuba certified!

Cabo San Lucas

Tim and I after Snuba diving

We were also able to snorkel after we went snuba diving, not as cool but still fun!

Dinner that night at Ginza. Tim and Cameron ate here twice, all you can eat sushi!!

Vacay!

Tim and I finally got to go on a vacation without children! It was SO much fun and so RELAXING! We went on a Mexican Riviera cruise with one of Tim's old mission companions, Cameron and his wife Allison. Did I mention how much fun it was? This was the first time that we had ever been away from Maddux and the first time that we had been away from Jacie for more than a weekend. I was kind of stressed leaving them but it was a great trip. Thanks to Grandma Esther and Grandma Holly for taking our kids so we could spend a week in the sun!

Tim and I on the deck just after boarding

Allison and I even talked the boys into taking Cha Cha lessons with us!

This is the four of us on formal night. Allison is my hero, she does everything. She MADE her dress. I don't even own a sewing machine!

Trick or Treat!

I finally got around to posting pictures of the kids for Halloween. Jacie only wants to be princess', last year was Cinderella, this year Ariel. At least it isn't hard to get it put together! Maddux got to be Stitch, Jacie was also Stitch for her second Halloween. When we originally bought the costume we thought it was Eeyore but after we put Jacie in it people told us that it was Stitch. That was before we had seen ALL the Disney movies! The kids had a great time trick or treating and we still have way too much candy!