Mexico 2010, Parte Uno

We typically get tired of winter sometime around March. The last few years Mexico has called us and said "Venga Aqui! Bienvenidos!" Who can resist that? We sure can't.

We usually try to arrange it so that we get sleep in the airport at least once per trip. These are our typical accomodations. If you ever see our set up during your travels please feel free to stop by. Our tent sleeps two small children luxuriously.


We rented a small house for 7 of us in Barra de Navidad, near Manzanillo, Mexico. The Russells joined us for this relaxing 10ish days of warmth.

We ran straight off of the plane and right onto the beach.

We rented a car and explored numerous delightful beaches along the coast that were within a short drive. This is Playa Boca de Iguanas. It was a favorite for boogie boarding and few people.

We are not sure if the caymans (they looked a lot like alligators to us) were responsible for the uncrowded beach or not. They did not act hungry and the yellow police tape really seemed to keep them at bay.

Since we were on vacation we indulged in numerous ice cream outings.


We burned off a few of the calories with a stroll down the Malecon.

A good time was had by all!

Mexico 2010, Parte Dos

Playa la Manzanilla also had caymans. They were perhaps a little more unruly based on the fact that they were behind a sturdy 18 inch high chain link fence. AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

(Ivan was helping me compose this and suggested the AAHHHHH! part while we both giggled)

Playa La Manzanilla had Liza's favorite: fresh Mangoes and dirt.

They also had Sonja and Ivan's favorite: fresh Mangoes and Yummy Shrimpkabobs delivered right to your beach towel.

La Manzanilla was another favorite. It offered good boogie boarding, nice beach for kids and a beautiful day.


Playa Melaque had more boogie boarding, beach side tables, sun, shade and smiles.

La Tenacatita had nice rocks with some snorkeling.

Oh yeah it also had sun, beach, ocean and a .................

Tequilla y Raicilla distillery!

VIVA MEXICO!

Anthony Lakes, Oregon

We were lucky enough to get together with numerous families and friends for a long weekend near Baker City, Oregon. It was a pretty long drive but a wonderful time. They apparently usually have much more snow than this year but it was perfect for what we were looking for. We skied at Anthony Lakes resort. It was low key, local and lottso fun.

There were a bunch of kids and parents. With this combination it led to a lot of storytime. Here is Sasha's morning storytime.

After storytime and breakfast we all headed to the hill. Here is most of team Wilco, Ivan, Liza, Gray, Andy Pants and Jen and Oliver headed out of the photo. We were enjoying watching some sort of sledding race with dummies strapped to all kinds of ski/sled/snowboard contraptions.

I think this guy won.

The kids did great cruising the runs and playing in the snow.

We bought new mini snowboard packages for Ivan and Liza. They liked it alright but were not able to ride the magic carpet on the snowboards. They are getting to be really really heavy to carry uphill 4000 times.

Dawson's evening storytime.

We even got in some indoor soccer in the barn/bar/garage.

Somehow the ball got kicked down into the drained pond. Sonja spent most of the next day trying to kick it back out.

Ives, Liza and Gray waiting to leave.

Thanks for the great time everyone!

Mondays with Larry.

Here are some photos of skiing Mondays with Larry.

We were able to enjoy one day skiing with Wes and Sam.

It took some concentration for them to do a "thumbs up" with gloves and mittens.

Liza was chasing the boys all day long.

...Cross Country Skiing...

We like to get out cross-country skiing too. Ivan and Liza usually hang in there for about 1/2 mile or so of actual ski time before they jump in the Chariot for a luxurious ride with snacks, blankets and toys. We found two nice areas nearby. Both within a twenty minute drive from the house.

Here is Liza with a spontaneous "Yahoo!" She was hanging onto the back of the Chariot and enjoying a speedy descent. We are not really traversing a near vertical wall with trees growing horizontally from it. I just cannot figure out how to rotate the video. So please tilt your head now.

These were taken on a day trip with the Tasulias near Lolo pass.

On a side note, one evening in March I went for a run after dinner. When I left Liza's hair looked like this:

and when I returned it looke like this: