DAY 3

With it being Sunday, a few of us thought a nice walk on the beach would be nice. Originally it was only going to me, mom and Emily. But as I was getting ready to go Jesse and the boys woke up and wanted to join. So we met everybody else down at the jetty to start our morning. When we saw each other we got a kick out of the fact that Mom and Ryker were totally matching. 

The girls stuck together talking while the boys were running and playing. 

If you haven't noticed yet, I really like to take pictures. But not everyone does. So when I see an opportunity for a great photo I usually jump on it despite the griping I get from everyone. They all say they love the pictures after they see them, just don't love taking them. So when I saw these palm trees on the jetty I had to get a picture. they were so pretty. Of course getting a picture with the whole group is requires hiring a stranger to take it for us and relying on if they are going to take a good picture or not. This lady totally cut the trees off and so I was a little dissapointed by that.

When there are rocks we hope to find sea creatures. But no luck this time.

Taking a family photo without Fynn just feels wrong. But with that said I love this picture. It's so pretty with the palm trees in the background, Right?

After our morning walk we went to "The Andrea" for breakfast. As we were walking towards it we were laughing at the Peacock that seemed to be blocking traffic to allow the other peacocks to cross.

Once breakfast was over we set up camp by the pool. It was so nice to sit and chill with each other as we watched the littles play in the pool with each other.

Had to take the opportunity of getting all of us together for a selfie. Haha. I sure do love all of these people.

We'd get sick of being by the pool and so we would go down by the beach to switch it up. We found a few people starting a game of volleyball and Ryker really wanted to join in. I was impressed how well he was doing. Ryker tends to want to be with the adults more than Sterling and Cy do. But I think it's because Ryker is 3 years older than those 2 boys and they have each other to entertain. So he tends to pull towards us. Which I think is great.

After playing in the sun all day we headed back to our rooms to shower up for dinner. But before we went to dinner we had to get a glimpse of the sun setting over the ocean after a perfect day.

Dinner was special tonight. They had it in the big ballroom and it was a Mexican Fiesta. The food was amazing. I always love Mexican food anyway, but it was extra yummy. Then they had entertainment. That same Mariachi Band we saw the first night at dinner was playing music. They were really good.

Eventually they had a game for kids that was quite comical to watch. But after awhile it got really long. We thought the show would be over by that point, but they continued with more entertainment and an auction. After being there for almost 3 hours we decided to call it a night and we left early.

We went walking on the beach to find turtles because Tyson and Tayler had seen a mama turtle last night. So Mom was determined she was going to find one.

With no luck we all headed back to the rooms. I had a tummy ache from all the yummy food and wanted to get to bed.

Day 2 in Puerto Vallarta

I have loved how Jesse has jumped on the regular band wagon with me. I want to take credit for it, but I think his buddies at the station got him into it. I'm so happy. Because it gives us one more thing to share together. 

We checked out the "gym" here at the resort and it only had 4 cardio machines. But we didn't want to run on a treadmill when we could go run on the beach. Which I've actually never done before so I was looking forward to doing that. And it's WAY harder than you'd think. We were trying to stay down by the ocean where it was more packed but it had such an incline that it was tough to run on. In certain spots we would go up higher on the beach where it would level out, but it wasn't wet so it was quite the workout to get through. But I like it. 

As we were running along, we came across freshly hatched Sea Turtles that  were making their way to the ocean. It brought back memories of when we were here 10 years ago and this same resort (Velas Vallarta) had a bucket of Sea Turtles to release into the ocean. Puerto Vallarta is known for their conservation of Sea Turtles and a matter of fact Velas Vallarta has a nursery that they keep of eggs waiting to be hatched.

So when I came across these guys I knew it was ok to pick him up and snap a quick picture. And then release him to the ocean.

When we came back from our 3 mile run we told our family all about what we saw.

As the day progressed on the boys were finding little sand crabs while they were digging. What a treat to encounter these creatures.

