Puerto Vallarta

My mom and step-dad have a time-share on a condo down in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and every summer for the last 3 years our families have gone down for a week. Mike and I have never been able to go. This year I was determined not to miss out! Mike couldn't go because of a business trip to Miami and a burst ear-drum (another story, involving Aiva and a rat-tail comb). So Aiva stayed with Mike's mom and Emma came with me for a fun-filled week in the sun!! There are lots and lots of pictures to follow, and some are out of order, so sorry if you get bored!

Day #1: Paige and I heading out to the pools

Mom, me, and Emma heading out to go swimming

Me and Emma

My darling little sisters

This one is out of order. Emma chillin' with a popcycle.

Mom and Koji

Day #2: In Town. A photo took over Paige's shoulder of us walking to Pipi's, a Mexican restaurant. We probably walked ten blocks. We were dripping sweat, not to mention that I was carrying Emma for the whole walk. You can see Emma and me in the background behing Koji.

It was so hot in town, I brought some Gatorade along in a bottle to make sure Emma stayed hydrated. She loved the stuff.

We went into a very, very old Catholic church. It was beautiful.

Paige and me sitting in the church

This one is out of order. Emma and me swimming.

All of us at Pipi's. Jared, Me and Emma, Chelsee, Matt, Amy, Paige, Koji and baby Oliver, and Mom

There was a Mariachi band at the restaurant. They started playing about half-way through dinner, and Emma went NUTS. She was screaming and singing along at the top of her lungs. It was hilarious!!

On the long walk to the restaurant. Me and Emma, Mom and Paige. Emma fell asleep half-way there. That sling is the BEST thing EVER.

Day 3 and 4, spent swimming.

Chelsee and Matt. So cute. They got engaged while we were in Mexico, even though I missed it by a day since Emma and I left 2 days early. Congrats!

Me and Emma, Paige, Chelsee, Oliver and Amy (my step-sis)

Mom and Koji

Paige and Oliver, Me and Emma. The babies LOVED the water!

At dinner the last night I was there. A fancy Italian place. Delish!

Josh (step-bro) and his cute wife Tiffany

Mom and Koji

Me and Emma. By this time, Emma was kind of a stinker. Sceaming at the top of her lung to be held constantly.

Paige and Mom

Chelsee and Matt

Amy and her hubby Paul

Last, but not least, photos of our hotel. It was the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in! This is the kitchen/living room.

The view from our amazing balony (the balcony had our own little swimming pool, a couple hammocks, a table and chairs, loveseat, and more chairs)

What an amazing trip! In case anyone is wondering, Emma travelled like a pro. She was awesome on every flight! I wish I'd gotten some photos of that.

Two of my favorite memories from the trip were, #1, when Paige and I went out at dusk to the ocean and played in the waves while a summer storm came in and it was pouring rain. We went in when the lightning got too close. I LOVE playing in the ocean. I can't describe in words how freeing it is for me. Maybe something to do with growing up on the Pacific Coast. #2, one night I went out by myself onto the balcony with a book and laid in the hammock while another summer storm came through. I laid in the hammock and read and watched the lightning until I fell asleep. The most relaxing time EVER.

One of the best things though, was spending time with our crazy family. I love my step-family. We all get along so well, and we have so much fun together! I am so grateful to be a part of a bigger, crazier, happier family than before.