Cancun, Part 1

My sweet parents take turns bringing each of us and our families down to Cancun to stay in their time share. We were thrilled that it was our turn this time! We truly had the most wonderful time!

They get to come home from Guatemala for the month of July so we especially appreciate them taking a week of that to do this for us (and above all, to go BACK to Central America)! I must admit that I now understand why people bring nannies or travel with grandparents on trips. It was FABULOUS to be 1 on 1 by having 4 adults and 4 kids. I really felt relaxed after this trip rather than ready for a vacation!

The beach is so beautiful there! It's been a few years since we were there last, and I'd forgotten how clear the water was.

Part 2

We had the unforgettable experience of swimming with dolphins. The girl's said this was their favorite part! We loved receiving a kiss from them,

swimming around with them,

and getting to do the "foot push" where 2 come up behind you and push you from your feet where you sail through the water! So fun!

We also enjoyed parasailing one day. It's so quiet and peaceful up there!

Since Carter was too young to do this, he very happily opted to do the bungie jumpy thing instead.

Part 3

We went to a fun natural water park one day called Xcaret where were were able to float down a beautiful underground river, see exotic animals, snorkel, and play at a beautiful beach.


When in Mexico, do as the Mexicans...



Our hotel had all kinds of activities. This day we took advantage of the kayaking once we realized sailing wouldn't work due to total lack of wind!

Thanks Mom and Dad for the fabulous vacation!

Happy Birthday, happy boy!

My sweet Carter turned 5 years old today. Oh, where would I be without him? Everyone we meet asks the same question about him, "does he ALWAYS have a smile on his face?" He truly is one of the happiest/smiliest children I've ever met. We had his party today at Pump It Up. It was wonderful - I just showed up with the cake and ice cream and the rest was taken care of! I've always been very big on home parties, but wasn't sure what to do with a bunch of rowdy 5 year old boys with no pool in our yard and insanely hot weather outside. This was great! And most importantly, he had a wonderful time. We love you, Carter!

Naughty, Naughty Boy

My friend Sarah Martin has this little boy who is 2 and is named Gavin. Every time she does a blog post about him doing something totally naughty, I have to laugh because either my Gavin has already done it or will certainly do it in the near future. Well, today while Gavin was upstairs "resting" (he has only napped once in the past few months), he found a marker in Brighton's room and drew on most everything in every room upstairs. Walls, shutters, comforters, dressers, tables, doors, toys, bookshelves, etc. I immediately thought "at least it's dry erase." Then I remembered Sarah blogging about when her Gavin got a hold of his big sister's dry erase marker and did the same thing, and that they're NOT erasable. Well, she's right. Guess I've got some painting and washing to do. Naughty, naughty boy!

A Boy and His Dog

So Gavin has a new best friend, and her name is Lucy. These 2 are hilarious to watch - they have a funny relationship. Gavin can be so loving with her, and so rough with her. It's like she's his younger sibling (since he doesn't have one) that he can bully and defend. Just don't look to closely at his face in the bottom picture - the scratches are a result of him riling her up and getting scratched in the process. Oh, and no one mentioned to me that puppies nip/bite - A LOT! But we really do just love having her; yes, even Chris! And I am loving my snuggle time with her as well!

Easter Egg Hunt (early)

Since my parents were in town for Conference, we did the annual Martino Egg hunt a month early. Beautiful weather, family surrounding us, candy, hot dog roast, what's not to love?