Flipper!

OK, maybe not "flipper" himself..but you know..cousins ;)

So, I have yet to post about one of the adventures we had on our trip to Mexico a couple months back.  First something you may have never known about me is, I have always had a desire to be a marine biologist.  Specifically working with whales and dolphins, you know all the good stuff.  Even ask my parents, when I was as young as 6 or 7 years old if you asked me what I wanted to do I would have said Marine Biologist.  I choose not to take that route though, crazy, but I didn't.  

Anyway, it's been my dream to swim with dolphins.  I've already gotten the chance to be in a boat along side them in the wild and even swim 50 yards away from them in the wild.  But to be actually in the water interacting has just been at the top of my bucket list.

We go to Hawaii usually every year or so and on the big island they do have a dolphin experience, but it usually costs a car payment and you have to be on the list for up to 5 months.  So when we heard that not that far from where we were we could go and swim with them any day we liked, for 1/4 of what we would pay in Hawaii.

I will just say it was probably one of the most touching experiences of my life, not only to connect with such a large and super intelligent animal but to know that this was one of the facilities that was actually helping the animals and not taking them from the wild.  (If you have seen The Cove, you know what I'm talking about)

(Yes, I know odd that I'm wearing hat and sun glasses..but don't worry I wasn't the only one and they said it was OK. ;) )

I'll be honest.  When I first got in I was a little nervous!  These girls were huge and you just never know what to really expect, ya know?  Not to mention when they signaled for the two girls to swim around us so we could get to know them and pet them, the smallest of the two swam quickly towards me and kind of smacked her nose really hard into my shoulder...not by accident, I mean really how could it have been..and then swam in front of me and on to someone else.  It made me nervous cause it was hard, and hurt a little.  Needless to say I think it was a term of endearment because she seemed to like me as she would generally come back around to me and sit there nuzzled into longer than the others.  

(She was the biggest of the two, about 15 feet I think?)

We ended up getting to have about 5 minutes of one on one time with them.  Getting to dance with them, hug, them and even get wet salty kisses from them.

For about an hour they talked to us about how they train them, keep them occupied, random facts about the animals and so on.

When it was getting time for everyone to be over we all got the chance to ride them 2 different ways!  All I can say it was sooo exciting.  To just feel the strength and grace of how they moved so swiftly through the water and would carry us with ease.  Just amazing, really!  When it was just you and the two  of them you could catch them every so often turning their heads to look back at you, as if to make sure you're doing alright.  

Call me weird or silly, but to feel like you connected with a creature like that in some small way just to meet for a day was just something we'll never forget.  An opportunity that I really do hope to go back one day and experience again. 

Thursday Thoughts

• I have a lot of house work to do and no motivation to do it.
• I also have lots of post ideas and things to catch up on, again, no motivation.
• It's summer time and beautiful outside which means I should have LOTS of motivation!
• Thinking that maybe the allergies are what getting me into the unmotivated mood.
• Watched Kenzlee crawl for the first time the other day (i'll post a vid hopefully soon) and it made me realize they are growing up to fast.  
• Excited that we are busy this summer but for some reason not really feeling relaxed.  
• There are very few pictures of me and the girls together.  Someday soon we need to do family portraits.
• I want to go swimming..now.
• Seeing the stars while camping the other weekend really made my month.
• Hoping to get finish up some projects I started before school was out.
• really in need of a good trim and things, my poor hair.
• I miss rugby.
• I miss my motorcycle which is almost ready to ride.
• Need to get a new battery for my road bike.
• Really should just go through my blogroll and read all my lovely blogs I follow, since it's been a while!
• thinking this list could go on..
• My mind is full!

Filled up

Well we made it back from the first camp out of the season and first camp out for the twins, alive.  It was  a fun time and spent with good friends.  The girls seemed to enjoy it despite not being able to nap very well because of the heat.  I felt a little stressed and unprepared but I think next time around it will be a little different. :)  They also seem very happy to be home because they have slept and napped so amazing since we got back, it's been beautiful to say the least!  I'll have to post up some pictures here in the next couple days.  

I want to thank everyone for all the food/meal advice for the twins!  It really has helped a lot and I think we have them on a good routine and have figured out some healthy stuff they seem to really enjoy!  So, yes, again thank you it really made things a lot easier around here, hehe.  

They are both so close to crawling everywhere rather than rolling and scooting.  Kenzington we think may walk first, she is walking along furniture more than she attempts to crawl.  Boy, am I frightened but so excited for when all that starts happening!  It's going to be a rush of craziness on so many levels, from baby proofing to just being simply proud that they are doing these amazing things and we get to watch.

