You never know you miss it...

...till you can't have it. That is the game Maryn has been playing! Today she was able to really take a shower. I mean one without saran wrap completely covering her leg and keeping most of her body out of the water spray. She took a longer shower than usual...but her can blame her? Dr. J took her stitches out yesterday. He said wean off the crutches, use the small brace and start moving that knee, the full range of motion. He said ok to walking--but nothing else for 3 three weeks: that includes stairs (!) which is going to make it a little hard to move into her house. But she is happy, life will be way closer to normal. She even cleaned the kitchen for me when we got home, just happy to be able to do something up and moving around. She has been going to her classes, and gets to go back to work tomorrow. Maybe Kelsey will feel comfortable to go back to their room?

Got a project to share. I was inspired by this:http://sandekrieger.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/01/getting-my-groove-back.html

And in other news--

Merritt and Mandee left for China today! They finally get to bring Maggie home. We are so excited...can't keep our thoughts here at home, they keep drifting off across the ocean. We are saying our prayers.

Whale Video

Kelly made this video from the pictures and video we took while we were whale watching at Bandares Bay at Puerto Vallarta.

 

Nature's Temper Tantrum

I made it outside to do my exercises today...it has been awhile. Not exercise, but doing that outside. I finally got to use my new mp3 player that Kelly got me for Christmas with my "Running" playlist I made. I don't run that much, but a good beat helps me keep my walking pace up too. I was disappointed in my run portion, I couldn't go as far as I was doing before the cruise. It was a good lesson for me to remember that if you are not working at progressing, than you are regressing!

It felt great to be out after our big winter storm. It was chilly with a slight breeze and the clouds were beautiful. I could see snow on the mountains. Too bad we are booked with helping someone move and cleaning the church tomorrow or there would definitely be a snow trip to blog about. hopefully it will stick around long enough to make that happen. And last night they predicted we may even get snow down here in the valley. I was so excited I jumped on my bed! I won't hold my breath, but I will keep my fingers crossed!

I finished this project and got it all hung up in my hallway! I was hoping to use the black and whites I have of my grandma in the frame, but they were the wrong fit. And it is hard to see the white frame on the wall, but I still like it.

Can't remember where I read this, but I read this somewhere this week. It is from President Faust: "In the pain, the agony, and the heroic endeavors of life, we pass through a refiner's fire, and the insignificant and the unimportant in our lives can melt away like dross and make our faith bright, intact, and strong."

I wondered what is meant by heroic efforts. Does that only include crossing the plains or are my efforts considered heroic? I mean really my life compared to crossing the plains is no contest. I am so blessed. I have a great life. I am grateful for those blessings and try to remember them always. Yet, it isn't free of trials or inner struggles that sometimes seem life a refiners fire! So I went to lds.org and looked up the reference. And found great words of wisdom and comfort. http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=fc48092480e6c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

I wrote this quote down this week as well, and it fits

Where there is life there is HOPE

Be Strong and of a Good Courage

We had our New Beginnings last night. The laurels were in charge and picked the theme "Follow the Yellow Brick Road', based on the Wizard of Oz. They made a yellow brick road to welcome us and guides to the right spot. Sister Lee dressed as Dorothy introduced the new theme from Joshua 1:19. She used the movie to teach some great principles. It was a fun night and the laurels did a fabulous job!

Stop right here if what you are interested in is the events of our lives. If you are sick of all of my personal stuff...consider yourself warned. Proceed at your own risk!

This week--maybe a little more than a week--has been a time of self-reflection and evaluation. When I heard the new theme for the YW this year, I immediately thought it was a great one for the YW. I didn't realize till this week, how much I need this theme. I have been such a chicken, trying to just ignore some things that need to change in my life. I pray for the courage I need to do what needs to be done. Our stake held a fireside to introduce the theme as well, and I knew then that I was going to once and for all do some "cleaning out".

I read Pres. Monson's talk from conference and wrote a quote on a piece of paper and stuck it by my computer where I could see it. It was something I knew I needed to think about and follow through with. Then it was quoted at the fireside. I told my husband about my paper and my thoughts and he said he had thought the same thing when he heard it. And I thought, okay, that is pretty clear, that is what the end result should be. The end is clear, but is still not so clear is how to get to that end. (And I am a chicken because I won't just say the quote and how it applies to me specifically.)

