Los Cabos San Lucas, MX - July 16-20th, 2008

Okay, so for those of you with kids - you know... there's a difference between the 'kid-vacation' and the 'adult-vacation'. Jim & I (probably more than one ought) understand that to its' fullest... and - we indulge in both, appreciate both, and live each version to its' max.
Hence, the trip back to Mexico a week after returning from the trip with the boys. Go figure. One of these days, we'll get creative and go somewhere else... but for now, Mexico is easy - and seems to do the trick!





So, I kind of get scared when I see this picture - because I think I look like a crazy person... if you take out the other tourists behind me, I'm pretty sure I look like a cross between a government-disease control unit worker (is there such a thing?), a Mexican robber, and a terrorist. It just gives me the creeps.

Akumal, MX - June 30th - July 6, 2008

Just arrived in Cancun, Mexico... HAPPY boys!

It was nearly dark when we first got to the house the first night - but with a pool in their front yard... they HAD to test it out! Goooooo-Feeee!

Welcome to our Mexican Hacienda!

This is what we call, 'The naked toothbrush dance'. They did this every night we were there. I think it speaks for itself.

This is a restaurant that was very 'Swiss Family Robinson-esque'.
Climb & eat at your own risk!

At the top Bo said, 'This is a boys only clubhouse... well except you Em, only one girl aloud.'

Poor Bobo has to pose for SO many pictures - he thinks it's torturous! Ty's always all smiles!

Tulum - Ancient Mayan Ruins dating back to 564 A.D.

While Jim was out exercising - the boys and I scrambled to fill as many water-balloons as possible. It was hard for them not to huck them at each other throughout the process - but Jimbo got ransacked in the end!

SUCH Posers!

Ty worships his Dad SO much. And this particular morning he surrendered the ninos (kids) menu and insisted on getting exactly what Jim was getting. He had to muscle through some spicy huevos rancheros - but in the end he was 'the same' as Dad. It's adorable... and really - who better to emulate!

The boys learned how to say a few Spanish words while we were there... the hitter?? 'Botana' - it means 'snack'. What would we do without snacks!?

Quickly, before I lose the nerve... I have to 'blog'... about these two little nuggets. These two boys are the closest, and only thing I'll ever have to kids of my own. And they're more amazing to me - than I deserve. They're open, and sweet, and somehow - they've made a spot for me. I'm not the mom, I'm not the... aunt, big-sister, nanny... I'm just me. A role I'm not sure I'll ever be able to define, but as we understand it - it seems to work.
I'm SO lucky to have such fantastic little people in my world. They're so very good to me.

Grand Canyon, AZ - Cruise America Boys Trip - June 9-15, 2008

I'm so proud of this trip (sigh).

There aren't a lot of people that know who Jim is as a Dad. He's not the business-man, He's not the negotiater, He's not the joker... He's a Dad. He took the boys on this trip, just the three of them. One week, in a Cruise-America RV - He cruised from SLC to Brice Canyon - to Zion - to The Grand Canyon, and back home again. Cooked dinners, built fires, rode bikes, earned jr. ranger badges, and came back to me - happy!

My three favorite boys.

See the Elk in the background...

Los Angelas, CA - Annual Girls Trip - May 29-June 2, 2008

This was my 4th Annual Girls Trip - I think there were two trips pre-me, but for me this was #4. I owe this unique group of girlfriends to Stacey - who selflessly shared her friends with me four years ago. Stacey & I were chums in High School, but only within a large group of girls (you know who you are). We reunited almost 5 years ago, and I've been unbelievably loved since.
My friendship with Stacey is one of my most valuable life-assets... if my life were on fire, and I could go in for just a few things - her friendship would be one of them.

This colorful group of women are real, and loyal, and far from simple... they've each got character, and oppinion, and class... we share life-styles, and differ in life-styles. We agree and we disagree. They're real women... and real friends.