Couples' Retreat Mexico - Part 1

One of the major things that got Scott through PA school over the last year & a half was knowing we were going to Mexico when it was all done.

So, last Saturday, Scott & I, along with 3 other couples, headed off to Punta Mita, Mexico where we had the most incredible time!

SATURDAY:

We arrived in Puerto Vallarta the first afternoon, where we had a shuttle waiting to take us to our first night's stay - a family friend's condo in Punta Mita - talk about a luxurious condo!

these birds (the one in the tree) were everywhere. It must have been their mating season b/c the males would not stop puffing out their chests & strutting for the ladies.

- - - Scott walking along the very rocky beach.

some cool glass centerpiece gave Robin multiple heads

Robin & Eric

 SUNDAY:

Our second day in Punta Mita, we gathered all our stuff from the condo & hauled it back & forth via golf cart to a house just down the beach (other guests were still staying in it the night before).

(pic taken by Tiffani)

(pic taken by Sean)

one of my favorite places to sit - on the shaded patio overlooking the pool, golf course, & ocean

Eric, Robin, Tiffani, Andrew - - - Francisco picked up a chocolate cake for us from Costco, & it was delicious.

MONDAY:

Monday, the other three couples went zip-lining (I passed - not so sure it would have been the best thing to do while 6 months pregnant), while Scott & I went into the little surfing town of Sayulita (everyone else joined us there a couple hours later).

Scott & I had some incredible smoothies while people-watching (you know you do it too), practicing our Spanish, & trying to keep the countless passing vendors at bay. The smoothies were completely fresh - they sliced & diced everything right there in front of us (no frozen fruit, thank you). Mine was our overall favorite: pineapple, mango, & plain yogurt - yum.

me (in all my super-white glory - I hadn't seen the sun in a few years), Robin, & Tiffani

cute face, right? but hey, I had to get a belly shot

Later that evening, we went back to Punta Mita & had dinner at the Beach Club. The food wasn't as good as Scott & I remembered, but the view was awesome.

Eric, Robin, Andrew, Tiffani, me, Scott, Sean, other Liz

nothing like a private beach

"Who's this hermano guy?" (quick, name that TV show!)

And yes, they are brothers.

The rest of the trip to come . . .

11 May - all things coming together

After feeling like my head's been spinning in circles over the last couple weeks, things finally seem to be coming together.

I'm over halfway finished with Will's quilt . . .

I got a new runner for my kitchen, & I love it. It looks so fresh & oh the cushioning on my feet - beautimous . . .

Will's mind has been like a sponge, & he is impressing me so much every day with how smart he is - he "sings" along with Tangled's "Mother Knows Best" (hand actions & all), sings "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" & his ABC's, helps in the garden & chases buggies, jumps naked from the rock wall in our backyard (every smart boy does this, right?), & reads books to me (& his grandparents over the phone or Skype). He is at such a fun age, & I'm just loving every moment of him (minus the scratching problem we're still having, but let's not focus on that right now).

Love this boy (. . . & my new rug he's playing on)!

And the Little Lady is growing & growing. She likes playing peek-a-boo with my feet.

Where'd they go? . . . There they are (barely).

24 weeks today.

constructive messes

I decided Will needed to spend more time being creative & getting messy instead of spending the majority of his time playing with his trains, cars, & dinosaurs, or getting into things he shouldn't: remember this?

So I asked the Easter Bunny to bring Will some handpaints.

And Will loved them!

He didn't waste much time before swirling his hands all over the plates & squeezing the paint between his fingers. It's always so much fun to see his excitement when experiencing something new.

love this little handprint

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

I don't know if it's just pregnancy hormones or the fact that this movie marks the end of my favorite YA fantasy series, but I couldn't help but cry when watching this trailer. I know I'm going to be bawling like a baby in this movie. Please tell me I'm not the only one???

smell the roses

I have been in love with flowers this year. I notice them everywhere & just can't get enough of them. When I was at my parents' house this last week, I went out back with my mom to cut a bunch of roses. Even with my nose itching & running from allergies, I couldn't resist smelling them every chance I got.

When I drove home on Saturday & was getting ready to pull the car into the garage, I opened it to find 4 rose bushes lined up blocking my way. Scott (in his few hours off from work, so he could DJ a wedding) bought me my very own rose bushes for Mother's Day. I can't begin to tell you how excited I was! I jumped out of the car & just had to smell all of them & show them to Will. 

This morning, Will & I went outside to cut roses from our new bushes. They smell incredible, & look gorgeous! Scott got me the perfect gift - even better that it was a surprise.

Thank you Scott! Love you!

Loving This Quilt

I posted this quilt on my blog a few years ago & just came across the picture again today. I am still loving this design & the beautiful colors & fabrics. It's so soothing to me. I think my reward for finishing Will's & the Little Lady's quilts will be to finally buy the fabric to make this one.

On another note, I'm trying to decide on a pattern for the baby quilt - perhaps something like one of these?:

(leaning towards this one)

Easter!

The Easter Bunny left a trail of chocolates leading to Will's Easter basket. Will loved following them, but struggled keeping them all in his hands. He got creative & shoved some under his chin, so he wouldn't lose any.

This kid loves chocolate & passed the toys right up. I don't see that I blame him.

Before eating dinner, all the cousins went on their Easter Egg hunt.

Sammie, Timmy, Zach, Cole, Wes, Lily, Drew, Will

Zach

Drew

Sammie - Timmy

Cole - Will

my brother Brad w/ Wes & Will