I love that Cy is brave enough to pick up this crab. And to be totally excited about it.

I enjoyed seeing the boys playing in the ocean, and especially when Tyson and Jesse and Dad would play like kids with them. While we were playing at the beach Mom, Dad and Emily walked to the airport to pick up Andrew. Sterling stayed behind with us so he could play with us.

The resort had a beach volleyball court,  tennis courts and ping pong tables that we could play with at anytime. We were all sick of being at the beach that we moved up to the pool area. While the boys were playing in the pool, the girls lounging in the chairs, the Men played Ping Pong with each other.

Every morning Mom was so good about getting us reservations for dinner, There were 2 restaurants at the resort. One was more casual on on the beach (that's where we were with the Mariachi Band last night) and this one is nicer and inside the resort. It was our first time all finally being together for a meal. And it was nice!

The food at the resort is very good. There are only a few things I haven't liked so far but everything is top notch.

2nd night in a row that he ordered Spaghetti. And even though it's quite a large portion he seems not to have a problem eating all of it. These boys played so hard today that they didn't really eat very much. Which made them melt down before we headed to dinner. Lesson learned that the rest of the week that we need to make them take a break and eat lunch.

Smith Family Christmas Vacation Day 1

After waiting since July we were finally on our way to Puerto Vallarta with Jesse's family. We had all planned this so many months ago that it was weird that it was already here. The boys have been looking forward to this and counting down the days. As it got closer they were saying how bad they wanted to go to Mexico and not go to school. 

So even though we had to wake them up around 4am to leave for the airport they were very giddy about finally being able to go. 

My mom was so gracious to take the week off from work to take care of Fynn for us. So as we were leaving the house with Fynn asleep still a little part of me felt sad. Don't worry we didn't just leave him in the house alone. My sister Chantel and her new hubby are renting our basement from us. So Chan drove us to the airport and Tyler stayed behind with Fynn. My mom was planning on coming up later today to pick up Fynn and take him to her house the rest of the week. 

The boys were champs the whole plane ride. They had packed their own backpacks full of  snacks and things for them to do. On the 2nd plane ride Grandma Heidi gave Cy (and Sterling) a sticker book and Ryker a book to read. 

I've mentioned this before but Jesse is required to take a certain amount of vacation days off which turns into a consecutive 17 days. The tail end of the 17 days was this trip. What a great way to end some time off with an actual vacation. He also hasn't shaved in 10 days and doesn't plan on shaving the whole trip. I'm kinda liking the scruff for a little change, Leading up to this vacation he also lost some weight and has really toned up. I'm very proud of his hard work! Looking forward to spending 24/7 with him in Mexico.

That book that I mentioned that Ryker got from Grandma Heidi? Well to much to my surprise Ryker read the whole thing in only a matter of a few hours. Unreal. This kid is awesome and I enjoy seeing him be so engulfed with his nose stuck in a book.

We finally land, get our luggage, go through customs and find a taxi to take us to the resort. We don't have our whole crew yet. Andrew is flying in tomorrow because he had to take a Final today. Tyson and Tayler are flying standby with her Flight benefits.

Once we were all checked into the resort, got our room keys, towel keys and the fancy gold bracelets that allow you to eat and drink whatever and whenever you wanted, we didn't waste much time to put it all to use. We changed into our swimming suits and headed to lunch. And man we are loving the 85 degree weather and blue skies. We had heard from friends, family and the news that there was a big snow storm that came in almost right after we left Salt Lake. We are feeling happy to be in the sun and not the snow,

The boys were aching to go play at the pool. So we let them of course.

I have a feeling it's going to be a good week.

For dinner the boys ate their hearts out in spaghetti. These 3 have been inseparable already. I have a feeling they aren't going to be apart all week long. Ever since Andrew and Emily moved to Logan for school, the boys don't get to see Sterling nearly as much as they used to. Really only once a month. So getting to spend every breathing second they can with him this week is going to be such a treat for them

We all loved when the Mariachi Band coming around to the tables. Especially when they started to sing Feliz Navidad. I usually don't care for that song, but it was so fitting for our setting and the season.

