Cruising

A couple weeks ago we spent all of our time sleeping, eating and living on a boat.  This was our first cruise experience and will definitely not be the last.  We went on the Crown Princess seven day cruise down to Mexico. 

The first two days were spent at sea enjoying all the luxuries the boat had to offer.  We ate, swam, watched movies, played games, drank delicious specialty drinks (virgin), ate some more, and went to lots of fun shows and other boat entertainment (we won BINGO).  Cruising is so incredibly care free and amazing. 

Our first stop was Puerto Vallarta where we went zip lining through the jungle, enjoyed incredible views, and ate delicious street tacos. 

We went to Mazatlan next where we visited a beautiful cathedral, went to a massive (and stinky) shopping center,  and Roland and I ate some amazing Mexican food at a local restaurant that didn't speak any English whatsoever - thank goodness for Google translate.  Our entire meal was only $7 (3 fruity drinks, 2 chimis, and 3 tacos). No English = authentic Mexican cuisine = yum. 

Final stop was Cabo San Lucas. This was a quick stop. We took a boat taxi over to Lovers Beach and enjoyed soaking up some sun. Ryan and Dallin decided to swim in the water we were strictly told not to swim in, and almost were swept out to sea (more than once).  After enjoying the beach we went to Taco's Guss, the food was ok. 

The final cruise day was spent at sea. We slept a lot, ate a lot, and rocked out at Karaoke. Overall, it was a successful and relaxing vacation. 

We were excited to see Kade after a week apart - hopefully it won't be too long before we enjoy another cruise!

First day on the boat, enjoying soft serve and a tasty drink.

See ya later Los Angeles.

We won the final round of BINGO on the second day of the cruise.  We wanted to end on a high note, so didn't play again the entire trip.

Gorgeous view at Puerto Vallarta after zip lining through the jungle.

Cathedral in Mazatlan.

Mazatlan.

Google Hangout with the Kade-meister.

The cruise ship doesn't port at Cabo, so we (and that creepy guy behind us) rode life boats to port.

Still riding to port at Cabo. Can't get a picture without a photo bomb creeper.

Finally made it to shore at Cabo. I felt like a celebrity with how many people were screaming to get my attention (locals wanting you to buy from them).

Lover's Beach.

Some local came over and held out his iguanas for us to pet, then (when we took the bait) proceeded to place them on our shoulders.  After we were done playing he simply said "tip". So we gave him a buck. Sneaky little Mexican.

Cabo.

Lover's Beach.

First cruise - and not our last.

'till next time Mexico.  xoxo

Has it really been a year (and change)

Kade turned one. I finally understand (a little) what parents mean when they ramble on and on about how fast time goes.  I remember my mom always teasing me when I was young, telling me I wasn't allowed to grow up anymore.  I feel that way about Kade.  Sometimes I get so excited for the next stage or milestone and as soon as Kade hits it I miss the old stage (a truly vicious cycle) I'm really working on enjoying the here and now, because it really is all you have.  Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift,  that's why it's called the present. (Cheesy kung-fu panda quote)

Anyway Kade has officially learned his first word. He has been copying things here and there the past month or so, but this is the first word that has actually STUCK, and no,  it's not mommy (I'd me lying if I said it doesn't break my heart) it's "ball" he knows what a ball is and points out everything and anything remotely round.  I made eggs for breakfast, every egg was a "ball" before it was cracked open.  Tonight at Costco as we walked through the produce section and Kade immediately zoned in on the honey dew and started getting so excited that he recognized a "ball" (not the only ball in the produce section too)  It is adorable to watch him learn, grow and develop meaning. He even recognizes balls in pictures (we have a picture of Bob Marley playing soccer)

Kade is also walking everywhere and occasionally tries to run. It's hilarious. Even more hilarious when he gets moving holding something massive (which is quite frequently actually) We sure do love that boy of ours.