Mexico in January (in February)

Yes!  It's true that we went to Mexico in January!

Maybe you don't believe it because you've never seen proof!

Well, here it is...better late than never!  Get ready for a lengthy entry full of pictures!

To start our trip, we drove to Seattle the day before our flight so we could visit the Seattle Art Museum and see their Picasso exhibit.  Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to photograph any of Picasso's art, but here are a few from the night...

Now Mexico!

I'll start with some scenery shots...

This was our view from the condo and down the beach...

Just a few more shots of the gorgeous ocean.  This afternoon I couldn't get over the beautiful shine of the sun on the water.

We took a trip into the town of San Jose for some souvenir shopping and sightseeing and of course - eating!

One of my favorite things to see was all the beautiful Dios de los Muertos art everywhere.  The colors are amazing!  I took this particular picture of La Catrina for our art teacher at school.  In 4th grade, the students learn about the Mexican tradition and art of Day of the Dead and their teacher always dresses up as Catrina.

Love the colors...and the boy!

Mexican flag

The elusive family photograph!

Lunch at the Baja Brewing Company -
The kids LOVE it when they get their own table...

So do we...

In downtown San Jose (which means St. Joseph) we find...St. Joseph's Church

Of course there was plenty of time in the ocean...

(watch Ivan disappear)

...and in the sand.

Preparing to bury children alive!!!

(Colin as a muscular superhero)

Hannah working on creating a dribble castle village.

There was also time for relaxing and hanging out
(sometimes with delicious adult beverages...again!)

At the end of most vacations, I am usually feeling ready to get back home to our "regular" lives.  I guess that's a good thing.  This vacation was no exception, but it was hard to leave this beautiful place behind.  What a treat for our family - we are so grateful to our wonderful friends who's friendship provided us with the chance to come to a place so fantastic!

Bye San Jose!!

Elvis Imitator

Ivan had to do a book report on a famous person, living or dead, and then give an oral report in the first person.
He considered Cleopatra (that would have been interesting) and Davy Crockett.
We went to the library and looked at several options, but nothing really excited him until he found a book about Elvis Presley.
Now he knows more information about Elvis than I ever did.

He was particularly fascinated about the fact that Elvis died in the bathroom...and that his dance moves were considered so naughty.

So, Friday, before school was out for Christmas holidays, Ivan had a chance to give his speech.

He started slow and as you can see by the pink cheeks and twisted page of notes in his hand, he was a bit nervous...at first.

At the end of his speech, his teacher allowed three questions from his classmates.  This relaxed question/answer format loosened him up, and once he was done with questions, Mrs. V asked if he wanted to do a few dance moves.

Oh yea.
Now we're talkin'.
Don't ask me twice.

Beat that Elvis!
That's some cool 4th grade funk going on!

One of the girls asked for his autograph afterwards and that started an Elvis-type riot.
He told me later that it is hard to be a rock star because of all the girls grabbing at you.
Must be rough buddy.
Don't worry, Mom's happy to help keep them away!

Snowy Saturday

Last weekend, on Saturday, it started to snow...
and snow...
and snow...

I took some pictures around 4pm when the last of the light was fading and the kids were playing.

The next day it warmed up and so much of the snow melted.

Now its cold again and the snow that's left is hard ice.

More snow expected again soon - we're hoping for a white Christmas!