January

Okay, so I'm obviously new at this blogging website. I've checked out other blogs and they've figured it all out, so for now it's just a boring blog. Anyway, if you're not tired of reading blogs, I thought I would update you on the happenings in our family. Ben and I just returned from an exciting trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was a short trip down and back but lots of fun. My legs are killing me from the amount of walking we did while there. This was both of our first times in Mexico, and our first stamp on our new passports. We arrived Monday afternoon to a warm 70 degree. Utah had a gigantic snow storm that day, so we welcomed the sunshine. We found a taxi and first plan was to locate a hotel. The taxi driver recommended a good hotel right on the beach, affordable and with a great style. The pool was beautiful and the hot tub, barely warm, but we didn't spend much time there anyway. Our room was small but charming, and the bed was okay, considering I packed my own sheet. I've had my share feeling of the creepy crawlies in less than adequate hotel beds. We threw on our swimsuits and headed for the beach and downtown boardwalk. It was a fabulous trip, one that I won't forget.. I'm glad to be home, I miss Noah while we're away. Here are a few pointers if you're ever in Puerto Vallarta:

*Learn how to say, "no Thankyou" in spanish.. you'll say it a million times when the vendors come and approach you while in the restaurant, on the beach, walking down the street, pretty much ALL the time!

*find the cheapest taco stand, it's sure to be the best. (so tells Ben, I didn't try it. I was afraid to catch a worm or bug or something considering my growing belly)

*the price can always get lower: one of my least favorite parts was the price bargaining. it's hard to know what a product is worth when the first price they give you is 500 pesos and you end up purchasing the product for 100 pesos. even our hotel was negotiable, the first quote was $150, then $130.. finally we managed to pay $85.

*mexican treat = roasted corn with warm mayo and something else creamy. Everybody was eating it, and looked to be enjoying it. i was pretty grossed out when i saw the giant scoop of warm mayo they stirred into the corn.

*it's okay to just ask for money/tips.. i wasn't used to this. street performers would come around and hold out their hat and wait for you to find your money.. guess it's just what to do.

*nobody swims in this ocean. unlike hawaii where the water is full of swimmers, ben looked to be the only one in the stretch of ocean i could see.

overall, puerto vallarta was great and i'm sure we'll be back.