We're Back!!!

... Safe and sound!! I know many of you had worries (especially my family), that somehow we would not make it home. There has been a lot of crazy talk about Mexico, but my in-laws helped put most of this so called "talk/rumors" to rest. I mean come on, they are honorary Mexicans themselves. I felt a bit un-easy crossing the border, but it didn't take me long to feel right at home. I've missed that place so much and you better bet we will be taking many more trips in the near future.

Jayla had a blast, and so did we. She was excellent in the car both ways and for most of the trip, very well behaved. She likes to test mommy and daddy when Grandma and Grandpa are around, I think she knows she can get her way with them. This might have been the most difficult part of the trip (for mommy and daddy). Grandparents are made to spoil right?! I'm not complaining, they even spoil us. We appreciate them more then they will ever know.

Here's how the trip went:

It didn't take Jayla long to make herself feel right at home!

In the mornings we would take long walks down on the bay. Because of the full moon, the water was on high/low tide, so the water would drain almost completely out of the bay and come back in, every six hours. When the water was out you could find some interesting creatures, mostly baby crabs, we even found a baby octopus. Jayla loved everything and even held the crabs in her hand. Here they are looking at the baby crabs...
Walking the bay

Jayla petting the crab

She was showing me her findings

As the water got deeper Jayla screamed out in laughter when the waves crashed against her belly. She had a hard time leaving.

The water and the sun wore her out.

We took Jayla on her first trip to Fisherman's Wharf, for a little shopping and some food. She had so much fun in Grandpa's Rhino and kept telling daddy, "fasser, fasser daddy".

On the wharf we visited a friend's bar (actually my brother's ex wife's parent's bar). Jayla was trying to find the "fren fries" on the menu!

The same bar. I could have stayed there all day with this view!

My silly girl!

Bye-Bye wharf!

Later we took Jay to my FAVORITE place to eat, with the best tostadas and chili reyno around, La Curva.

Forgot to mention they have the best fried ice cream too. MMMMM-M-MMM!!

(Jayla was obsessed with these little handmade Mexican bobble-head toys, she played with them 24-7)

She asked daddy for a "BIG bite". I think she might love La Curva as much as mommy now!

Sugar high!!

Watching the sun set off Jearel's parent's house!

Me and my baby girl, and my crooked teeth (UGH!)

We took Jayla to my favorite breakfast place, Xochies (in Cholla Bay). Jay loved their Mickey Mouse pancakes!!

More walks

Our dogs loved this part of the trip too!

Jayla and her best buddy, Grandpa. She has this sweet little bond with him, it just melts my heart!

Don't mind our hair. We don't do much of getting ready in Mexico. My kind of a lazy trip :). Also, notice how the water barely covers your ankles when the water drains out of the bay. This makes it fun on the walks, not to mention the weather was BEAUTIFUL this weekend.

Finding more creatures!

We spent an afternoon on Sandy Beach. Jayla loves the ocean, I think she has her mother's taste ;). I would pitch a tent and live like a bum, on any ocean, if I could. There is something about the breeze and the sound of the water that just puts me at ease and makes me more than happy!!

Along with sea creatures, we found lady bugs, and Jayla loved having her new friend crawl all over her!

Snack time

Movie time, on the beach, for Jay... You see, I wasn't kidding when I said her Grandparents spoil her. I don't ever remember getting this high-tech on a day at the beach- HA!

Grandpa had a bracelet made for Jay. I love it, especially since we won't find her name on anything unless we have it made.

She didn't want to leave the water and just about took her nap in daddy's arms. Why wouldn't you?!

More Mickey Mouse pancakes, at our favorite breakfast spot!

Jay playing with her Grandpa.

They even napped together. I am not sure who, has who, wrapped around whose fingers, but it is so cute! Moments like this make me really miss my parents as I know she would love them just as much!

On our last day there we took Jayla to the place we got married (4 years ago on Thursday), to swim in the pools.

She was having a BLAST!

I LOVE this place!

Jearel and his new friend, Michelle.

THE END!!

Hope you all enjoyed the millions of pictures like always. Why would you expect anything less, from the Garrett's?!

~Thank you so much Phyllis and Larry for the wonderful trip. We all had so much fun and Jayla is already asking to go back. We love you guys!