So I have been thinking, praying, and even thinking about putting it off. I am not sure of what to do exactly still. One thing I do know. I have tried to be something I am not, hoping to fit. That hasn't worked because for me, that reason isn't sufficient enough for sustained change. In order for real change, I have to do it for the right reasons. I think...(take a deep breath of courage)...I need to be who I am--faults and all--and hope I can fit anyway. Because I am hoping that most of what I have been feeling, is actually coming from me. If I don't fit, maybe more time will fix that. I will have a chance to work on my faults and who knows what else can change.

My first goal is to have the courage to stand up for myself. Clear out assumptions and maybe even some old beliefs.

Oh, and the quote? "Never let a problem to be solved be more important than a person to be loved". What it means to me? That will take a little more courage.

Baking Bread

I am back to making bread for my family. I used to do it quite regularly, I had a recipe that was a sourdough starter and so you had to feed it regularly and make it regularly. It made too much for my family, but it was fun to share it. When my mom and dad came to live with us, they would buy bread and then it would be time to make bread and pretty soon we were overrun with bread so I stopped and let my start die. That sounds so sad doesn't it? But is just sounds worse on "paper" because it was no big deal. After a while I didn't even miss it. It was actually nice not to be on such a strict schedule with that starter. Although, it is a great recipe for food storage, and I may go back to it again.

For the last couple of months I would make bread now and again when I felt that homemaking, cozy home feeling that only baking could fill and if there was time for bread. I could bake bread or cobbler or sometimes cookies-whatever fit for the day. And then I found this recipe http://life-should-be-delicious.blogspot.com/2010/01/basic-white-bread.html and making bread has become a "need" again. No pun intended! This bread must be made...and eaten.

Look at those huge loaves. I might try splitting it into three sections next time and maybe start sharing again. I have to let my family get used to having homemade bread around again first because right now we eat every crumb.

PS  I started adding some wheat flour and so far so good.

Perspective

Wow, what a weekend. It was a great way to keep my mind occupied. But it was actually even better than that. I saw a miracle performed, for me, and that reminds me that God loves me. He answers prayers and he will eventually answer the one that is for my daughter, because he loves her too.

I took some of these entries out, then I put them back in, then back out again--really just trying to hard to figure out what was going to be taken the wrong way or misinterpreted. Basically, caring too much about what other people think. My husband voted to put them all in, saying that it was me and that was okay. He likes the idea of this blog, that we make it into a book to keep. And he wants me to put the posts in where I think a lot and even the ones where I talk about the things that hurt. He says there is more happy things and there is benefit in recording how you come out of the sad times. So after much thought I decided to put them back in. After all, this blog is really for me and him. I don't want to worry about what others think, in that negative way. I want to be finished with apologizing for who I am. I hope I am strong enough to stick to it.

Sometimes I wonder if when I write, it seems like I think that I AM what I write, when most of the time I am writing about ideals and what I want to be like someday. When I study the scriptures or the words of the prophet and apostles, I always see the ways that Heavenly Father wants me to improve and that is what I write about. It helps me to write out the thoughts that I have and I hope it is helpful to my children or my grandchildren as they try to figure out who they are and who they aspire to be.

I know that I am not perfect. I wish I was a better person than I am. But that is what this life is for, working on being a better person. That is true for everyone. And although I know I am not perfect, I am still worth something. I try to do my best and there are times when I just barely get by. But even then, in that survival mode, I am trying my best. I look back and wish I had done things differently, but that is only helpful for the future. You can't change the past, but hopefully you can learn from it. Sometimes I feel like I do learn and others times I see the same lesson being repeated. And most of the time it is pride getting in the way. While talking things over with my husband, I said something that helped me to really see, to discover a belief that is holding me back in one certain area. I said that I was hanging on to some hurts because if I let go of them than "they" will think they are right, that I am at fault, the one with issues, when I think there is issues on the other side as well. It is like I want my day in court, to share my side of the story and maybe, just maybe, the blame won't be laid only at my feet.  And when I said it, and write it now, I can see that this is only hurting me to not let go. There is after all, only one person that I can change. I am not sure how to let go, once and for all. And I am sure I will make some more mistakes as I try to figure it out.

But...the one thing in all of this I can't forget is that I know God loves me. He must because he answers my prayers and comforts me when I hurt, even when I wonder if I am being "silly". And he shows me my weaknesses and promises to help me make them into strengths. He gave his Son so that change is possible. He also gave me talents and lets me use them.