Oh the joys of being a parent!  We were just talking last night about how excited we are when they reach the age that we can teach them to ride dirt bikes and snowboard and all that good stuff.  They already ride around on their little dinosaur and fairie-mobile, totally loving it!  

Hopefully everyone had a fantastic weekend!  It was super hot here, which was a nice change from all the cold stormy weather.  

This week we are heading in to get Oakley's leg X-rayed to make sure the bone is healing correctly and then they also both will get their shots.  :)  Fun week!  

Cannot wait for the weekend but totally loving the days in-between!  

Predators Birthday!

OK, it wasn't Predators birthday, BUT it was someones birthday and we did encounter a couple predators. May 10th was this lovely mans birthday...

Spending your birthday in Mexico?  Can't get too much better if you ask me.  But Guess what?!  It did!

Something we heard about doing in Puerto Vallarta was the many Canopy Zip Line tours.  We got a half off discount to the El Eden tour where the movie Predator was filmed, having some of the highest and longest zip lines ranging from 1600ft long, 400ft in the air over Mismayola River gorge and reaching speeds of up to 60mph.    To reach El Eden from our hotel we were picked up in a truck where seats were placed in the back and a "canopy" cover over head.  The ride was about 2 hours through down town PVR and up the mountain with half of the ride being on dirt roads.  It was so beautiful seeing all the green and driving along the coast watching the beaches pass us by.    

They start you out with a little demonstration/learning session on how to use your equipment, then to begin the first couple zip lines are over a rock river slide, rope swing and restaurant to get you used to stopping and slowing.  

Then it was some nice hikes up to the big guns and boy we were ready!  Here are a few pics of what we experienced.

The dude letting go and hanging upside down!

On occasion we didn't have to break and they spun us around..on those ones you often heard me screaming "I'm backwards! I'm backwards!".  

The guy in the black with the thumbs-up..he knew the owner, haha.

Also, the guy in the predator suite, he jumped out from trees and scared people.  Yes, he got me.

It was probably one of the funnest things ever...apparently I showed my fear well as each time I would scream and be questioned if I was crying.  No, I wasn't crying, haha!

My favorite was definitely the longest and highest one, where you took off from a 2x2 rock sticking out of a cliff and just plummeted down towards the bottom!  SO exciting! 

Afterwards you are given some time to buy some food, swim, or just relax.  We of course swam, after an hour or so of hiking in the heat it was nice to cool off.

Although we were tired and it was late in the afternoon when we arrived back at the resort it was probably the 2nd best day while we were there.  So exciting and something neither of us has done before on such a large scare. If you ever are in PVR it is definitely something I would strongly suggest doing! It's those one of kind things.
Would you ever do it?

{Happy Wednesday Loves!}

Just a reminder

Today is a great day to smile!

Aloha...wait that's not right...

Hello! from....back home in not so warm U.C.! 

You got it, we are  back home after 7 amazing days in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  I really hope all my bloggitty friends had a great Mothers day and some good adventures without me! <3

I figured I'd post about our trip in sequels- I guess you could say.  We did so much and so much happen it was just a crazy vacation.  Instead of packing it all into one giant post I'll spread it out into a few.  Maybe, a couple days at a time.

First and foremost I seriously am so thankful and lucky to have an amazing husband that works hard so we can take these little trips away.  Also for a family who is willing to be there and help us out with the gremlins and hairy children so that me and the dude can escape, just us two.  Blessed, loved, and so thankful. =)

 I'm going to start off with the not so good feelings.  Get that out of the way right?  

Well, we ended up showing up a bit late to our flight, from the beginning I could tell there was a problem and it was made known when the airport worker tried to whisper to her co-worker that there wasn't enough room on the plane.  Don't worry though, after some shuffling around they checked us in and we were on our way through security...45 minutes of waiting to get through security I should say.  Honestly we were just happy it wasn't a repeat of last time we flew US Airways to Mexico and they didn't inform us of their flight cancelation at 6am and we ended up having to wait 4 hours (at the airport) for the next flight out! BUT that's in the past ;)

We boarded the plane, heard some rumors of luggage having to be checked different because of the plane being over weight.. thought nothing of it and enjoyed the short ride to Phoenix to catch another plane to PVR, MX.  Both flights were great, sitting next to very nice people who we chatted with along the way about things to do and see while there.  

Around 6 pm we landed it was humid, the air smelled of nature, it was warm, and the sun was shining without a cloud in the sky!  The scenery was much like places in Hawaii, tropical and green.  Much different than was we saw in Mazatlan.  

After waiting to get through customs we were on our way to get our luggage and catch a cab to our destination resort.  Unfortunately after searching and checking each bag several times...ours was no where to be found.  I should say mine was no where to be found, the dude packed all of his things in a backpack for carry on.  Being a female I apparently was unable to do so, hehe.  

