Mazatlan 2009

Our annual but not longer annual trip to Mazatlan, Mexico was unbelievable. We had such a great time with J's extended family. There were 51 of us total and I am definitely feeling homesick after being with so much family all week last week. I miss everyone. I only meant to upload a few pictures and then post a slide show for those wanting to see more, but we just had such an incredible trip I could pick just a few. Jace did pretty well on the flight there entertaining himself in his own seat. He watched some shows on my ipod and drank his strategically placed OJ. He is so much like his mom and dad making sure everything around him fits in perfectly.

Our taxi ride from the aeropuerto to the Inn at Mazatlan. Jace knew he was so big when he didn't have to have a car seat and he got to be buckled in the regular seat. He tried to tell me he wanted to sit on the regular seat yesterday. I knew that would happen.

Very soon after we arrived and a short nap later in the rickety hotel crib, we got ready to go swimming. (The airline lost our pack 'n play so Jace had to make do with what the hotel had. Thank goodness our crib came later for the rest of the trip.)

Cousins Nixon and Jace sitting on the wall outside our hotel room. They had the same shirt.

Mommy and Jace taking in the marvelous Mazatlan mornings. The weather was fantastic our entire trip. Hot just like I like it. We never used any jackets like we usually do at night. (the band aid on my shoulder is covering a scar from a mole I had removed. nice!)

Jace found some one's goggles and put them on. He left them there for quite a while.

One of many trips to the beach each day.

Jace really liked the "big water" or the ocean in other words. He wasn't to sure about the strong under current but liked jumping over waves with mommy and Nana. He would laugh and laugh.

I stole this idea from a friend.

J's mom and I.

My favorite thing every morning was to go outside our room onto our patio and look up. Every unit above us was filled with our family. It was fun to say good morning to everyone that way.

Daddy bought Jace a guitar from a street vendor and it was a huge hit. He played "zippidy do da" and sang songs all day to everyone. Going out shopping on the streets with dad.

Relaxing on the hotel property.

More beach time with Mom.

And pool time with Dad.

We shared a 2 room suite with J's sister Lindsay, her hubby Tyler and little Nixon. Jace was very jealous of Nixon the entire trip. As we neared the end he started helping take care of him and being sweeter. It was so fun sharing a room with them.

J's other sister Brynn and I at the Fiesta Dinner one night.

Waiting for dinner.

Hitting the pinata with all the big kids. They have done this every year and I can't believe he is old enough now to help out a bit.

Beautiful Mazatlan afternoon. The sand truck he is holding was a very important find. I looked everywhere for one because every time we went to the beach he'd so other little boys playing with them and kept trying to go take theirs.

Riding a horse on the beach on night with Uncle Chris.

Hanging out on the patio wearing the shades dad bought for him from another street vendor. Jace got so many comments on how stylin' he looked.

Hi Dad.

Jace loved the pools.

The little kids there were so friendly. These two came over to Jace and I and kept trying to talk to us in Spanish. Even though we didn't communicate well, they still kept playing with us.

Cute cousin Ivy helped take care of Jace. She would always hold his hand wherever we were and I was shocked each time she did that he would let her.

Another morning on the beach. It was so wonderful waking up to the waves crashing each morning. Jace slept great. He would take over 3 hour naps and even though he'd wake up earlier, he did well overall. The sun and the fun took it all out of him.

Melissa (J's other sister), 2 of her kids, and Jace shopping on the wall. We all bought lots of stuff this year this way.

Cousin Marshall and Jace watching Curious George while it was getting hot outside.

Brynn and Jace sharing popcorn. Each day at Happy Hour they'd come out with bags for everyone.

Brynn, Melissa, and I after our family pictures were taken. Coming soon!

Cute Nixon. What a sweet happy baby.

Some cousins watching a dvd while waiting for dinner one night.

This is how morning began and evenings ended each day. J loved it.

I enjoyed watching the birds feed each morning. The second morning we were there we saw 4 dolphins jumping right out in front of our room.

Entertaining himself while waiting for breakfast.

The obsession with things touching his nose continues.

One of my favorite beach pictures of the trip.

Since this was our last year in Mazatlan as a family, I decided I couldn't leave without give parasailing a try. Here is Jace playing in the canoes while I got ready.

Getting harnessed in.

Taking off.

Waiting for us to finish.

Mazatlan this year felt really laid back. We all loved it. Some nights we played late and settled for pb&j for dinner.

Sitting on the wall with Brynn eating his "samich."
Last morning there, Jace and I had a snuggle watching the waves. Jace is wearing his sunglasses, he wouldn't go anywhere without them.

On the plane ride home, Jace sat bucked in his seat for the entire 2.5 hours. We kept looking at each other in shock. He was so sweet.
When we got to our car off the shuttle, Jace put his blanket in the street and sat down. He had had enough. I don't blame him, it was a long day.

We had such a wonderful time, each year I tell J we need to move there. This was my 6th year going with his family and there are countless memories that I hope never to forget. I love you all!

The rest of the pictures are here