I am a work in progress and He loves me enough to let me keep working.

My Very Own Miracle

I know some may think it just a coincidence, but I firmly believe that Kelly and I were given a miracle. It happened on Saturday. On our way to the temple. We didn't realize that the freeway was going to have a detour and by the time we got through all that, there was no way we were going to make it to the temple for the right session. Looking at the clock, there was no way.  You see we wanted to be there for the 3PM session so that we could be there with a young man in our ward, Chris, who is preparing for his mission to Mexico. He would only have his "ward family" support today and Kelly really wanted to be there. But breaking the law by speeding wasn't really a good option. We decided to go anyway, since attending the temple is always a good idea and we were on the road. I did have some thoughts of using the time for my sacrament meeting talk, but quickly cast those aside. That was when I decided to just say a prayer and explain all of those things to Heavenly Father. I told him I didn't have a solution, only that I knew if He wanted us there it would work.

As we walked into the temple. We saw Chris and Jordan, being led from the chapel to the endowment room. We smiled and waved, so that he would know that we tried! As I walked into the temple dressing room. One of the temple workers, was just looking at her watch and I heard her say " well, there are only 4 minutes till the session starts, so I think we are about done here". That was when I gave up for sure. There was no way I could change and get ready and be in the waiting room in time. But Kelly had said to change fast and meet him, so I did. When we arrived at the waiting room, it was full! No one had left yet and it was after 3. We sat and waited for a few more minutes and then we were led to our session. It started a little late, but it was the right one!

Coincidence? Nope, I say tender mercy. Definitely.

Life is Funny

Life is such a "funny" thing, and I use funny because I don't know another word to use. If I were to talk scripturally I would say "mysterious". Because I don't think I will ever stop being amazed at how the Lord works and how He works in my life to teach me. This time he uses an activity on Saturday that I only went to because my husband asked me to, time to ponder and an "invitation" to prepare a talk to sacrament. I will try to explain...

Kelly and I spent some of our Saturday at another Alliance Defense Fund event. This one was a little more personal, and it was even more enjoyable than the last one too. Or maybe I am just getting better at these kinds of things....??..........nah.....

Anyway, I definitely felt another call to action. And so the thoughts and questions are just spinning around in my head. I want to be on the Lord's side and in the fight for right, active in building the kingdom. But that one question that is always so constant: how? how do I contribute?  How do I make a difference? what do I do?

Then, today, I begin preparing for my talk and I see a title to a talk and I feel compelled to read it. I contains this quote (It doesn't really fit my talk, but it did fit with the thoughts that have been mulling around in my head): "It has been said that we are becoming a generation of spectators and critics. Let me share with you one of my favorite quotes. I keep it on my mirror. It says: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least [he] fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”Theodore Roosevelt, “Citizen in a Republic” (address delivered at the Sorbonne, Paris, France, Apr. 23, 1910),

**I probably should mention that I called my husband this morning, and whined to him about the whole thing, how terrifying the thought of speaking is and how inadequate I feel at the whole prospect...blah, blah, blah.

So, anyway I continue to read and whallah! suddenly thoughts come to me and I feel some answers.

There is no standing idly by in these latter days, when we were reserved to come at this time, and to be Moroni-like in our defense of Truth and Righteousness. It seems that the very "time" we have so often spoken about, taught to prepare for and be willing to fight for is here and now. And to me it seems to have happened almost suddenly. One day I am teaching about being prepared for "that day" and now I realize we are living "that day". If you asked me a year ago how close we were to seeing prophecy being fulfilled my answer would be quite different than the one I would give today.

And the answer to: how? what do I do?

I heard part of the answer to that on Saturday that stuck with me. It as from Jesse Kelly, who is running against Gabby Giffords. He said that as a former marine (?), he has been trained to run to the fight not away from it. I was impressed by that and have thought about what that means for me. How do I run to the fight? What does that look like for me?

I think it is being present, by living each day the best I can and when I try and fail, I just get up and try again. I don't take the middle road, I am not neutral. I need to live what I believe and stand up and be counted as a believer. Let there be no doubt on where I stand. There should be no question that I am a Christian, (and even a "Mormon") I better myself, then my family and then others around me. There is only safety in high ground and pulling others up to join with those that feel the same way, not go down. The most important thing is to just keep trying, making an effort to be better, everyday. And that includes stepping out of my comfort zone to a new level of comfort, only to move on from that one as well. That is the broad answer.

