Mexico and Mother's Day

It was hard to narrow down these photos to share, especially because I just edited and uploaded 60 for a photo book so here are a lot of favorites!

My sister Ruth's in-laws part own a beach house in Mexico near Rocky Point and this was our second time to be invited!  Last time Rupert was the baby Memorial Day weekend four years ago.  We almost didn't come because it's Mother's Day weekend and I don't like traveling on Sunday but the kids were super excited to go and play with cousins and we don't regret it.

Honestly we couldn't have asked for more perfect weather!  The temperature was slightly chilly first thing in the morning and a little warm in the afternoon.  The water and sand were perfect and I didn't see a single crab or jelly fish this time.  We did see a beached seal. :/

All of the kids had cousins to play with!  Rupert, Allen, and Teddy spent a lot of time together.

I asked the kids to not take any shells home this kind.  They were sneaky and gave me some for Mother's Day.  They also snuck some into the back of the car, their pockets and backpacks.  The seashells really are so pretty and there so many of them, unlike CA beaches we've been to.  Also, the sand bar has a very gradual slope so the low tide goes very far and makes tidal pools.

Endless entertainment!

  Zara's tooth was hanging by a thread all week.  On Saturday it finally popped out!  The tooth fairy even knew to make a visit in Mexico instead of our home in Mesa. ;)

This was Chris and Kristy's first time in Mexico.  They went into town with Ammon and Ruth Saturday night while we watched the kids and they were able to try some local food.  

These three girls were tight the whole time.  I braided all their hair Saturday morning and Lizzy and Avery took their braids out Sunday morning.  Braids in Mexico at the beach are what you do!

Beatrix spent a lot of time with Aunt Kristy.  She actually prefers Kristy to her dad, and shockingly sometimes her mom!

Elliot was really thoughtful and offered to make me breakfast in bed.  Love that boy!  I only wanted gluten free sugar free granola with milk and he made it!  Andrew also made a Mother's Day video the day before asking the kids questions about me.  It was so thoughtful and sweet.  I also asked for flowers (I'm still waiting for) and a date to Hale Theater because I have never been. Still waiting for that too, but Newsies is out so I hope we can make it soon!

^ ^ so handsome ^ ^                                             ^ ^ so sweet ^ ^

Elliot's favorite part of the trip was "the beach and digging our big hole."

Avery's favorite part was "collecting shells.  I also liked the low tide".

Zara's favorite part was "the pool that Elliot digged. Oh yah and collecting shells".

Rupert's favorite part was "playing in the water and splashing".

So this picture on the left is little Zara four years ago and on the right is this year.  Same view, but the plot in front was sold and a new beach house was built in front.  I prefer it without the little house but the place we stayed is two stories with a top deck view, so there's still a great view to see.

On our way home we stopped by this really cool gas station in southern Arizona with a bunch of cool murals and an old car water fountain.  It was like it was happy to welcome us back in AZ and the USA.  We had a wonderful trip but were also happy to be back.

sleepies

My favorite time of day is sneaking a peak at my sleeping kids right before I go to bed.  I usually give them a kiss and a quick snuggle and tell them I love them.  I do this before they go to bed as well but it's different this time.  There will come a time that they will feel too grown up kisses and snuggle and I already lament it.  I love that my kids let me snuggle them when they're tired.

The other day I helped out in Elliot's class and he was so proud of me and happy to see me.  As hard as it is to coordinate my morning to make it happen it's good for my heart to see Elliot so happy.  I'm so proud to be his mom!

I'm a little sad that Elliot doesn't take daily naps anymore.  Today is an exception (Oh . . Sunday naps!).

Do you watch your kids sleep?

heart of a mother

Yesterday I took the kids to the store and when we were there Zara's car seat tipped off the shopping cart and landed flat on the ground.  It shook me up.  I nearly cried on the spot but there were other people around - women -  and I didn't want to be embarrassed.  One lady helped me by getting a damp paper towel to put on Zara's red forehead.  Another lady told me the same thing happened to with her son and he was ok.  I was grateful for the encouragement but still worried.

Half an hour after the fall Zara smiled at me.  I knew she was ok and it was just what I needed to breath easy again.  Something about being a mom brings the worst scenarios to mind in those situations.  The other day my dad told me he had to fill out a fun survey for everyone going to girl's camp.  He's the bishop.  One of the questions on it was "What's your greatest fear?".  He said it's not something he ever contemplated but he wrote "being alone".  My dad is one of 10 kids and he has 8 children so I can totally understand.

The incident with Zara reminded me how terrible it is as a mom and see my kids go through pain without being able to do something about it.  I would rather it be mine than see them suffer.  That is one of my greatest fears - not being to help my kids in physical, mental, or emotional pain.

I feel so blessed that Zara is fine.  She smiled a lot the rest of the day yesterday and today too.  For my heart I wanted to be with her every minute to reassure myself everything was ok.

I've been reading Stephanie Nielson's book and it has been a great reminder of how special being a mother really is.  I love my children so much and I love my life.

What are some scary parenting experiences you've had?