We would not be good pioneers.

We tried to go to the point where the border meets the ocean, but we were not successful.

It was a long walk, and we didn't make it very far.  After five minutes, Jack complained that we had been walking forever.  Thomas could not make it more than a few steps before searching for rocks, and throwing dirt.  It took us about 30 minutes to walk 100 yards.  When we made it to a point where we could see Mexico, but not the Ocean, it was unanimous that we turn around and go get ice cream.

That stadium in the background is where Ben and I went for a bull fight.  It is Mexico.

The next two pictures are of the border, around the same area from both sides.

Just an interesting view.

Border from the United States side.

Border from the Mexico side.

Vacation for three of the four of us.

Last week Ben had to travel to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for work.  The boys and I did not want Ben to be lonely, so we tagged along.  It was awesome!  Ben had to work most of the time, but the boys and I had a great time.  We went swimming for a few hours every day, and then we would go back to the hotel room to take a nap.  It was a great week.

Six things I learned in Cabo:

1. EVERYONE spoke English.  There were more Americans (probably some Canadians) in Cabo than anywhere I have been in Mexico.

2.  If we ever go to Cabo again, we will try to do an all-inclusive.  Our hotel was located between the two main towns and a taxi was between $20-25 each way.  Add in the cost of dinner, and it was an expensive night.  (It seemed that most of the hotels are located in between the two towns.)

3.  Cabo is the second most expensive city in Mexico. (After Mexico City)

4.  Jack made it the entire week with only one accident.  I would call that pretty much potty trained. (Yeah!!)

5.  The boys LOVE the water.  Even when it is overcast and only 72 degrees outside, they wanted to play in the pool.  I wasn't too thrilled about getting in the water, but the boys enjoyed every minute.

6.  I should always do what Ben does.  One day he wanted to go out to the ocean, but I didn't want to.  When he got back, he said that he saw a whale breaching.  The rest of the time I watched for whales, but never saw one.



We had an excellent time.  I hope Ben has to do work there again. 

Actually, I am hoping for Cancun, Mexico City, or Zihuatanejo. 

Little piece of perfect.

Ben and I are home from our trip to Puerto Vallarta.  It is hard to be back in real life because our trip was AMAZING!  It was so wonderful to be able to go just the two of us.  I love the boys dearly, but this was a great way to rediscover ourselves as a couple.  Part of the unspoken agreement of our trip was that I would not bring my camera everywhere.  I did want some pictures of the trip, but most of the time, the camera stayed in the hotel room.  It was nice because I was able to enjoy each moment without trying to capture it for "memories sake", and Ben wasn't forced to take pictures of me eating each yummy thing we ate.  It worked out well.
I think this has been one of my favorite vacations I have taken with Ben.  We were both able to do exactly what we wanted to do.  One day Ben stayed in the room and played video games and napped.  I was able to read two books and spend all day by the pool -drinking fun, fruity drinks, getting a little sunburned.  I realize that this might not work for everyone, but it works for us.  We both were able to do what makes us relax and have a good vacation. 
The next day we did a zip line tour through the jungle!  Ben was a natural, and I had to receive a little extra instruction because I wanted to brake sooner than I was supposed to.  They had a photographer take pictures of the adventure, which made it even better.  It really was worth it, and we both had a fantastic time, although we did wake up the next day a little sore.
I am so grateful that we were able to go together.  Thanks again to my parents, my brother, sister, and all those who contributed to our adventure.

The airport on our way to Puerto Vallarta

 

 

The view from our hotel room.

 

Right before we checked out of the hotel.

Gracias Mexico.

Mexico's Independence Day is September 16th.  This year is the 200th anniversary of their Independence, and in order to celebrate, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have been declared holidays!  Do you know what that means?  Ben has three days off!  Hooray for Independence!  Hooray for Mexico!

I think I have already used this picture, but look at that huge Mexican flag!

Wild Week.

Last week, we were BUSY.  Ben's brother came down with his family, and we had a great time.  We went to Sea World, the beach, explored Baja California, and just spent some time together.  It was an adventure!

 

 

Are you ready?

Jack is.

Soccer.  World Cup.  Mexico vs. South Africa.  First Game.  Tomorrow.

In case you didn't know, soccer (futbol) is kind of a big deal here.  I enjoy watching soccer and understand a little bit (thanks to many games with the Horgan Family).  However, I probably wouldn't even know the World Cup was happening except for the fact that we live in Mexico.  

Since I am here, I will enjoy the excitement.  Why not, right?  When in Mexico!

Weekend Fun.

We are really trying to explore fun spots near us, so this weekend we went to a town called Rosarito.  It was a lot of fun.  We went to a really great restaurant that Jack called "the Jungle".  I think it may be a new favorite, the service was awesome and the outdoor patio really felt like a jungle (without the humidity).  Beautiful. 

Then we went to the check out the beach.  We were not prepared to go swimming, but it was fun to walk around with both the boys and watch the waves.

We will definitely be going back to Rosarito.  It was a fun town with a lot of different things to do.  One of the best parts for me?  Almost everyone speaks English, even the menus were in English.  It was nice because there were items on the menu that I have only seen in Spanish up until now, so now I know what things really are. 

And of course some ice cream and McDonalds for Jack on the way home.

What a perfect trip!