Audios Amigos

The Garrett's are headed to Mexico!!! It is sad to say that Jearel and I have NOT been down to Mexico since I found out I was pregnant, almost 3 years ago. To many, this may not seem so unusual, but to us this is very strange. Jearel's mom and step dad own a million dollar mansion, located right on the water, so why wouldn't we go all the time? It is kind of like our home away from home, and we have been a little home sick lately. Plus, we (I) finally feel like it is the perfect time to take Jayla. It's time to introduce her to Mr. Fish Taco, and La Curva, and JJ's Cantina, and Fisherman's Wharf... (this list can go on and on). I am so looking forward to our long weekend with nothing but sand in my toes and Dos Equis to keep me cool (oh and did I mention I will be doing homework too?! That's right, I started summer school today. Bad timing huh?!)

This is my in-laws beautiful home (Notice the not so nice home next door).

The upstairs balcony view. LOVE IT!!!!!

LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!

Next time any takers???

Typical Jay

As I've blogged about before, Jayla is our little singer. Maybe she is our future American Idol in the making. She is always singing a song (she knows too many) and sometimes she even makes up her own words to her own songs. This video was taken well over a month ago, or longer, but you know me-blog SLACKER.

ENJOY!!!!

Oh and more one thing, I made Jearel sign the "I pledge not to video tape while driving". It's bad enough I hate that Jayla has to be in the front seat of his truck. Jeez Daddy, stop giving Mommy an anxiety attack ;)

Cherished Memories

My sister and her family came to town for a visit, oh, about two months ago. It is not too often that they come out this way. The heat and the "ugliness" of Arizona keeps them far far away, in Illinois, that is! I don't blame them for wanting to vacation else where and let's be honest here, it is much nicer to go out and visit them. I usually get the pleasure of seeing my parents too, not to mention I force my sister to take me to Chicago (the BEST city in the world). Thank goodness they live so close, if it wasn't for my little Jay and Jearel, I would move that way in a heart beat. Ok, enough of that, now I am just rambling.

Most of you already know my sister, Jodi, is my very best friend. It is hard that she lives so far away. Not to mention my heart breaks that I can't be with my niece and nephew for the little things (like preschool graduations and violin recitals). It's never easy having your closest family live so far away. This is why I cherish the memories we share, even if they are spent doing nothing much at all.

Jodi was lucky enough to get out here for two weeks, and Erin, my niece got to miss school for an entire week (the second week was her spring break). Sadly enough I had to share my time with them with my brother-in-law's family, but we made the most out of our time together and I am so happy they were here.

Here's how our vacation went:

We hit up a spring training game (my sister has never been), and thanks to my friend Brian Garcia for always getting a big group to go, I was able to introduce my sister to some of my closest friends.

My little miss, with her cousins, Erin and Tyler.

She loves her cousins and misses them dearly
Tyler loves his Uncle Jearel

Erin does too, even though she tries not to show it ;)

Two of my favorite people in the world, Jenni and Kyan

and another favorite, little Miss Lola

My brother, Adam and his new love, Carey

The girls being silly.

The worlds greatest niece

My sister wanted nothing more than to lay out in the pool and drink margaritas. The weather was perfect, however, I thought the pool was a bit cold. Those Midwestern people can handle it!! So this is how we spent most of our days!!

My little water baby!

Tyler was extra prepared.

What a little ham!

My nephews A.J. and Cameron had their birthday party while my sister was here. We had a blast celebrating with them, at the bowling alley. Jayla even got to bowl and I think she will take after her daddy. She did AWESOME!

Jayla's best friend Lola was there. Those two can get a little crazy together!

Pools, bowling alleys, margaritas are the best anywhere on vacation!

Erin was Jayla's little bud and there wasnot a moment those two weren't doing something. Thank you Erin for being such a patient, loving, & caring big cousin. Jayla loves you so much!

My aunt, uncle, and cousin were able to swing by for a little visit, just before my sister headed back home. My Auntie Suzy and Uncle Phil brought Easter eggs full of money for all the kids to find. What a great idea, they LOVED it!!

Collecting their winnings. Thank you so much :)

The family catching up!! Always full of laughter and fun!

The cousins... Jayla, Erin, Cameron, Jaiden, A.J. and Tyler

THANK YOU SO MUCH, Jodi, Tom, Erin, and Tyler for coming out for a visit. We are so thankful for all that you do and the moments we have together. We love you all so much. Please come back soon!!! Or cruise again, Disney?! XOXO