Mayan Ruins and More!

Yesterday, we took a tour of the Mayan ruins.  After a 2 hour drive, we arrived.  It was interesting to learn about the Mayan culture and how they lived.  I wish I would have brought my camera cord to upload the pics! you will just have to wait until we get back.  After that tour, we also visited a Mayan village where they cooked us lunch.  We also rappeled into a cenote which is like a cave, into fresh, and COLD water!  It was really fun!  We also got to meet other people from other countries, such as  Canada, Holland, and Germany.  On the ride back it started to rain, and rained into the evening, so we were stuck inside for any activities and dinner.  We called it an early night, and hoping for sun today!  As the sun comes up over the horizon, it is beautiful to see the ocean, as well as a couple of cruise ships pass by.  No definite plans for today.....

Hope the kids are having a good time with the Carolan's this weekend!  We love you and miss you tons and can't wait to see you!!!

Hola!

Hola from Mexico!  We arrived yesterday to sun, sand and warm temps....oh yeah and ALOT of wind!  The flight seemed to take forever, but when you get up at 3 am your day is already off routine!  Once we arrived we sat down by the pool and set up our excursions for the rest of the week.  This morning we took a beautiful walk on the beach as the sun came up.  It's windy again today, but warm! 

We miss the kids, and hope they are being good for Grandma and Grandpa.  We love you!!!

What's been happening...

Well, another week has passed, rather quickly I might add...we got the first real snowstorm out of the way, so I am ready for spring:)  Eryn sure enjoyed the first snow day of the year, she was literally jumping up and down in front of the tv when school was cancelled!
  We got over the flu bug, and now I am battling a cold.  Trying to take as many vitamins as I possibly can to ward this thing off, but it's getting the best of me.  Luckily, Randy has been lucky enough not to get any of it!  The kids are running around with a slight case of cabin fever... not a good chance of getting a nap in today... oh well!

Yesterday we had a "girls day" to celebrate my mom's upcoming birthday.  First stop was pedicures and then to do a little shopping and lunch.  It was a fun day!

Nolan lost his other bottom tooth this morning, thanks to his bravery and letting me pull it:)  Both boys must be in a growth spurt because it's been impossible this week to keep them full and satisfied!!

A new 4 letter word

 Well, I've been dreading a weekend like this all winter, and it finally happened.  Actually it started on Wednesday night when Derek came down with the flu, which by the way is another 4 letter word in our household.  I thought he was better on Thursday and Friday, but I was wrong...not able to drink milk and keep it down; so Friday night I wasn't feeling the best and my worst fears were met...woke up in the middle of the night with the flu followed by Eryn at 415 and Nolan the next afternoon.  I was so relieved to wake up this morning with everyone feeling better!  So, the house has been de-germed and we hope the flu has left our household for good! (well, at least for this year).  Hoping for a better week this week!

New Year's Resolutions

I am sure everyone has had chance to think about (and put into action) their New Years' resolutions.   I have two that I am going to diligently work on: 1. Simplifying my life, and 2. spending more time with my family.  "Unofficially" I would also like to blog more and run my first 10K!  Enough said....

Now that I have finished school I am also looking forward to a year of changes that will benefit both myself and my family.  Having the extra time alone is wonderful!  Not having to feel the pressure of assignments, papers, etc. is great.  I actually have had time to read books that are NOT textbooks!

Today the kids and I made chocolate chip muffins (healthy version), molasses cookes (found a super yummy recipe last month) and O'Henry bars....maybe I should have had a resolution to not eat so many sweets:)  I think my 6 mile run this morning helped in that dept.

 Now, I am off to finish a supper of baked potatoes with sauerkraut and pork, and get these kids in the tub, and ready for a FULL week of school!

Have a great week!

Loving Iowa Winter!

I don't know about all of  you, but I am sure loving this winter in Iowa.  No snow, warm temps, what's not to love!  The kids and I got out the bikes and stroller today and went for a quick stroll around town.  It felt great to get some fresh air!

Tooth Fairy Visit for Nolan!

Yesterday Nolan had the opportunity to have some play time at his cousin Landon's.  While he enjoyed his time there, his first tooth, that has been loose since before Christmas, finally fell out!  He was so excited!  After a busy day at the Merrill's and Hackman Christmas, this kid could barely keep his eyes open when we got home, and fell asleep in the living room without the tooth under his pillow.  Hmmm, that tooth fairy is quite smart, and seemed to locate the tooth on the kitchen counter anyway!  Alas, that dollar bill didn't last long, thanks to a trip to Huber's this morning after church.  Hershey's chocolate was calling his name!!

Happy Birthday DAD!!

My dad is celebrating his 60th birthday today!!  On Friday night we enjoyed supper together as a family to celebrate, complete with cake and ice cream!