I'm not sure if I was simply being a little baby or it's just how you feel when they tell you they left your luggage in another country (the US) and you wont be getting it till the next day, but I was pretty sad, upset and a little angry.  No worries though as we headed on our way.

If you haven't heard, the goal to exiting the airports in MX is to keep your head down so that those sneaky salesmen don't capture you!  Apparently I forgot to inform the dude of this and within moments we were being talked into taking a tour of another near by resort and listening to a small "presentation"(scheduled for the next day).  Probably the best decision we made! No joke..and you'll see why in a moment.

Not only did they give us discounts on adventures we wanted to take part in but they gave us a free taxi ride to our resort.  To skip a long and not so entertaining story, we were a little disappointed in the resort we thought we had researched well before hand.  It was dirty, crowded, loud, trash all over, beach was blah, pools weren't too awesome, food=ick, and our room overlooked a make shift dumping field,and the staff just wasn't too kind.  We tried to shrug it off and the next morning after receiving my luggage (thank goodness) we headed to the "presentation".  

The resort we toured that was just a couple miles south of ours was newer, gorgeous rooms, beautiful pool, ocean views from each room, marble and granite floors/counters, kitchens/fridge in each room.  We could have lived there.  We were able to try their breakfast buffet which was just yum.  After going through the "buy this and you'll live like a king" speech from the salesman-as good as the speech sounded- we had to decline and they thanked us and we walked away.  

Stopping there for a moment I'm going to address something-

We aren't usually too picky at places we stay and are simply thankful to just be somewhere cool. Usually you're on vacation and spend most of your time away and not in your room, so on.  After some thought, we kind of came to the conclusion besides 2 days out of the 7, we planned on staying at the resort by the pool, on the beach, in our room relaxing, etc.  So when spending a lot of money on a Birthday/Anniversary/Mothers day gift you want it to feel good and comfortable as you relax away.  

With that (and now onto the good feelings), we decided to move to the other resort.  Surprisingly finding out that for a small price change we would be able to upgrade from a 3star to a-in my opinion- 5star resort.  All-inclusive, ocean views, etc.  

In the end it was a great thing that we went on that tour presentation and made a good move.  Each meal was delicious, we had several options, even room service.  Unlimited Meals, drinks, and fun from 7am-10pm. It was quiet but entertaining and relaxing yet exciting. 

The first day at the new resort we spent by the pool and eating some amazing pizza while tasting some yummy drinks.  The following couple of days were going to be filled with adventure and we really could not wait to experience them!  

That's my Picky post for the week, hopefully you check back later to see the great things we did, saw, and all that in-between.

I have lots to catch up on, reading up on my blog loves, laundry, cleaning, and birthday planning!

{Happy Monday!}  ❤

Lists and Loves

So this is what the twins see every day...poor them, haha.

But, this is what I get to see every day!

 (Gotta love her chubs!)

Makes you wonder if they think that mom is just a robot from outer space that has a lens attached to her face. Probably. 

Either way I can't help but love to capture as many moments with them as I can!  Looking at the pictures from nearly a year ago (a year? not possible) I was overcome with dread at how quickly those little moments pass us by and sometimes they are hard to remember without a good picture to back them up.

Happiness is all that I feel when I'm around them and excitement for what adventures we are going to have this summer.  The gift of now is something we are so lucky to have and should really hold on to.  

Those moments I was so tired from trying to rock my little ones to sleep and frustrated that I wasn't sleeping, I can never take back.  As I look at them now I wish so much that they still cuddled like that but I also long for those moments where they will say "Mommy, I love you".  

So I am going to give you a challenge, during this coming weekend capture some of your favorite moments! 10 years from now you'll be so happy you did. 

Anyway, this is what I did last night-

That's right, I too make lists.  It's a must when I'm going on a vacation or a getaway.  Otherwise, I forget and even when I do make a list I sometimes forget.  I also made a little daily schedule to hand off to the rents per their request.  We know they got it down pat but it always makes you feel a little more comfortable to see what the gremlins are used to for their daily routine.  

What does it all mean, Basil?  

Well, what it means is tomorrow night we are leaving and are in the final preparations for the trip.  I was asked today if I was excited to get away, just the two of us.  My honest reply was, No, even though I totally should be.  Maybe it's the ever looming fear of leaving the twins for 7 days?  

Everything will be fine and I know that someone has a watch over my gremlins.  Also, I'm sure once we have everything settled away and are out on our own it will feel a little better and I'll be able to settle into the relaxation of our trip. 

