My Sentiments

Day 5

Puerto Vallarta

It took us a little to decided how we wanted to get around in the city and fit in everything we wanted to do, but we finally decided on renting a van for the day. We got a pretty good deal and the driver took us everywhere we wanted. He knew a lot about the city so the car rides between locations were really interesting. He even helped us haggle with the snorkeling dudes to get us a better deal. This city was by far my favorite. We were able to do everything we wanted, for one, and there was a variety to do and see. Beautiful Mexico.

All greased up and ready for the sun!

Our van driver, Abraham, taking us on a tour of the jungle.

Beautiful parrot.

Abraham stopped on the side of the road so we could take this photo in front of Los Archos on our way to snorkel around it.

This is the shop we rented some gear and the boat (drivers included) to go snorkeling around Los Archos.

Getting closer to Los Archos…

Ready to conquer my biggest fear. Jumping off the edge of the boat took some nerve, but was easy compared to swimming off the shore into the massive ocean (which I tried in Cabo, but could not do). As long as looked toward Los Archos I could make myself forget I was actually in the ocean. I wasn’t out long, but I did it, none the less. The life vest was a little over the top and I had to take it off once I got in. There were small fish everywhere… and a few larger ones as well. I swam close to the boat and tried not to notice the fish brushing against my legs. It really was a cool experience. Now I can check it off my list of things to do in my life time. Done.

Kylir and Priscilla out snorkeling. Marcus was out there somewhere exploring as well.

Kylir came back to the boat feeling sick… too much sea water. We got back to the van and took a ride up to a restaurant that was next to a stream. When we got there we were just in time to watch a guy dive off a cliff into the little pool in the stream. Blindfolded.

Then we decided to have a go! I went first so the diving dude gave me some pointers. Obviously I was a natural.

After my graceful slide into the pool, I decided to take a dive.

Marcus

Priscilla

Kylir

Marcus going in head first.

Kylir

The restaurant overlooking the stream.

It was a good day.

The evening, however, was tough. Marcus and Priscilla were sick so we did our own thing for dinner and rested after the exhausting, yet awesome, 3 days in Mexico.

Day 6

We slept in until noon. We lazied around all day then that evening Kylir and I went to the Ice show. It was amazing how many people they had skating around doing tricks on the small ice rink. Loved it.

That night when we returned to our room we found the elephant wearing my sunglasses.

Day 7

Marcus and Priscilla were feeling better. We were glad to have our buddies back for our last day at sea. We relaxed again, playing games, mini golfing and rock climbing.

It was incredibly windy.

Kylir and Marcus played ping pong against some great guys from Washington.

Kylir and Priscilla raced up the rock wall. Priscilla won, though Kylir will tell you he let her win.

Day 8

Early morning. Lots of lines. Waiting. On dry land once more.

We took Priscilla to the airport so she could visit her family out of state and the rest of us drove all the way back home. It was a fantastic trip. Next year…Alaska?

The End

Day 3

Cabo San Lucas

Super excited to get off the boat in Cabo to play… it took hours! Longest. Line. Ever. Apparently Cabo is too shallow to dock so the boat stays out a ways and smaller boats bus us off to the dock. It was a mess and with an already late start we were off the boat with only 4ish hours to play. We made the most of our time.

Waiting in line down the hall, up the stairs, 7 floors up, down another hall, and another hall, in front of the rooms. nice.

Lover’s Beach in Cabo San Lucas

Kylir, Marcus and Priscilla went snorkeling around the rocks of Lover’s Beach. I chickened out. I do love laying out on the beach so I wasn’t too disappointed and Priscilla kept me company for a little while.

The Arch

The boat ride out to see The Arch. It was stunning, like most of the beautiful beach and ocean views we saw this trip. Two oceans meet near The Arch so the water was too rough for us to go under it, but it was awesome, none the less.

The Mariner of the Sea. I didn’t realize until this moment how big our ship really was.

That evening as we were pulling away from Cabo San Lucas we had a look at the deserted Lover’s Beach.

Day 4

Mazatlan

We were able to get out much earlier then day three so we had time to walk along the beach, body board, para-sail, and have a long walk around the city.

Para-sailing!!! THE MOST AWESOME! The highlight of the entire trip, for me, was the para-sailing. I have a phobia of the ocean, but heights…. bring it on!

I could have gone para-sailing ALL DAY!

I DID IT!

Kylir went next and took the camera with him! Scary!

Kylir took a photo of Marcus body boarding right as he was taking off. The water was really sandy, and you can tell!

Mazatlan from above.

One photo to document our incredibly long walk around the city and back to the ship.

After we returned back to the ship we unloaded half the beach from our suits into our small shower drain. We had a great dinner once again and the rest was a blur as we rested up for our last day in Mexico.

…..

May 2nd - 9th Kylir and I, along with our friends Marcus and Priscilla, went on a 7 day cruise to Mexico. We loved it! Here’s a small handful of the 800+ photos, with commentary, that we took on our trip:

DAY 1

We drove down to California on the 1st and stayed the night with our ol’ pals, Kelsey and Adam. Sunday Morning we went to church with them and, shortly after, drove to the pier to get on our massive cruise ship.

About to board our ship. Between us and the ship you can see just some of the many pieces of luggage being loaded.

One of the very first things we did once on the ship was EAT, of course!

Then we looked around on deck.

Dinner each night was in this incredibly fancy dining hall.

We went to a juggling show and comedy after our very filling dinner and desert… no pictures though.

DAY 2

We stayed in our cabin until noon. Sigh. Oh to sleep in every day… Our room didn’t have a window and, as a result, was extremely dark (not a complaint; a fact). We just chilled by the pool, hung around, took it easy. We couldn’t really feel the boat moving which made for an enjoyable day on the boat.

They had an ice rink on the ship. Amazing, yet small.

Dinner was formal dress so we fancied up and had yet another five-serving meal with our new found friends.

From the left: Bill and Linda from WA and Bob and his wife on the right (she had such a strong accent we never could understand her name, let alone anything else she said) are from Scotland. Very nice and VERY entertaining!

Extremely crowded Promenade (the captain was speaking). Once we worked our way through the mass, we went to another show. They let us take photos this time.

Tribute to the Temptations: AMAZING!

After the show we went back to our cabin to find a dog waiting on our bed.

I decided to take a picture. Charming.

After this lovely shot, we watched a movie and went to bed totally stoked for day 3: Cabo San Lucas!

DAY 3

coming soon…..

I figure that the last time I put photos up here of Isla was over a year ago… its about time for new favorite.

I don’t know what came over me, but I suddenly really wanted to make a drawstring bag. I made this bag for my niece Daphne’s birthday gift. It was pretty easy and I think it turned out really cute. I will definitely be making another one soon for Isla.

Kylir and I have been in and out of town this last month and after coming home yesterday from a family camping trip to Strawberry Reservoir I felt like my house was a horrible wreck. Somehow I found the motivation to get things back together. There is a yard sale at my Mother-in-law’s so I have also been organizing everything and getting rid of junk too. It is time to get my life in order.

Over the last year I feel that I have really lost track of myself. There are so many crafts and activities I want to do, but I get lazy or distracted. It is also about time I get rid of the few pounds I have been hanging onto for the last 17 months.  Starting now I am going to take time to do the things that are most important as well as some of the thinks I really want to do; one of which, blogging. Writing in a journal is something I am very bad at as well. Keeping up on a blog should kill the two birds with one stone. Lets see how long it lasts this time…

Before the snow storm last week, there was warmth! Isla and I spent a little time out in the sun and I couldn’t help but take a few more pictures! Isn’t she adorable?!