I can hardly believe today is our last day! Wow, time has really flown by this year. Corrine and I were the first up today and that was at 10:00 am. Corrine was able to find two chairs outside. Lucky us! Within an hour or so Ami and Marj joined us and we were able to end up all sitting close to each other. Today was a "hurry and get as much sun as you can before you go" day. It was HOT today and the pool was very nice. We enjoyed a day of relaxing and reading. Ami even ventured out to the ocean one last time.
Tonight we went back into town for dinner and then some shopping and some Baskin Robbins. Yummy! Tomorrow we will be heading in to town for parasailing and some shopping for Ami and Marj!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Puerto Vallarta - Day 6
Another quick post today. Ami, Corrine and Marj all did the Canopy Tour today. They left about 11:30 am to out out north to pick up the tour. It was an afternoon tour. This morning we all slept in and it felt really great! This is the tour where you 'zip' across the jungle and go from platform to platform. I really wasn't intersted in going before I got here and as soon as I read the brochure and they said the 'minimum' requirements I was not at all interested in going. One of the requirements was to have faith and encourage in your equipment. After my parasailing adventure I knew this tour was not for me. When the girls came back they all said it was a very good thing I didn't go because I would not have made it. Ami surprised me when she said it was difficult for her. They are all glad they did it and so Corrine will have to post later with pictures.
I stayed here and enjoyed the VERY hot sun! Wow! It was a warm day and me and the pool were friends on several occasions. :) It was an interesting experience to see what it is like to 'vacation' on your own. I think I will stick to doing it with someone else!
Tonight we rode the bus to town. We were on our way to Brazils (thought of Melinda on this trip) but we found another place we decided to try. It was a Mexican outdoor resturant. I had a quesadilla with steak. It was good - the beans were really good. After dinner we walked into the main area along the boardwalk. Corrine really wanted to have Baskin Robbins and so we did. I had some simply because I could! :) We debated taking the taxi back but ended up walking until our ice creams were gone. By that time we were to the bus stop and so took the bus back. It was packed and so Ami and Marj got to enjoy their bus experience. While on the bus Ami saw Arturo, the gentlemen from church who she came back with. He was so excited to see Ami and to see us. It was fun. Welll that is it for tonight! I am ready for bed!
I stayed here and enjoyed the VERY hot sun! Wow! It was a warm day and me and the pool were friends on several occasions. :) It was an interesting experience to see what it is like to 'vacation' on your own. I think I will stick to doing it with someone else!
Tonight we rode the bus to town. We were on our way to Brazils (thought of Melinda on this trip) but we found another place we decided to try. It was a Mexican outdoor resturant. I had a quesadilla with steak. It was good - the beans were really good. After dinner we walked into the main area along the boardwalk. Corrine really wanted to have Baskin Robbins and so we did. I had some simply because I could! :) We debated taking the taxi back but ended up walking until our ice creams were gone. By that time we were to the bus stop and so took the bus back. It was packed and so Ami and Marj got to enjoy their bus experience. While on the bus Ami saw Arturo, the gentlemen from church who she came back with. He was so excited to see Ami and to see us. It was fun. Welll that is it for tonight! I am ready for bed!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Puerto Vallarta - Day 5
Today is a short post. It is after 9:00 pm and the line for the computer is long so I don't have a lot of time.
We took the Caletas by Day tour. It was cloudy and overcast and you couldn't see the shoreline at all - a little disappointing. By the time we got to the beach, however, the sun was shining. Ami spent the time scuba diving and that put a big smile on her face. Corrine and Marj did some kayaking and the rest of the time we floated in the ocean. They served a nice traditional Mexican lunch - yummy. The sun wasn't that great, but with the reflection of the water we all came back with burnt faces and shoulders.
Tonight is the Mexican Buffet and so since are exhausted we stayed here. They had a 45 minute show with traditional dancing. It was fantastic! Tonight it is a relaxing night!
We took the Caletas by Day tour. It was cloudy and overcast and you couldn't see the shoreline at all - a little disappointing. By the time we got to the beach, however, the sun was shining. Ami spent the time scuba diving and that put a big smile on her face. Corrine and Marj did some kayaking and the rest of the time we floated in the ocean. They served a nice traditional Mexican lunch - yummy. The sun wasn't that great, but with the reflection of the water we all came back with burnt faces and shoulders.
Tonight is the Mexican Buffet and so since are exhausted we stayed here. They had a 45 minute show with traditional dancing. It was fantastic! Tonight it is a relaxing night!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Puerto Vallarta - Day 4
Wow, I can't believe we are already to day 4. Today is Sunday. After staying up way too late last night we made the decision to attend the 11:00 am Sacrament Meeting. It was nice to just sleep and not worry about a schedule.