The specific answer will come each day as I ask what the Lord wants me to do. Because as I strive to do what is right, and fix it when I don't then the Holy Ghost can guide me. And when I ask the Lord what to do, I will hear the answer.

And I need to ask that question everyday.

Life is funny and the Lord does work in mysterious ways because now I am thankful for the need to search lds.org in preparation for giving a talk. And I am grateful for the answer to the prayer to guide me to be able to find what I need.

Weak Moment

Motherhood. It brings the greatest joy and the deepest sorrow.

Sometimes I think I want to go back and try again, other times I think I can't stand the pain of it all again.

I really tried, and I read and studied and prayed, and somehow...

And right now, I feel like a failure. It makes perfect sense to me why I only have two.

God knew. He always does.

I know. It seems dramatic. And I know there are mothers out there with problems bigger than mine. That just makes me weak I guess, because, my heart is breaking.

Editor's note:

I wrote that when the sting was all I could feel. And while it was the truth, I have a better attitude now. But I thought I should add more as an...explanation? to fill in some of the history. I share this now because I want this to help my girls. I think that is an important part of this whole thing. I want them to know that they too will learn and grow as they face their toughest times and I don't want them to think that they are alone in the feelings they feel.

The hardest part of infertility for me was the doubts it created about God's feelings toward me. I wondered and doubted if I was worthy of His love and if He didn't I would be a good mother. When hard things occur with my girls, those "old" doubts creep back in. I say old because sometimes, I really think I am finally okay and then there are these times when I wonder if I will ever be over it. Others would by now right?

There are some things I am so much better at. I can truly rejoice when babies are born and hold them and love them. Mother's day is even okay. There are some things that still push my buttons, sometimes. Not even all the time, which is improvement! I have learned two things more recently that I hope will help me see the direction I need to take to keep improving. Number 1--it is harder with my family and number 2--it is harder because of my expectations. I don't expect others to know what has gone on in my past and to care about what might hurt me. I don't even worry about what people think about only two children. I used to. But I have been holding my family up to a different expectation and I have given them two options. They either don't care or they think I am lame because I am still having trouble with this "old" trial. I wonder if they will be off the hook when I let myself off the hook for that one?!!!

One thing I know and this is not new, it is the same for everyone: I learned a long time ago that this was going to be my best teacher. I also recognize that since I still hurt, there are lessons that I obviously haven't learned...yet. I actually spend some time in the best part of all of this, the part where I am grateful for the lessons I have learned.

I know that as I work through the doubts, I have been able to change them to belief. I know now, better than when I started, that Heavenly Father does love me. I truly believe that the doubts that creep in now, will end up with the same fate and one day I will doubt no more.

Knee Surgery

Well, she finally did it. After 2 months, or 9 weeks to be exact, of testing out her injured knee, Maryn decided that she couldn't live with it. It gave out on her and she would fall, so she just couldn't trust it. Plus, it just never stopped hurting, not really. So yesterday we took her to the hospital and they repaired her knee. We knew that she tore her acl from having an mri done, but it turns out, it was actually torn in half. The doctor gave us some pictures of the before and after. Good thing I can't tell what it is really, so it doesn't seem that gory.

Surgery was scheduled for early morning, so we were up very early Thursday. I haven't seen that hour on the clock, except for insomnia nights, for a really long time! Maryn was nervous, but was also confident that she was doing the right thing. Kelly and Gpa gave her a blessing. I am so thankful that my husband honors the priesthood and is able to use it whenever it is needed. We were on our way home by 11, looking forward to recovery. I got a little nervous when the timing didn't go like they said in the recovery room. I couldn't figure out what was taking them so long, but it turns out there was some "tweaking" of the medications that needed to be figured out. But in the end, it is working out just about like we thought.

Day 1--home sweet home. She looks and feels like she got hit by a truck

Day 2--can't really tell from this picture, but she is up and  moving around a bit more and keeping food down!

Young Women Values

I have been working on some pictures for our YW room that depict the values. It has been really fun. I have 5 of the 8 values finished. I can't wait till I get them all done and get a picture of them all displayed.

Last Saturday, Kelly, Maryn and I went to Sanctuary Cove so that I could find a picture that I wanted for Choice and Accountability. I wanted a single path that ended with two choices to make--left or right. We found what we needed, and had fun taking more photos of the beautiful desert. 