After dinner we went to the "Circus Show" that the resort put on. Most of it was very impressive. There were some very unique talents from the performers that was very intriguing to watch. There were a few moments that were just weird. But overall it was fun.

Since we have been traveling since 4am Utah time we are feeling tired at this point and decided to call it a night.

#LightTheWorld

This Christmas Season the church (through Mormon.org) has put together a campaign to help spread Light throughout the World. They titled it 'Light The World".  Everyday has a different way we could follow Christ's example. Who is the light of the world. So by following simple things that he did we can spread that light around us. Each day has a short little video clip along with scriptures and suggestions on how and what we could do for that day.  For us, some are tougher than others to accomplish. So we were excited that today was "Jesus read the scriptures, and so can you!"

Since we have been waking up early every day before school to read the Book of Mormon we were excited that we were already doing today's #LightTheWorld theme. It was a confirmation to us that we are following Christ's example. 

It's not always easy to get these boys up early, but I try to remember the answer that I got over conference that I will not lose them if I do this. So the struggle in the mornings is worth it. And it usually makes our mornings a whole lot better. 

15 Months Old

Our little nugget reached the 15 month mark. He's grown up so much in the past 3 months. He's walking now which makes him seem older. He's finally got his top 4 teeth in (that were coming in all at the same time). And his personality is just still infectious as ever.  We sure do LOVE our little Fynnick. He has brought our family so much joy and love the past 15 months. We really have been so blessed to have him in our family. It certainly wouldn't be the same without him. 

I love how he just loves on his Daddy. He loves mom too, but I'm the one always taking the pictures. Haha. The best is when he gives us kisses.

I got a kick out of this... Instead of playing with the tracks he preferred to just climb in the container.

This is a picture that Jesse had taken and I can't stop laughing about it. He has Cy's swimming suit on his head (which he put on himself) while helping daddy mop the floor.

And another one. He's into putting random clothing items over his head. This time he had gotten into my swimsuit drawer and put a pair of bottoms over his head and wore it like a scarf.

Much like his older brothers he loves German Pancakes.

Things about Fynn at this stage:
-Signs "more" and "please". Especially "please".
-Seems to communicate with this squeaky but cute noise that reminds us all of the Mario Game when he jumps.
-Still loves his binki and little grey blanket
-Good eater (when he is hungry)
-Still super happy and easy going (not very often he gets upset, but as he is getting older he's starting to get sassy if he doesn't get his way)
-Sleeps 10-12 hours every night
-Still takes 2 naps a day
-Likes the new forward facing carseat
-Loves Applesauce pouches and clementines
-Really good a dancing-when he hears a song he feels it and shakes everything.
-Says mommy and daddy very clearly, but I don't think he means mommy when he says mommy. It's almost like his way of says he wants something. He does point and say "dat".
-Gets into the toilet all to often. We have to make sure the doors are shut because he'll go into the bathroom and play in the toilet water. Ick.
-Always smiles. Which he's starting to look at the camera and give a silly grin.
-Very active and very busy. This kid doesn't sit still anymore. And we can't turn our heads for a few seconds without him getting into something he shouldn't (Like the diswasher pods, or the pantry to dumb something out...etc).

Doctor Stats:
Weight: 24.8lbs (54%)
Length: 31in (47%)
Head Circ: 19.3in (93%)

Looking Festive around here.

I'll be honest there was something inside me that wasn't looking forward to decorating for Christmas. But thanks heavens for kids becasue they were to ones that snapped me out of that. They were all sorts of excited to decorate. So excited that I've never seen them so motivated to get the house cleaned up. 

Now that it is up and we were jammin to Pentatonix Christmas music we got the Christmas feel in our home. 

This little man is curious about everything though.

I made sure that any fragile ornaments were put higher on the tree to be safe this year. Haha.

