It has been awhile since I have had the time (or clear enough thoughts!) to update this site as a nasty little virus has been running rampant in our house since Halloween.  I cringe to even bring it up now, as we are finally starting to regain some normalcy in our lives and I plan to block the last two weeks out of my mind forever!  Plus, chances are we all got sick from something we picked up on our trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and I am determined NOT to be afraid to go back to that beautiful, relaxing, warm place again – so let’s just forget we were all so sick, OK?  Let’s forget that we all spent Halloween night in the fetal position on our couch, moaning on about our aches, pains and levels of nausea.  Let’s forget that Erik and I traded several forearm shivers in the hallway as we raced each other to the bathroom.  And let’s just say we were not in a race to brush our teeth.  Let’s just forget that poor Ella, who got it MUCH worse than us, had to spend three days in the hospital after becoming severely dehydrated and losing two pounds in three days.  (For a girl who is only 18.5 pounds to begin with – well, that’s just not good for anybody)  Let’s forget that we nearly consumed our individual weights in popsicles.  Ugh.  Let’s also forget the infinite loads of laundry we had to do as Ella easily went through five outfits and a new bed sheet everyday for ten days.  Hey, if you have seen her closet, you know the girl does not lack for outfits, but please – the mere scent of Dreft and I still tremble just a little bit.  Oh, right…we are forgetting all of that.  OK…   

  Despite our woes upon returning home, our little respite in Mexico was absolutely wonderful!  Erik, Ella and I met Erik’s parents, Greg and Joan, down in Cabo and we all stayed at G & J’s timeshare at the Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort.  This was our third time staying there – and the first time we brought Ella with us “south of the border!”  The weather was, hands down, the BEST we have ever had.  It had to be 85-90 and sunny each and every day we were there.  Simply gorgeous.  The perfect combination of warmth and breeze coming off of the Pacific Ocean.  Ella did so much better than any of us expected; actually, she probably enjoyed herself the most of all of us.  The first time we took her down by the beach, she giggled uncontrollably as she tried to “catch” the breeze with her little hands.  With the wind in her hair and the sun on her face, she seemed more alive than I have ever remembered seeing her before.  She loved being down by the pool all day, swimming when she felt like it and napping comfortably in the cabana when she needed a break.  Greg (G.Pa) took her on a long stroller walk every day around naptime and sat with her at their special place he named “23 Palms” as she softly snoozed the afternoon away, or sat up happily listening to the birds and the pounding surf.  Some evenings we chose to get ready and go out to dinner in town and other nights we just hung out in our room and ordered in.  Ella had such a perfect “go with the flow” attitude all week – we were all constantly surprised how easily she adapted to her unfamiliar surroundings.  I now know she is a true “beach bum” at heart!!   What an incredible time of rest, relaxation, and refreshment.  (And I’m not just taking about “Happy hour!”)  Thanks, Greg and Joan, for getting us down there and for such a special week together!!  We will be back – we are NOT afraid – we promise! J