A blessing, the capital, and solo/ensemble

Sam got his patriarchal blessing from Grandpa! So cool that he gets to do it with his grandparents. I love blessing day. I love hearing how amazing my kids are - I already know that, but then they get to hear it too. Such a special day. And such a special blessing. Sam had a lot of things answered for him

Max is in the throws of solo/ensemble. Between his performing, and accompanying people he was there ALL day.

He also performed the national anthem at an assembly

 

The FYCC got to go to the capital during legislature and learn cool things and meet cool people

New York

The day we flew back from Mexico, Max left with his high school choir for New York. He had a great time, especially since his parents weren't there. It would've been even better but the poor kid was deathly ill right up until he left and then the first day he was there. But he was in New York so what could be better! It was crazy cold while they were there. Luckily they missed the big snow storm, but it was cold. 

They got to perform at Carnegie Hall!

 

Part 2

 

I think Toby took a nap in the pool like this every day.

Everyone went on a run to some waterfalls

The view from our room

Sunsets were amazing

We took a boat to go out snorkeling and then to a beach you can only get to by boat. Always an adventure getting everyone in and out of said boat!

Pointing at the blue footed booby birds (yes, that's their real name)

The view from the ocean of our Villa

Our view when we got home. Both boys had been really sick while we were gone and apparently I'm raising boys that will be really good at the "man cold" (sorry future wives). They felt it was totally fine to leave their gross, used tissues in a pile on the counter along with crusty food and dishes. I was so proud

Puerto Vallarta

As soon as we arrived at the Villa, we were greeted with guacamole and pina colladas. All was right with the world

We had a great time going to Puerto Vallarta with Toby's siblings and parents. And if you're wondering if that meant we went to Mexico twice in 2 months, the answer is yes, but we're definitely not complaining. We stayed in Brandon and Netell's beautiful Villa. It comes with an amazing cook and a beautiful view that cant be beat. We saw whales multiple times a day and the food is amazing.

After we ate the guac we quickly got in the pool to enjoy the views

Dinner was amazing

Relaxing is the best

The next day we went to church - always love visiting in Mexico, they're so happy!

This cute little girl kept me entertained

Brunch after church was so so good

We were one seat short in the van so Toby often rode in the trunk

Pure heaven

Toby went to the zoo while I relaxed

The next day we went on a ATV excursion. They had these giant rocking horses while we waited. The ATV's were a lot of fun. We stopped at a river and got to swim.

This is Maria, the amazing cook

We went walking one morning down in the city

The freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh fruit platter were my most favorite things

Brandon had a mariachi band come play for Bish's bday. It was sooo good!

It was Bish's bday while we were there. We celebrated at Pipi's

The next day we went to Edenva. It's a cool place with lots of natural water slides and yummy food.

It's also where they filmed Predator