I don't have a whole lot of Christmas Decor but it's enough to get things feeling Christmasy around here.

I hope I can try to make the focus this year on Christ. And teach my boys the meaning behind Chirstmas.

Thanksgiving 2016

This year might be one of my favorite Thanksgiving's yet. Well Moab was pretty awesome last year, so I should say it was my favorite Thanksgiving spent at home. I think what made it my favorite was the ease and the relaxation of the day. Why? Let me explain.

Since Chan got married last week my mom wanted to hold Thanksgiving with my side of the family on the Sunday after Thanksgiving (yesterday). So when I found that out I went to Heidi and told her we were all hers on Thanksgiving day. But she found out T&T and A&E were going with their in-laws because we were all together last year for Thanksgiving (and I'm sure because of our upcoming Smith family vacation to Mexico coming up in a few weeks).  So that left Mike and Heidi with us. Haha.

After talking about what we wanted to do on the day we all agreed it wasn't worth doing the whole production for just 4 adults. And going out to eat was looking to be too expensive. So we decided to just forget the whole thing just go to a movie and order pizza. Haha. So that's totally what we did.

Wednesdays night I was placing the order with Papa Johns and trying to have it ready for Thanksgiving day and realized that I better call and make sure they were open. Well they were closed. So I decided to order it and have it delivered. Keep in mind that it was about 9pm, snowing for the first time this season and Jesse was on duty. After I placed the order I got a phone call from Papa Johns telling me they couldn't deliver because of the roads and asked if I could pick it up. Desperate to have my Thanksgiving pizza I said Yes, but needed to clear my driveway.

I go out and try to get the snowblower to start and it wouldn't. So I started to shovel and realize it was going to take me forever. Feeling frustrated and realizing that my street was totally clear and didn't see why they couldn't delver, I called Papa Johns back and begged them to deliver it. After play damsel in distress to the manager he said he would. Yay.

I wanted to clear a path for the delivery guy so when he arrived I was at the bottom of the driveway shoveling. When he got out he asked "Having Fun?" I said "No" in a sarcastic voice. I also mentioned that I couldn't get the snowblower to start. He then offered to look at it and figure it out. And after several attempts he had no luck either. But I was so touched by taking the time to help me. He was so sweet. 

I finished shoveling the driveway just in time for the snow to start again. I gave up and decided to wait until morning. 

I left for the gym and thankfully the snow on the driveway didn't need more than a little salt to melt it away. I joined in on the GPP Pie Burn workout at my gym. It was long, sweaty and tough. But I love that kind of workout (especially since I was going to be indulging in pizza).

Our movie was at 1:20pm and before we left for the theater (where we were meeting Mom &Dad) I wanted to get a Thanksgiving Picture of our Family! 

We were seeing the new Disney movie "Moana" and got a picture of us all together by the sign.

The movie was way cute. The boys loved it. Fynn was a busy body moving from person to person on our row.

I had the Pizza warming up in the oven before we left and it was ready to eat when we got back. I had orderd a bunch of Small pizzas but different flavors so we could have a variety. Every bite was sinfully good. It had been months since I've had pizza and it was worth every bite.

The rest of the evening was spent playing games, watching more movies (mostly the kids) and chilling by the fireplace. We've had this fireplace this whole time but have never lit a fire before and now we are wondering why we havent. It was so cozy.

The evening came and my sister Manda and her 2 boys came by for a little bit to visit. Unfortunately , I didn't get a picture but it was nice to play games with her and the boys all play together.

Sunday Thanksgiving:
Mom put me in charge of dessert. Jessica brought the stuffing and my Grandma brought the veggie tray. But my parents put on the rest. Whoo. That's alot of work and it was all so delicious. And they have been in their new home now almost a whole year and they love having us over becasue of all the room they have. Their Great Room is pretty awesome. Get me excited for one day to have the same concept in our house.

Love this family.

We played games, drew names for Christmas and ate my yummy Southern Apple Crumble. It was an evening well spent.