Though this short little get-a-way seemed like it was badly timed, it was planned so that we would be home in time for the birth of Brittany's baby, but as our luck had it, we managed to leave her and her new baby a week after she was born. Of course, not only were we gone for five days, but we were busy in the office the five days before we left, because what trip isn't burdened with all the required work that needs to be done while you are gone. So sorry Brittany for the bad timing.
The trip we had planned for April was at an all inclusive, which was going to cost a small fortune and after a lot of thought and consideration I went on-line in search of something less expensive and still on the beach. What I found was this wonderful little casa located right on the beach. We rented the downstairs apartment, (really one room with a bathroom and kitchenette) with the most magnificent location and view. We even commented how it looks like the Corona Beer commercial, where they throw the cell phone into the ocean, we were told by the landlord that they filmed that commercial on this beach.
Our morning breakfast on the beach. This is right outside of our little apartment.
We knew that our time here was short and so our plan was not to plan anything that meant leaving the area. Upon our arrival we had the van driver drop us off at Wal-Mart, where we put our suitcases in a shopping cart, grapped another cart and loaded up with groceries for the few days we were here. Then we headed out of the store to the taxi area and took a taxi from Wal-Mart to Tankah Bay.
I managed to swim and snorkle in the ocean everyday. The snorkeling was amazing, with the reef as far out as it was, the bay was nice and calm for a easy swim.
The coloful sea life.
Down the road, across from the restaurant was this cenote, which made for another great snorkeling day. Love this shot of above and under the water.
This cenote flows under the road, under the restaurant and under the beach and opens up again in the ocean.
The turquoise blue patch in the ocean is where the cenote opens up again. It is possible to scuba dive from the cenote river underground to this location in the ocean.
The cat who stayed close by, but who you could not touch.
There was an aboundance of labs and retrievers who take on new owners daily. When they tired of you they moved on to someone new. This little lady stayed close by us for a good part of the afternoon and followed us to the restaurant, where she found new owners. On our walk home, we passed several dogs who were returning home for the day from following their adopted owners.
It was a wonderful get-a-way, too short really, but long enough for a nice break. We have fallen in love with this area. We look forward to heading down here again and staying for a much longer stay. For those of you who are wondering and have bothered to read this far, we stayed at the Casa Tropical located in Tankah Bay Mexico. The owners are US citizens and live down there 6 months of the year. This is their website if you're looking for a nice little vacation in paradise.
http://www.casatropical.com/
Ashlyn
Brittany, Ashlyn an Brett
You thought she just grew up fast didn't ya'? This is LaNea, who came with her mom to visit.
Bernadette and the Bishop at her baptism.
The Wild Hospital Baby Shower
April says she has learn in 1st grade to open MS Word and type a letter. The other day April found her on the computer typing this letter to us, then that afternoon she had mom print it out and proceeded to embellish it.
Next to her mom Halli has been on more planes than anyone I know, I thought it was cute that this is the drawing she did for us. She should know what a plane looks like, landing gear and all. 
I thought I'd post the pictures of Logan and Brett's handy work on the basement. We did manage to have it completed for April & Kevin's and Eric & Jill's and all those girls arrival. Our small family room, with plans to put in a window and a french door in the future, I can't wait to have sun shinning through.
Love, Love, Love the sun shinning in this new window. In previous post, this is the window that Logan and Brett were cutting in.
2nd bedroom, soon to become the nursery for Ashlyn.
And the new bathroom.
On Christmas Day, mom and dad flew out for our Christmas celebration and for the Wedding. Shellie and Maggie flew in a few days later. Here, Maggie is getting pictures of our local wild turkeys that roam the area. 
Christmas Morning, wasn't celebrated sitting around the Christmas tree opening presents, but we dressed and I into my car and Logan into his truck and we headed to Tyler and Chase's home. Logan was towing some wintery Christmas cheer for the boys. On Christmas eve he headed into the hills and loaded his trailer with Snow. His gift to the boys, was snow on the front yard. 
LOVING IT!!!
Building a snowman, then karate chopping it down.
It wasn't the freshly fallin' snow, but with a little work and patting, the boys were able to get a snowman made, and lots of snowballs thrown.
Among the December birthdays we have in the family, Only Chase's had us over for cake and ice cream. (Happy Birthday to Eric and Jill, too...sorry you're so far away).
Earlier in the month, I had along conversation with Chase about his "Un" birthday he was going to have, apparently a sentiment of Grandpa Fink ingrained into Chase, the idea being to keep the Chase from getting any older. Therefore the"Un" birthday where we have cake and ice cream and gifts BUT do not 4. 
Every year when we bring the nativity out, the boys love playing with it. I meant to get pictures, but didn't...after they'd leave for home, I would find the Baby Jesus in the wisemen's tent...it had a light in it and Chase found it more comforting to have a light on for the baby. 
Tyler and Chase were highly entertained with the computer game Halli introduced to the family, the boys laughed harder and longer each time the "Block" fell from it's platform. 
We wish you all a Happy New Year, may it bring us all peace, prosperity and happiness.