The sun was setting and we loved the effect on the trees at the top of the hill. We took this picture then zoomed in for the second shot.Here is the picture I took of the path and how I used it for the C&A picture

Waiting for Maggie

The wait is almost over. Mandee just blogged that they received their travel approval! I have been working on a lay out of the pictures Mandee has shared and decided that today was the perfect day to finish and get it posted

Congratulations Merritt and Mandee...and Maggie!

More Photos

I just have to include these photos in our book because I love them!

This one is of anther cruise ship we passed in the night!

The rest of these are of some of the sunsets.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Disclaimer: there should be more pictures--bad mom!

We were on the boat for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day sailing our way back to Los Angeles. We were happy that it worked out that way so that we could celebrate Christmas the way we wanted to. The boat was all decked out for the holiday and they played Christmas music all the time, so it wasn't hard to feel the Christmas spirit. They offered church services and Midnight Mass as well.

We did something unusual for us on Christmas Eve--we partied! Each night on the boat we would eat dinner at 8 o'clock and then go to the late shows. On Christmas Eve there was a party planned with singing Christmas carols, having a balloon drop and dancing. It was so fun. I haven't danced so much in a long time. Kelsey and I both love to dance so we tried to attend all the dances, at least for a little while! After the party we opened up pj's and went to bed. Christmas morning we went to eat breakfast at one of the dining rooms instead of the buffet to help make it a little more special since we were missing our pork chop breakfast. Then we went back to our cabin and did our usual Christmas program. The one we usually do on Christmas Eve. We brought our cd's to sing hymns with and read scriptures. We opened a few gifts. We kept it small considering we slept, ate and saw brand new sites for a week on this year's gift! ha! There were some things we missed, for sure, but it was a wonderful Christmas. We brought the Forgotten Carols with us and watched that too.

We are so grateful we were able to take such a wonderful trip as a family.

Last Port of Call

Our final touring spot was Cabo San Lucas. It had it's own beauty with the rocky hills and the homes built into the rocks. You could tell there was more money here too. There were miles and miles of beaches and so many resorts. I think I would like to spend some more time here as well to see more of the city.

Our activity for Cabo was taking a catamaran to a snorkeling site. We were a little disappointed with this excursion. First, the sail was broken so we didn't get to sail and then the water was kind of rough, making it difficult to snorkel for...some of us. The less experienced ones, let's just say. But the boat ride was way fun and the water was great. We saw some beautiful sites and we were able to snorkel a little and see some fish. We also saw some more whales on our way back. Our tour guides were very enthusiastic and wanted us all to have a good time. Which I think all of us would agree we did.

  

Hello from Mazatlan

Our second port was Mazatlan. This seemed like more of what we would consider a typical Mexican. We haven't traveled extensively in Mexico, but we could see similarities to Rocky Point. This was Maryn's favorite port because she loved being able to tour the city and loved the familiar Mexican feel. We were a little worried about the clouds in the sky since we had planned a water activity, but the weather cooperated and we soon figured out their was nothing to worry about. I mean, hello! We are about to go kayaking in Mazatlan! 

Our kayak trip was around Stone Island and it took about an hour. The water was so warm. There was initial shock as we sat in the kayaks, but soon it felt so refreshing as we paddled our way around the small island. It took about an hour to make it clear around and then to the beach where we were having lunch. We let Maryn handle our ordering and quickly followed her example in dealing with the vendors. We spent a couple hours there, just enjoying the beach.  Kelly and Kelsey did some body surfing while Maryn and I watched from the beach. On our return trip we were able to see some of the homes. It is always so humbling to see.  We are so blessed in so many ways.   

We had a couple of hours left before we had to be back on the boat, so we hired a guide to take us around the city. He took us to see their cathedral, to their shopping plaza and to see the Avienda Del Mar where there are lot's of monuments. The street runs along the waters edge for a couple of miles and is so beautiful. We saw cliff divers, Lookout Hill, where we could see our boat along the city, the El Faro lighthouse, the oldest bakery and some historical parts of the city . It was fun to see the influence of the different countries in their architecture.  

Hold On-A Little Longer

That is going to be my new motto! And if it sounds familiar you are right, I am plagiarizing Elder Uchtdorf. His message in the Ensign this month is short, but powerful.