We took the taxi to Church. With the increase in gas prices the minimum fare for the taxi has also increased. Two years ago the taxi rides seemed to be 65 pesos (about $6.50) and now it is 100 pesos (about $10). Our taxi driver asked us if he should come back. We asked him to return at 12:45 pm. This is the first time I have been to Sacrament Meeting when the visitors didn't out number the members. In fact, other than two men, we were the only other visitors. There was not a pianist and so we sang acapella. Just like at home, people came late and it began to fill in. Ami enjoyed being able to be there and understand what is being said. I read my scriptures and the conference addresses. The elders were just transferred to the ward. One is from Boston and the other from the Colonies. They said Puerto Vallarta is the highest baptizing area in the mission (Guadalajara Mission) and there are four builidngs and about 25 missionaries here in PV. Who would have known! The ward we attended today is struggling and they are out to find the members and bring them back to Church. Ami found out one of the families lived down the street from where we stay and so she chose to stay for all of the meetings. She rode the bus home with them and had an interesting experience. I will let her share it with you if you are interested.
We came back to make arrangements for our trip tomorrow and for a 15% discount on everything Corrine sat through the "presentation". It was supposed to take 90 minutes and include lunch. Instead it took over two hours. I went searching for her to 'rescue' her, but ulitmately she was willing to do it so she could ask her questions and find out how her timeshare works. The gentlemen who was helping her was great and so she is glad she did it. Marj and I sat out (not by the pool) and read and watched the ocean. Today is a beautiful day! We had dinner tonight here and they make crepes here now. We sampled them and WOW are they good. What a nice treat.
Tonight we are going to do a FHE together and then head to bed earlier. Tomorrow we are going to do the Caletas by Day trip -- it takes us to a private beach. There will be snorkeling, kayaking and for Ami, scuba diving there. It should be fun. Ami, Corrine and Marj have decided they will do the Canopy Tour and so they will schedule it for Tuesday or Wednesday.
We took the taxi to Church. With the increase in gas prices the minimum fare for the taxi has also increased. Two years ago the taxi rides seemed to be 65 pesos (about $6.50) and now it is 100 pesos (about $10). Our taxi driver asked us if he should come back. We asked him to return at 12:45 pm. This is the first time I have been to Sacrament Meeting when the visitors didn't out number the members. In fact, other than two men, we were the only other visitors. There was not a pianist and so we sang acapella. Just like at home, people came late and it began to fill in. Ami enjoyed being able to be there and understand what is being said. I read my scriptures and the conference addresses. The elders were just transferred to the ward. One is from Boston and the other from the Colonies. They said Puerto Vallarta is the highest baptizing area in the mission (Guadalajara Mission) and there are four builidngs and about 25 missionaries here in PV. Who would have known! The ward we attended today is struggling and they are out to find the members and bring them back to Church. Ami found out one of the families lived down the street from where we stay and so she chose to stay for all of the meetings. She rode the bus home with them and had an interesting experience. I will let her share it with you if you are interested.
We came back to make arrangements for our trip tomorrow and for a 15% discount on everything Corrine sat through the "presentation". It was supposed to take 90 minutes and include lunch. Instead it took over two hours. I went searching for her to 'rescue' her, but ulitmately she was willing to do it so she could ask her questions and find out how her timeshare works. The gentlemen who was helping her was great and so she is glad she did it. Marj and I sat out (not by the pool) and read and watched the ocean. Today is a beautiful day! We had dinner tonight here and they make crepes here now. We sampled them and WOW are they good. What a nice treat.
Tonight we are going to do a FHE together and then head to bed earlier. Tomorrow we are going to do the Caletas by Day trip -- it takes us to a private beach. There will be snorkeling, kayaking and for Ami, scuba diving there. It should be fun. Ami, Corrine and Marj have decided they will do the Canopy Tour and so they will schedule it for Tuesday or Wednesday.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Puerto Vallarta - Day 3
Corrine and I went walking again this morning. By 8:45 we were only able to find two chairs! We walked the same path today and we could tell it was going to be a warmer day. The ocean even looked different.
When we came back Ami was outside sitting on one of the chairs so we wouldn't loose them. She and I did a little exploring around and found a third lounge chair and brought it over by us. I was laying out by myself for a while and then Marj came out. She slept in today for a long time and really enjoyed it. Ami spent time down in the ocean. She even got sucked into the rocks and has the bruises to proof it. Corrine came out about noon. As people starting moving around chairs became available and so it all worked out. It was definately warmer and I used the pool several times today. I was so tired today because the last two nights of sleep have been horrible. The pull-out bed leaves little to be desired!
