MEXICO!!!!

We left on the 17th arriving in Cancun Mexico, we stayed at a resort in Playa De Carmen. It was a pretty nice place. We spent time on the beach, snorkling, swimming, and soaking in the sun, the water was really warm. We had the opportunity to go snorkeling three different times. One place was the fresh water Cenotes, the water was really clear and you could see forever under the water. There were no animals in the water but the rock formations were really cool. The water temperature in the Cenotes was refreshing. That is what everyone kept saying "It's refreshing", it was kind of cold when you first got in but then it was comfortable.

We went snorkeling in the ocean we saw many different kind of fish and other sea creatures, we were also able to see corral, the water was surprisingly clear and it was easy to see things. We even got stung by jellyfish, they were small and the stings just felt like little ant bites, but still not very pleasant. The last place we went snorkeling was a mixture of the sea and fresh water. The water was very murky and not as easy to see in as the other two places we had been. That being said this is were we saw the coolest things. We saw two sea turtles and a mante ray, Both really neat and unusual. It was not like a zoo or reserve or anything it was just their natural habitat. After one of our snorkeling excursions we went swimmining in a little pond with a zip line and a diving tower.
In addition to snorkling we also got to do a zipline over the jungle. We did three different zip lines each one got faster and longer. That was my first zip line and thought it was really neat. We did some repelling, it was just down the side of a tall tower but it was a lot of fun. I was really nervous at first but it was actually really enjoyable and I even went a second time.

While we were there we visited Tulum which is some old Mayan ruins. They were really amazing to see. I loved being there and hearing the stories of the people that lived there many years ago. There was also a super pretty beach there with white sand and dark cliffs.

One day on a whim we visited the island called Cozumel, you have to take a fairy to the island. Really all that was on it was shopping but it was still an adventure. Everyone went deep sea fishing except Trish and I. They didn't really catch any super cool fish but they had a good time. They did catch a baracuda that was a nice size.

Trisha and I stayed at the resort and visited the Spa for a mani and pedi. Very Nice. The person that did our nails was hilarious and Trish and I had a good laugh, ecpecially when the nail polish slipped out of her hands and shatter all over Trisha's shoes! We did some souvineir shopping and just relaxed around the resort it was very nice and relaxing. On the resort they had a lot of activities going on. One night they had a mini casino Dave won big! Too bad it wasn't real money

The resort was all inclusive so they had all you could eat and drink. My experience with all you can eat has not been very good. But I have to say the food wasn't bad at all.

One night we went to a show and they chose Dave to participate. It was pretty hilarious but I didn't get any still pictures just video. The show was gladiators, staff vs guest. Dave went shirtless with a six pack painted on his stomach. He was a very good competitor and a crowd favorite. They gave him one hundred and twenty pesos for being such a good entertainer, O and a sweet visor.

We had a great time, but missed McKay, ofcourse we knew he was having the time of his life with Grandma and Grandpa Grondel so we we not worried.

Christmas Tree

Growing up my family always cut down our own Christmas Tree in the mountains. This is a tradition that Dave and I have decided we would like to carry on. Unfortunately Dave was not able to come with us this year. McKay and I went with my family and it didn't take us very long to pick out the perfect tree, which left plenty of time to play in the snow. McKay was in heaven!

We got it home and decorated.

It didn't take McKay long to undecorate all he could reach. He would take off the ornaments and bring them to me. He did pretty good with not breaking them until one day he couldn't resist any longer and broke one into a million pieces. By Christmas our tree looked like this only the top half decorated. Oh well.