It's going to be exciting, it's our Anniversary, Mother's Day, Birthday trip all packed into one! It's gotta be good, right?!  

YES!

I know our resort wont have internet so unfortunately (or if you're a glass half full type a lad, fortunately) I will not be updating with pics, news, or adventures till I get back!  I may be twittering here and there though so please do Follow, we loves follow friends. 

On that note I'll leave you with this-

{Have a fabulous Mother's Day weekend and week!}❤

Tonight..we ride!

It's finally upon us, I'm leaving a day sooner than expected, I leave tonight!

Yes, I'm making a bit of a deal about a 4 day trip.  But can you blame me when I've never been away from the gremlins?  Not to mention the longest time Aust and I have been apart is 3 days since...forever!  It's a big thing.  Who knew that you could have so many thoughts and emotions going through your body at one time.  I'm WAY excited, scared, nervous, already exhausted...I could go on but I wont.  It's a weekend with a bunch of gals to hang out and get pumped about our team goals.  Also getting to know these girls will be fun since we haven't had much time during practice.  Except I will say this, my new apparent nick name from some of the girls on the team is "Twins", fitting I must say. :p

We are driving all night tonight in hopes of ending up there tomorrow morning.  From what I see of the forecast it's going to be in the 70's for the next few days over there, while here at home they will be expecting snow, ha.  That alone is something to be excited about.  I have been itching for some heat, for the rays of our glorious and monstrous sun to heat my paling face, and this is the ticket.  Like a little taste test of whats to come in the next few months. :)

So far from what I hear we will be playing up to 3-5 games throughout Saturday and Sunday during this tournament.  All against various woman teams.  I'm very pleased to say my ankle/foot is feeling much better and hopefully after a little more icing and heating tonight I'll be good and ready for the games.  We were a little rocky in our first game, not much communication, but this weekend I have a good feeling that we are going to dominate!  That no bruise or knock down will prevent us from getting back up and pushing forward for a try (goal/touchdown/you get it).

The worst part of this whole thing, I guess "worst" is the word, is that I have no idea how or what to pack for this trip. Ha, sad yes?  Alas I'm pretty sure it's just the fact that my brain is trying to explode from all the things I need to get done so it's straining to focus on what essentials I will be needing.  With a test and paper due the Tuesday after I get back, I really don't blame my brain.  Poor girl needs a veg vacation!  Aust has been soooooo amazingly supportive through all this I cannot believe how lucky I am to have such an amazing man and family behind me.   He never expected to watch the girls alone for a weekend, but he took it one with smiles and support. <3  Love the ninja monkey. 

I'll be missing the hugs, cuddles, and smiles from these beautiful faces--

LOL silly pictures I know.

But I also know that when I get back they'll be waiting and excited as ever!

Hopefully I can sneak my parents camera away and use it to takes some pics while we are there and update if possible.  From what I hear we'll be busy though.  So I hope everyone has a good safe weekend and stays warm through this next storm front. :)

Wish us luck! hehe

Missing the warmth

I love winter.  I really do!  The snow, the crisp air, a good afternoon of cuddling on the couch and drinking hot chocolate. 

Not to mention sledding at 2am in the morning of a fresh snow, snowboarding, being all bundled up in the white and the blue!

BUT! I'm kind of getting to that point that I am really missing the warmth.  The summer glow.

Being outside where I'm likely to tan and/or burn a little.

Going camping and spending time by the fire, burning things, roasting dogs and mallows.  

Not to mention being at the lake!  Any lake!  Bear Lake, Strawberry, Lake Powell, I don't even care!  I just miss the lake.

This time in the year you just kind of reach your breaking point.  You're wishing for the sun to beat down and warm you as you step outside.  Sitting in the backyard in the hammock feels like it was SO long ago!  I know we should be taking every day and enjoying it fully but boy I know I would enjoy having some otter pops as I watch the girls and dogs play outside!

With this all of a sudden popping up...

(Sorry a bit blurry but you get the "picture")

I can't help but be itching to get them out into the world playing, crawling(or walking) all over the house and yard.  Get them back in some water to enjoy.  We really want to take them camping, to the beach.  So many things we want to do with the gremlins.  Even things we want to go and do just the two of us.  Which parents need! Every couple needs to get out and enjoy themselves one on one every so often.  

Preparing to get the motorcycles ready, mountain bikes tuned, longboards out, all of the above!  

Oh boy, I guess today is just one of those days that I miss the heat.  I miss being able to walk around in shorts and T.  

What things do you miss about summer?

Or You could just be super lucky and live in a place with summer all year!  (Yes, that's to my brother.)

Soon enough it will be here and like most people I'll probably be missing the snow!  Alas, it's what we do, it's human nature!  Right?!