Mexico!

The kids missed the last day of school because we were headed down to Mexico! We decided to go on a big trip with the Lofgrans and Fullers in lieu of our regular girl's trip. We had a really hard time deciding if we should go to Mexico, given all the recent drug violence, but the Lofgrans go down a lot and have never had a problem and Rocky Point hasn't really been affected, so we decided to go for it. I'd been working hard to try and lose some weight for the trip (a whopping 8 pounds, :P), but had bought two new pricey, suck-you-in bathing suits in anticipation for our vacation. A little over an hour into our trip, I realized I had forgotten to pack them. I couldn't believe it. I went into a mini rage, calling myself an idiot, stupid, Bud asking then threatening to turn the car around, but I couldn't bear the idea of losing 2 more hours. I fumed for awhile and on our way into Phoenix, we bought a suit for the week. So that's how the vacation started. Only girls can understand how truly frustrating that is. Anyway, then we ended up staying up late, talking to Chad and Dana for awhile about the trip and realizing that everyone was really nervous about going to Mexico, but that no one had really talked to each other and the Lofgrans had placated all of us. : ). So I went to bed terrified (especially after a beheading comment by Chad) and hardly got any sleep. I woke up the next morning seriously ready to cancel the whole thing, but had prayed fervently, and felt like we would be ok (probably). Anyway, once we crossed the border, I was constantly looking around, muscles tensed, hands holding all five children at once, just in case. The "guard gate" into our development didn't give me much hope either. First, you could drive around it easily, second, I think the "guards" would've happily let you in for $20. Then we got to the house. I'm not kidding, just pulling in the driveway, some of my anxiety went away, then we walked in the front door, through the patio doors and saw this:

and to my right this:

and to my left, this:

Within seconds, ALL my worries disappeared. I immediately felt relaxed, happy, at home. It was a shocking flip flop of emotions. The house was amazing! Beautiful upgrades, lots of rooms with full bathrooms for each room, tons of space, a jacuzzi, palapa, fire pit, chairs, tables, and chaises on the patio, and even two kayaks! We did a little unpacking (we had to take ALL of our food), then the kids hit the beach. The Lofgrans had told us about a guy who would come to the house and cook unlimited street tacos for us (not for free, but TOTALLY worth it). That night was one of the best we'd ever had. Awesome atmosphere, good food, great friends, just one of those rare, perfect moments. Friday and Saturday were mostly filled with fun at the beach, trips into town to shop and eat, hair-braiding (for Elle and Mae), naps, long walks (and even a run). The tide would go so far out the kids favorite activity was looking for shells, animals, anything they could find. An unopened can of beer even washed up! The water was so warm and although it was pretty windy the first couple of days, everyone had such a blast! The kids loved the jacuzzi more than anything. It was nasty looking by the end of our stay, only Adam was brave enough to use it out of the adults.

Sunday we were in for a real treat. We were going to church in Mexico! I couldn't wait for the kids to see a different culture, hear a different language, meet the natives. We showed up and half the congregation was American! The branch presidency was made up of two Americans and a Mexican. When he started sacrament meeting, he spoke in English!! I was shocked. Luckily, it quickly transitioned to Spanish, but it still cracks me up how many Americans were there and how many people the Lofgrans and Fullers knew, since everyone there comes down from Phoenix. Small world I guess!

Right after church the Fullers had to head back to Phoenix (after the fear wore off for them too, they really wanted to stay longer, but Chad had to work). We were really sad to see them go. But we had a great time with the Lofgrans over the next couple days. The winds died down so we did more kayaking, enjoyed some amazing seafood and beautiful sunsets, ate LOTS of Thrifty ice cream (at twice the cost of the States) and released some lanterns for Jackson and Asher's birthday. That was the scariest part of the vacation. These lanterns are literally fueled by small kerosene pads and you think it's going to light the lantern on fire or burn your fingers off, but then the lantern fills and starts to float away. The problem was our patio roof was thatched and the ocean breeze blew the lanterns right into the house. There were a few terrifying seconds, but then the lanterns cleared the house and soared over the Mexican desert. It was kind of a nice send off once we realized the house wasn't going to burn down. We had an absolutely wonderful time and so did the Lofgrans, they ended buying a share in a similar property just down the road! The kids absolutely loved it and took home lots of souvenirs, including bracelets, sling shots, hats, sunglasses, and Mae's ukelele. She strummed and sang most of the 8 1/2 hours home. Our favorite was "Three Little Ducks". Can't wait to make it down to Mexico again sometime!

Hilarious picture we jokingly took, but we are NOT drinking alcohol.  That's how their lemonade and sprite came.

There was a big election going on and these signs were EVERYWHERE! Had to get a pic on our way out. Adios Kiko!