I tried to listen to my IPOD and finish Angels and Demons but every time I tried I found myself sleeping and so I finally gave in and just slept until it was too hot. It was very nice. I did get some color today. Marj has a great tan - she has great skin for the sun! It reminds me of Melinda! We played UNO during lunch and I couldn't help but remember playing speed UNO with Kate and never being able to keep up with it!
Tonight was the big Mexican Fiesta. We thought it was going to be the Mexican buffet Corrine really loves and so we stayed. As it turns out it wasn't, but we enjoyed it anyway. They were teaching salsa lessons (not quite the same as Dancing with the Stars) and again people and alcohol make a funny combination. :) Tonight at dinner a vote was taken and so Monday we will go on a boat trip to Las Caletas. Everyone (but me of course) wants to go kayaking and so we will give it a shot. Hasta Lavista!
When we came back Ami was outside sitting on one of the chairs so we wouldn't loose them. She and I did a little exploring around and found a third lounge chair and brought it over by us. I was laying out by myself for a while and then Marj came out. She slept in today for a long time and really enjoyed it. Ami spent time down in the ocean. She even got sucked into the rocks and has the bruises to proof it. Corrine came out about noon. As people starting moving around chairs became available and so it all worked out. It was definately warmer and I used the pool several times today. I was so tired today because the last two nights of sleep have been horrible. The pull-out bed leaves little to be desired!
I tried to listen to my IPOD and finish Angels and Demons but every time I tried I found myself sleeping and so I finally gave in and just slept until it was too hot. It was very nice. I did get some color today. Marj has a great tan - she has great skin for the sun! It reminds me of Melinda! We played UNO during lunch and I couldn't help but remember playing speed UNO with Kate and never being able to keep up with it!
Tonight was the big Mexican Fiesta. We thought it was going to be the Mexican buffet Corrine really loves and so we stayed. As it turns out it wasn't, but we enjoyed it anyway. They were teaching salsa lessons (not quite the same as Dancing with the Stars) and again people and alcohol make a funny combination. :) Tonight at dinner a vote was taken and so Monday we will go on a boat trip to Las Caletas. Everyone (but me of course) wants to go kayaking and so we will give it a shot. Hasta Lavista!
Puerto Vallarta - Day 2
Friday is a relaxing day. After a day of traveling, it is nice to just do nothing. We played Rummikub until late last night. All of us read ourselves to sleep.
This morning when I woke up Ami was not in the room. She is battling a really bad headache and we found her outside in a lounge chair enjoying the fresh air. Corrine and I went walking. Either way we were to face hills and so we walked toward Mismaloya Beach. We were gone a total of about 45 minutes or so. The roads are narrow and they do not have sidewalks and so we had to be on high alert. As we were leaving (8:30 am) we noticed most all of the chairs by the pool were taken and so we went and laid some books out there. After the walk I changed and headed out to the pool. Marj came with me and Ami was back in bed. Corrine was studying on the balcony. We were in the shade until after noon. There were seven chairs with no sun and we were four of them! It was a little frustrating. I was finally able to relax and enjoy. I got a lot of reading done. The sun finally did hit us and as people left we moved around. The day wasn't as hot either. I never did need to get in the pool to cool off! Corrine and I introduced Marj the "Costa Vida Special" and she is hooked. Ami is enjoying her pina colada. We ate our traditional club sandwich for lunch and yes, we did have chips, guac and salsa.
We left for town around 7:30 or 8:00 and headed to Pipis! We waited about 35 minutes. This is the first time there were women and children in front of the place trying to sell items. We were a little surprised. Normally there are young boys there trying to open the taxi for you so you will tip them, but this year they had company. It was nice for me to order off the menu without saying "hold the cheese and sour cream, please". Corrine had the fajitas and I had the taco salad. We had a nice time. The mariachi band was there and people watching there was an experience (it is amazing what people do after they have had some alcohol). After dinner we walked down to the boardwalk and then did more people watching. There sure are a lot more people selling and doing. Wow. Anything to get tips from us. :)
Because of our late start we didn't get back until around 11:00 or so. We missed the last bus and so we took the taxi back. All of us were exhausted and so went to bed (reading of course).
This morning when I woke up Ami was not in the room. She is battling a really bad headache and we found her outside in a lounge chair enjoying the fresh air. Corrine and I went walking. Either way we were to face hills and so we walked toward Mismaloya Beach. We were gone a total of about 45 minutes or so. The roads are narrow and they do not have sidewalks and so we had to be on high alert. As we were leaving (8:30 am) we noticed most all of the chairs by the pool were taken and so we went and laid some books out there. After the walk I changed and headed out to the pool. Marj came with me and Ami was back in bed. Corrine was studying on the balcony. We were in the shade until after noon. There were seven chairs with no sun and we were four of them! It was a little frustrating. I was finally able to relax and enjoy. I got a lot of reading done. The sun finally did hit us and as people left we moved around. The day wasn't as hot either. I never did need to get in the pool to cool off! Corrine and I introduced Marj the "Costa Vida Special" and she is hooked. Ami is enjoying her pina colada. We ate our traditional club sandwich for lunch and yes, we did have chips, guac and salsa.
