Cancun

OK, I am finally ready to talk about it.  

Cameron and I took a trip to Mexico a little over a month ago, and I am just now ready to revisit some of those memories.  Don't get me wrong, we had a great time during the first part of the week, but the last part was a different story.  This is a family blog, so lets just say we picked up an authentic, free, Mexican souvenir - and we are not talking about a giant sombrero.  After 5 days of misery, I couldn't bare to even look at the pictures and the thought of returning to Mexico was like torture!

The PTSD is slowly passing, and although I am not ready to return, I can at least talk about it and post some pictures.  Baby steps, right?

When we arrived, we were thrilled to find that we had been upgraded to an ocean front suite.  It was sweet!  We had a  huge gorgeous balcony that overlooked the pool and beach and we could hear the waves and watch the sun rise over the Caribbean every morning (well, I would watch it, Cameron slept right through it every morning - how, I don't know - the sun was SO bright). 

The ocean was beautiful and warm - and basically ours.  We unknowingly went during the off season, and we felt like we had the place to ourselves.  So nice!

One day we took a day trip out to a little island called Isla Mujeres to do some snorkeling and shopping.  Cameron got to play Steve Irwin or Jacques Cousteau (or whoever) and swim with the sharks.  This is where we also learned that if you would like to use a public bathroom, hand over the pesos, and if you would like toilet paper  - more pesos.  Soap to wash up after?  That's right, more pesos.  Interested in drying your hands?  Well, you get the idea.  And the bus drivers don't speak English, or even understand Spanish spoken with an English accent.  Just so you know.

We loved the view from our room, this picture doesn't do it justice (and the picture was so dark I had to adjust it so you see that it really was us).  We were enjoying ourselves and then.....

(don't worry, I don't have any pictures of the rest of the week to share - I am still trying really hard to forget those memories)!

Mexico.

Mission Accomplished!!

A lot of you have been asking, and I am so sorry I am so slow at posting, but HE DID IT! And in record time, no less! Ryan rode into Huntington Beach last Friday after going nearly 800 miles in 11 days!! WOW! We are so proud of him and hope he gets the much needed (and deserved) rest and relaxation!
Cameron was able to ride next to him for a few days when he was in Utah, and despite the wind and cold, he had a great time. And he managed to get a few pictures too! I am proud of you sweetie! :D




At one point during the ride, they were going through some tiny town and passed an elementary school. All the kids came running out to the fence and were clapping,screaming and shouting encouragement. They both said it was so cool and uplifting to see the support of strangers. Now where is the picture of that?? ;P

Congratulations Ryan! We love you and are so proud of you!!

Ryan's Invictus Tour

After 2 years of training, Cameron's brother Ryan started pushing his hand cycle on Tuesday morning from Salt Lake City to Huntington Beach, California. Why, you ask? Well, because he is an amazing dude. And it has been a goal of his for years, he is honoring a late friend, and he is hoping to raise money for charities along the way (not to mention breaking a world record). He is planning on riding 70 miles a day for 13 days straight! We are all quite amazed at this feat and his determination. We wish him the best! If you are interested in finding out more, catch updates on the ride, or to donate to one of his charities, visit his website: invictustour.com
We love you Ryan! Be safe and best of luck!
(Sorry about the commercial you must watch to get to the video. :-( There is no way around it)

Lake Powell

My favorite family vacations growing up were our week long trips to Lake Powell and I have always wanted to take Cameron and the girls there.  Only one problem: we don't have a boat and without one, Powell would totally stink.  Well, thankfully, my sister and her family (who have a boat) invited us to spend the weekend with them there.  

We had so much fun wake boarding, skiing, tubing, soaking up the sun, and being with family. Both girls learned to water ski, Lauryn loved it and was able to stay up for quite a few seconds.  Brinn was up for just a few seconds, fell, and refused to try again, but I was quite surprised that she tried at all. (The video of them skiing is great!)  I was so proud of them both for trying something new (and kind of scary!) 

 The days went by way too fast - I could have used a couple of more days there - but when all was said and done, Lake Powell was just as great as I remembered it as a teenager.  Thanks for the invite Jamie and Joel!  We all loved it!  Cameron is saying next year is his year for a boat... shall we plan for 2009??