It is one thing to feel the Spirit confirm to you that the apostles are called of God. A very good thing, don't get me wrong. And you feel this instant connection because of that. Today as I read and was touched by his words. I felt a sense of gratitude that the feelings don't just end with the knowledge that he is an apostle. Elder Uchtdorf is becoming very dear to me, as is Pres. Monson and Elder Eyering. Because their words touch my heart, I know better that Heavenly Father loves me. And when they help you feel that, you can't help but love them for it!

My favorite sentence out of the article: "The testimony that we recapture day by day is the thing that saves us from the pitfalls of the adversary". That is why we are told to read and pray everyday, and reminded frequently to do those things. It is that important. We need constant nourishment and feel the Lord in our lives everyday.

Wait!

I am so behind! I feel like I need a few more days before I can really embrace this new year and the beginning of a new decade! I still have some things to finish for '09--like posting about Christmas and New Year's so that my blog book is complete. I am cheating and posting them with December's dates. And that is only one example! I keep thinking like the little engine that could and just keep reminding myself that I can do it, keep plugging away, but feeling anxious all the same. I want to have time to think about what I want the end of this year to look like and make some plans and goals to make that happen. So many ideas, so many things I want to try and yet I still need to get Christmas put away. So I find myself thinking into the time machine--Wait! I need more time!

Then, last night as Kelly and I read scriptures and discussed them peace. Ahhh...peace. And I remember, that if the constants remain constant there is peace. And I can just keep adding items to my list, prioritizing and crossing things off. Who says you can't post blog entries into last year? A new year is the continuation of what I am already doing that is good and a chance to re-evaluate the things I want to change and organize those things into goals.

This morning I read this on my friends' blog: So here is to the New Year . . . and may it be a good one, in all the ways that we wish. May focus become a characteristic that is consistent, and may a loving Heavenly Father be sought when our own strength isn't enough. I know that He is eagerly waiting to hear from and strengthen us in all worthy endeavors that we seek.

Amen.

Two Sea Days

We boarded the Sapphire Princess on Saturday afternoon, our excitement growing till it spilled over! The girls were in awe of the boat and all things "new". Kelly and I were excited knowing the girls would be excited and have so much fun. And on the selfish side, we were excited for some down time just to ourselves. The girls warned us that they would be ditching us sometimes for different activities. Kelly's reply was. "Good. That will save us from having to ditch you!" :) We explored the boat, unpacked our bags and consulted the "Patter" to plan out all the fun. It didn't take long for us to be settled into our home away from home.

The first two days were spent on the water travelling to Puerto Vallarta. There is so much to do on the boat. It is full of fun things to do from bow to stern, throughout all the levels. And of course you can eat 24/7! There is a production show each night along with a movie theatre, shops and swimming--just to mention a few.

We filled our days with various fun activities and took a naps too! Kelly spent some time golfing at the golf simulator and participated in a chipping contest. We did some pottery at sea for our mementos. We swam, danced, ate and did I mention we took naps? It was so peaceful to sit out on the balcony and listen to the water and soak up the sun. I brought a book, but never did do any reading out of it!

Puerto Vallarta

Our first stop was beautiful Puerto Vallarta. This was my favorite place. I think it is one of the most beautiful places I have been to. We didn't get to see much of the city, so my view could be a little skewed. Plus, the places I have been to is a very short list. I think I would like to go back, though and see more of it. I loved how the mountains flowed down into the ocean. The mountains were so green an lush. We had to wait for our tour to gather, but didn't feel like we had enough time to go exploring, so we made do with a little sight-seeing around the port area. Kelsey was able to hold a parrot.

We spent our time on another boat, only much smaller, looking for whales. Whale watching was high on our list to do and it was

fab-u-lous!

Our guide for the whale watching was a zoologist, and her passion is: humpback whales. We learned so much from her and she was very entertaining! Every year, between December thru March Humpback Whales migrate to the calm waters of Banderas Bay to mate and give birth. That means it was the perfect time and the perfect place, so there were many whales and they were pretty active. We saw so many whales, up close and personal. I wouldn't want them any closer, I don't think. We followed some around and even began recognizing some of the same whales when they would surface.

It was AMAZING! And Kelly got some GREAT shots! This first one is one of my favorites.

Kelly made a video of some of our pictures and video that we took and I will try to get a link to that so that you can watch it. One viewer gave Kelly an outstanding review when she said "it never gets old"!