This Holiday Season

We have had a WONDERFUL holiday! Dave and I spent the 17th to the 24th in Play De Carmen Mexico, on an all inclusive resort. The water was great, the weather was good and the company was magnificent. I will blog a little about the trip later. Unfortunately or forunately (whatever way you look at) we left McKay home with Grandma and Grandpa Grondel. He also got to spend some time with his aunts and uncles. We got home on Christmas eve and went to the Grondels house. I wish I had a picture of McKay's face when he first saw me. It was a combination of shock, astonishment and confusion. After about one full minute of starring he shrugged it off and went back to playing. We are forunate enough to live close to all our families. Christmas Eve we spent at the Grondel's playing games, reading the Christmas story and just enjoying being together. We decided this year we would just sleep in our own beds, plus we were super super tired from our trip. On Christmas morning we went back to the Grondel's and had breakfast. It was wonderful, my favorite: french toast, potatoes, bacon and sausage. We spent the morning opening presents, McKay had WAY TOO many!!! At first he was excited to open each one but got tired of it for the last few. After our adventures were through at the Grondel's we headed to the Daniels household. They had already opened their presents but they had a few for us and we for them. Then we ventured down to Grandma Price's house, it was really nice to see her and it was an enjoyable visit. We finished out the evening back at the Grondel's playing games, eating and visiting.
New Years we also spent at the Grondel's, we played a mini golf game, ate dinner and started a couple games. It was a really nice relaxing evening.
We spent the spare time playing games with the family.
When I think of the Holiday break it brings back a lot of really good memories. Not only because I love shopping, giving gifts, yummy treats, family, Christmas Lights, parties, Christmas music, & warm clothes. I love playing games, pretty much any type of game. We got to spend a few late nights this year playing games and I LOVED IT!!!

All Grown Up

McKay thinks he is all grown up! He NEEDS to help with everything!


Not even scared of Santa.

Listening to Dad's IPOD.

Helping Grandpa outside by sweeping the lawn.

Helping Uncle Jeb shovel the walks.

Building those big strong muscles! He would pick up the 2.5 lbs weights and carry them around while grunting. It was hilarious.

He wanted to sled with the big kids!

Four wheeling with Uncle Cody.

He is so smart he just has to watch someone do something once and he can mimic it perfectly! He is the sweetest little boy and we love him to pieces. We enjoy watching him grow and learn.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I decided that I don't say "Thank-You" enough to the people I love and appreciate. So here is a short list of just a few things I am thankful for.

I am grateful for a WONDERFUL husband. He works really hard and even though work has been tough he has a good outlook. He is gone pretty much everyday from eight in the morning to eight at night. We miss him at home but know he is doing it all for us! :)

In addition to work and school Dave still finds time to spend with McKay, he is a wonderful Dad!

I am grateful for a beautiful little boy. He is my little man and is such a joy to have in our family, He keeps us all smiling. I love being a mom it truly does bring joy that can not be found any other way!

My family: My parents are always there and more than willing to help with anything that we need. My family loves McKay and enjoy watching him grow and learn as much as we do. We are greatfeul for all the neat adventures we have been able to have with them and look foward to many more! Dave's parents have also been more than willing to pitch in whenever they can. They have watched McKay more than can ever be repaid. Dave's family loves McKay and love making him giggle it is fun to see them interact. We have many fun memories with them and look forward to many more! I am thankful I have been able to finish nursing school, and look foward to continuing on. I couldn't have made it this far without my family!

I am thankful for the gospel. It plays an important role in my life, I am so grateful I am able to have the guidance it provides and someday I hope to able to return to my Heavenly Father.

There are many other things I am thankful: Place to live, food to eat, vehilcles, job, freedom.

We decided to accompany my family to Cacun Mexico in December. I am really excited for a nice warm vacation. Unfortunately McKay will not coming with us, we will miss him greatly. He will be staying with Grandma and Grandpa Grondel and I am sure he will have a blast. On the other hand we haven't had a Vacation like this since we had McKay so it will be nice and relaxing I hope! Oh Mexico!

How much longer must this go on?

I worked a grave shift last night and after class this morning I was beat and it didn't take me long to drift into a deep slumber. All the sudden Dave was shaking me apologizing for waking me from my much needed rest, but he had to show me something important. It was a letter from Weber state that he had just retrieved from the mailbox. I was still incoherent so I told him to open it. Reassuring himself I was ok with it he ripped it open. He began to read "We regret to imform you that due to your..." He looked at me with a grin. "Just kidding it says congratulations!" I have been accepted into the Weber State Bachelor of Science Nursing Program. I think I am one of those people that will continue to go to school for the rest of my life. You might be asking yourself, "I thought she was already an RN what will a Bachelor degree make her?' Well I will tell you. My title will not change I will still be an RN just one with higher education. With the bachelor degree more doors will be opened to me. My goal is to someday teach nursing and in order to do so one must have a Master's degree. So yes even after my year and a half in the Bachelor program I will apply for the Masters program. Yikes see what I mean about school forever! For now we will just take it one step at a time. Thanks for all the support from family and friends!