We left for town around 7:30 or 8:00 and headed to Pipis! We waited about 35 minutes. This is the first time there were women and children in front of the place trying to sell items. We were a little surprised. Normally there are young boys there trying to open the taxi for you so you will tip them, but this year they had company. It was nice for me to order off the menu without saying "hold the cheese and sour cream, please". Corrine had the fajitas and I had the taco salad. We had a nice time. The mariachi band was there and people watching there was an experience (it is amazing what people do after they have had some alcohol). After dinner we walked down to the boardwalk and then did more people watching. There sure are a lot more people selling and doing. Wow. Anything to get tips from us. :)
Because of our late start we didn't get back until around 11:00 or so. We missed the last bus and so we took the taxi back. All of us were exhausted and so went to bed (reading of course).
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Puerto Vallarta - Day 1
Well, we have made it to PV and so far so good! I was able to doze on the plane, but we had a really full flight. The time did go by really quick! The PV airport is significantly remodeled and enlarged. Our experience going through immigration and customs was much different and so we did not have to stand in long lines. We by-passed everyone trying to give us a free ride to our hotel (in exchange for listening to their sales pitch) and got ourselves a taxi! The weather is great and the humidity is definately being felt! There were two large cruise ships in port today! Wow, I have never seen that before.
After arrival and check in (took some time and the faces are different at the front desk) we took Marj and Ami on a tour of the facillity and showed them around. They have changed a few things, but not enough to make it too different. We unloaded our suitcases and we had dinner here at Playa del Sol Costa Sur (nice to see the same faces at the restaurant). We had the "Great Steak Out" and my baked potato is happy we brought American salt and pepper!
Tonight we will hang out here and play games and relax. We are looking forward to a wonderful week!
After arrival and check in (took some time and the faces are different at the front desk) we took Marj and Ami on a tour of the facillity and showed them around. They have changed a few things, but not enough to make it too different. We unloaded our suitcases and we had dinner here at Playa del Sol Costa Sur (nice to see the same faces at the restaurant). We had the "Great Steak Out" and my baked potato is happy we brought American salt and pepper!
Tonight we will hang out here and play games and relax. We are looking forward to a wonderful week!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Joining the campaign trail!
So yesterday Corrine found out Mitt Romney was coming back to California for a rally before Super Tuesday. It was held in Long Beach at a hanger. Well, she was able to convince dad to go quite easily. My problem is my nerves don't handle these things very well. I feel like I am at one of the boy's sport events with so much on the line. I watch with my hands over my face and peek between my fingers! My stomach can't handle the pressure! Anyway, I knew dad and Corrine really wanted me to go and so I decided to just go for it.
We arrived early and by the time he arrived I was glad we did. There must have been well over 3000 people there and standing very close together. I loved the two large flags hanging on the wall -- one American and one Californian (see pictures).
Hugh Hewitt was the "MC' and Tony Strickland was there as well as Jack McKewon (a congressman) and Dana Rohrabacher (a congressman) among others. Mitt spoke for about 30 minutes and I must admit, it was easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all! I kind of felt the same way I did when I went to the Ronald Reagan Library -- full of American pride!
We arrived early and by the time he arrived I was glad we did. There must have been well over 3000 people there and standing very close together. I loved the two large flags hanging on the wall -- one American and one Californian (see pictures).
Hugh Hewitt was the "MC' and Tony Strickland was there as well as Jack McKewon (a congressman) and Dana Rohrabacher (a congressman) among others. Mitt spoke for about 30 minutes and I must admit, it was easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all! I kind of felt the same way I did when I went to the Ronald Reagan Library -- full of American pride!
This picture of dad put a smile on my face. It reminded me of him holding the "Elder Barlow" sign at the airport waiting for Garrett to come home!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Happy Birthday Carie Barlow
A few of us got together Friday night at Gina's house. She made a WONDERFUL Italian meal at her house. She had several different pastas, rolls, salad, homemade meatballs and sausage -- yum, yum! Carie Barlow's birthday is next week and we planned to celebrate. However, she is not feeling well and so stayed home. We wanted her to know we are thinking of her so we sang her a song --
After dinner we all went over to the Edwards Theatre in Simi Valley and saw Passage to Zarahemla. This is an LDS-made movie and was showing one night only in Simi Valley. Although the movie is make believe it was nice to see a movie that was pleasant, uplifting, and didn't give me cause for concern for my eyes and ears.
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