Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Puerta Vallarta 2010-2011 Part I

This year's annual Yonker family trip was to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. I was equal parts nervous and excited this year. I knew my kids were at a great age for having fun in the pool, sand etc. However, I also know Sydney is at a TERRIBLE age to travel on a plane (for 4+ hours). Regardless, they did GREAT. Of course we had our travel issues....waking them up in Milwaukee at 3 am, being VERY sleep deprived by the time we got to Mexico and not having a room for 3 1/2 hours aka no ability to nap, boycotting sleep on the return flight (Gavin) and crying the whole two hours home from Wisconsin (Sydney). Overall though, it could have been far worse.

The whole week was a blast. Again, very nervous about this whole 4 people in a room thing--especially at nap but they managed quite well. Granted they survived the whole week in a sleep deprived haze. They were going to bed very late every night and Syd was skipping her morning nap all week. Needless to say at nap time, they crashed hard (usually after Sydney bounced around in her crib for 20 minutes while Gavin shushed her).

Each morning Gavin usually woke up talking about pancakes, waffles, quesadillas and one of his cousins (this trip mostly Margot but also, Sam, Bea, Addie and Charlie. All in all we would have had 34 people this year but unfortunately, Kyle, Heather and Harry could't go due to a funeral and were definitely missed!

Traveling is always a challenge...but the end result is so worth it! (Pictures are in two posts)

A kid "hot" spot--the Hot Tub.

Blowing bubbles. Syd's non-swim diaper ghetto booty.

Pool smiles.

Gavin feeding a parrot.

So brave! He also held an owl but I don't have a picture.

Loving life!

Seriously, so easy to get perfect shots at this age.

Gram Dody with baby Greta.

Its a Triple Threat!

Beach party dinner.

Addie, Margot, Bea and Gavin join the dance competition.

But soon abandon it for playing in the sand.
Uncle Chach....we all knew he'd be a bad influence.

The Sydney Stare-Down.

Getting ready to play in the sand.
And this is how she feels about it.

Clearly, she's a fan.

Wait, she didn't QUITE get her point across.

Me and the kids...one you can't get OUT of the sand and the other you can't get IN the sand.

About 5 minutes later, she was out on his shoulder..in the pool...with a long strand of drool on his chest. A fav pic of the week for me.

Spaghetti night!

I just want to squeeze those cheeks on her!

Snack time.

A rare moment of my fish out of water having a snack.

This little herd of kids (minus Craig) were rarely seen out of the water.

And they would climb, wrestle, play with anyone they could get all 8 little hands on.

Friday, December 31, 2010

Christmas Day

On Christmas Day we broke from our usual tradition since we were leaving later that afternoon. We went to my parents at 9 am and began by having brunch and opening presents. We then had a quick lunch and headed home so we could leave for Milwaukee after naps. Even though our time was cut short, we still had lots of fun and enjoyed giving all our gifts. It's always so fun to finally give what you've (ahem, I've) spent so much time picking out for my family. The kids were spoiled, we were spoiled....and we hope our family feels the same way. Thanks for everything! (Unfortunately, I took very few pictures.)

Opening his first present!


Um...thanks...clothes! (fake smile)


Look for these two on a Harley tour this summer.


Syd's ready to get in on the action.


Loves her new chair!

Uncle Chach helping her break it in....naturally.


My little buddy chilling in the rocker.


The Yonker boys sporting their monogrammed robes (compliments of the Harris family).


Stomping out a tune.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

A Christmas Elf

I kid you not....this was not a planned outfit...just what he was sporting around the house.






Friday, December 24, 2010

Our Family Christmas

"Christmas" morning at our house was actually Christmas Eve morning but clearly, our kids are too young to notice. It was such a nice morning hanging with the kids, opening stockings, getting excited about their big Santa present, having breakfast and opening presents together. We're hoping to establish this as a tradition in our family--spending the morning together with the kids enjoying them. They were excited, we were excited and for once--NOT RUSHED!


First look of excitement when he saw Santa came!


Can't believe Santa ate the cookies and the reindeer ate the food!


Look what Santa brought Gavin!


And he brought Sydney a present too!


Testing it out.


That's my girl.


Stocking time. Seriously, I could eat them up.


Mom and Sydney in all their morning beauty.


Our tree.


Checking out their new books.


Helping Daddy with a present.


So excited--he's a big boy you know, ready for big boy games.


Ripping off the paper.


Playing with Daddy.