Chores Chores Chores

I just have to say, it is extremely hard to get a picture of the little munchkin cause he won't hold still for 2 seconds. McKay was being super crazy one evening and I was trying to finish up dinner and get the dishes done. He was attached to my leg he wanted to see what I was doing. I finally stripped him down to his diaper, pulled a chair up to the sink and let him help with the dishes. He was so excited but then his face turned completely serious. He was concentrating very hard on his work. After about 15 min I thought he had his fill and tried to get him down. He was having none of it. An hour later I finally coaxed him down. He loves water and he loves helping with chores. Another funny story, he snatched the broom when I put it down for a min. He proceeded to sweep the entire house including the carpet. He would turn and look at me every once in a while to make sure I was watching.

Brand new white shirt and tie to match Daddy's!

Better late than never.

Dave adding the final touches to McKay's costume. The facial hair!

Halloween was a blast this year. Having children to dress up brings back the feelings from childhood. Dave had to work late so McKay and I went to my parents to eat dinner and get our costumes on. We were both pirates. Then we went Trick-or-Treating to a few houses in their neighborhood. The first house we went to the lady held out a candy bar and McKay opened his mouth wide so she would put it in, it was so cute. At each house McKay would get excited when he would see the candy and then be upset when we put it in his bag instead of eating it right away. We then met up with Dave and went to the Grondel's, there we watch a movie and ate goodies. They had some music on outside and McKay and Dave were doing the Monster Mash. I recorded a short video but it is so dark you can't see it. :( Sorry. I love Halloween! McKay was so cute. Can't wait for next year.

This week McKay has been doing so many cute things. He is growing up so fast. It's amazing what he can comprehend.
I had just finished changing his diaper and I asked him where his pants were. He got down and walked into his room, opened his bottom drawer, and pulled out a pair of pants. Then he brought them back to me and sat down so I could put them on.
I turned on the music so we could have some noise while we cleaned up the toys. McKay immediately started dancing and grabbed my hand and started bouncing like he wanted me to dance a long.
There are a lot of Halloween decorations at the Grondel's house. McKay wasn't too sure about them at first. There is a ghost that is about his height that stands next to the fireplace. He decided he wanted to touch it, but not with his hands. He grabbed one of his blocks and touched the ghost. After he decided it was ok he touched it with his hand.
He is such a character. He loves to go outside and he knows when we put his shoes on that is where we are going. He goes and waits by the front door and as soon as I open it he rushes out.

Discover

McKay got to do a lot of new things this last week. I work a grave shift on Wed. and Thurs. nights so on Thrusday while I am sleeping McKay gets some Daddy time. This week Dave decided to finger paint ie make a mess! But it looks like loads of fun. Now we have a wonderful piece of art to hang on the wall.

McKay also got to go to Chuckie Cheese for the first time. He loved it there were so many buttons that he could push and not get in trouble for. He rode the horse, drove a truck and helped uncle Jeb pull out his tickets.

He is such a cute little boy, he is always on the go discovering new things and figuring out how the world works. He is growing up too fast!!

Fried Green Tomatoes

When the boys went to the priesthood session the girls stayed home and made fried green tomatoes while watching Fried Green Tomatoes. They were interesting to say the least, but not bad just different.

First Time Posting Pictures

Yesterday McKay and I were eating dinner at my parents house. We had corn on the cob and McKay kept pointing and grunting at it so I decided to let him try it. I figured he has almost all his teeth he should be able to get a little off. He thought he was so cool! He was successful and seemed to really enjoy it!

I got a new mixer for my birthday, so today I decided to try it out. Dave has been working super hard lately. He leaves the house at 7:30 in the morning and between work and school he doesn't get home until 8:30 or later. McKay and I made him cookies to surprise him. Well McKay mainly watched the mixer spin around and around with his mouth in an "O" shape. The mixer works great by the way and it is pretty easy to clean up. While I continued making the dough McKay played on the floor putting the lids on and off the pots. Next thing I know he is laying on the floor. It was almost like he was going to fall asleep right there on the kitchen rug. I picked him up and carried him to his room he pointed to the crib. I put him in, he closed his eyes and went right to sleep! It was hilarious. I wish I would have got a picture.