07/13/08 Final day in Puerto Penasco

Spent a lot of time on the beach today and in the water, enjoying the coolness for our last full day here. The kids ran themselves silly while the adults all snuck off for naps during the afternoon (taking shifts to watch the kids).
I was able to get a few more scrapbook pages done, hunted for sea shells and enjoyed the low tide. We didn't like almost getting run over by jet skiers, but such is life.
Lastly, we played some Uno, luck was with the youngest Synk clan as both Samantha and Joe won. Finally, we lit the last boxes of sparklers and the kids danced around with joyous abandon. What a wonderful week and so sad to see it draw to a close. This has been our final planned trip for sabbatcial.
We drive back to Phoenix tomorrow and then have about a week off before Dan starts back to work. Just enough time to squeeze in some errands and get caught up on laundry before we head back to our normal routine. These weeks have FLOWN by... so sad to see them drawing to an end. I need to win the lottery.

Stay tuned, I'll post more till we return back to work!

07/12/08 Puerto Penasco

Ahh, life is so relaxing in Mexico. Slow pace and no rushing anywhere. Just sitting on our bums trying NOT to get sunburned. So far, we've been pretty successful.

Thursday found me celebrating the 6th anniversary of my 29th b'day. It was a good day and a good place to celebrate. We went to lunch at El Capitan Restaurant on the point. Had the Shrimp wrapped in bacon... oooh so delicious! Also enjoyed some guacamole and a margarita. YUMMY! For desert, my favorite b'day cake - angel food cake covered in cherry frosting. That has been a b'day treat of mine for YEARS!!! (..And obviously there have been a lot of them)

Today we hit Rodeo Drive for some shopping and then came back for a swim and to walk on the beach. The tide is out so we had a wonderful time playing in the surf and sand. Lots more people at the resort now than there were even yesterday... and drunk folks abounding. They are always very amusing to watch!

Tomorrow is our last full day in Mexico before we head home. Sounds like we've missed some fun rain storms in the valley, hopefully the monsoon season isn't over yet.

07/08/08 Las Palamos

Did some scrapping of the kids playing on the slide. Also got the tripod out and took some fun night shots.

Enjoy!
Kenzie cooked tonight making scrumptions chicken quesadillas. We had grilled cheese for lunch and Papa made french toast for breakfast. We've also got eggos, an assortment of cereals and enough junk food for a 2 month transatlantic voyage. Each family is responsible for bringing enough food for 2 lunches and 2 dinners.
Everyone has read a ton of books while Joey has enjoyed some quality time with his game boy (when he and Samantha aren't busy cruising down the slide or playing in the lazy river and pool.) Today; more of the same!

7/8/08 Our Hero

While at the pool today; Dan was lounging near the pool when (cue dramatic music) Dan saw a woman gesturing frantically. Being astute and quick of mind he saw a tiny girl floundering just under the water in the pool… with no thought to himself, he grabbed his red bay watch life float and dove into the water, rushing to the small girl’s aide and lifting her heroically to the side (cue bay watch happy tune). The mother ran over to scoop up her small child and lavish words of thanks on Dan for saving her favorite child. The child, somewhat shaken, also gave Dan and big hug and kiss for saving her life.

Okay that was Dan’s version…

What REALLY happened; Dan was hanging out in the pool and saw some woman gesturing frantically… he kinda looked around trying to figure out what her commotion was all about. He finally noticed the little girl not really swimming in the pool and put 2 and 2 together. He pulled her out and plopped her on the side of the pool where Mom did rush over to make sure her daughter was okay. The lady said “gracias” to Dan before they wandered off. No music was heard.

Buenos Dias from Puerto Penasco

Hola Amigos!

We made it down to Rocky Point yesterday. We're spending the week at Las Palomas hotel. It's farily warm, but the pools are refreshing and fun for the kiddos. Crossing the border was cake, we just drove right through, however the line to get back into the US was about 1/2 mile long and 2 to 3 lanes wide. Thus the reason we travel to Mexico AFTER the 4th.

My mom and dad, brother, sis-in-law and neice are here as well. We each brought food to cook/make 2 dinners and 2 lunches during the week, and breakfast goods for our family. Last night we had chicken marsala and salad. It turned out fairly well considering I smoked up the ENTIRE apartment! Fortunately there was a nice breeze blowing and we cleared the place out in a few short minutes. Our condo is HUGE!!! 3 master suites, and a patio at least as many square feet as the living area. With a BBQ... I think I'm in heaven!

After dinner, we went for a walk on the beach. It was gorgeous out and the plan is to head out tonight a little earlier so we can look for sea shells, something I think the kids will really enjoy.

07/05/08 Happy Post July 4th

Our adventure for yesterday was meeting two of my very dear friends, Pam and Jenn, for lunch. I love these gals cuz they'll eat sushi with me! Dan is not a huge fan of raw fish. It was wonderful to see them, as always!

Pam turned me on to a shop call Runner's Den in North Phoenix... I need to find some time to "run" up there and buy some decent shoes. Went for a jog/walk this morning and did 1.5 miles non-stop... a personal best. Pam, running on the asphalt was a big help! Thanks YOU!!!

After lunch Dan and I went to see Get Smart. It was okay... Joe Bro loved that show when we were growing up so I thought of him the entire time we were there. Sadly, that has now exhausted the list of movies we felt we MUST see. Thankfully it is summer so lots more stuff opens soon.

Okay, in one of my digital scrapping classes got turned on to this cool website called EZ actions by Photoblast they offer plugin's to photoshop to get some cool effects on your pictures. I purchased and downloaded three, they turned out very cool and are a fun change.

original photo

Vivid Color Pro


Sharp Shot Color Pop Pro


Acid Wash

07/02/08 July, already?

How did that happen? Sabbatical is half over and I've got tons more books to read, new recipes to try and chores to complete (like painting the guest bathroom and ebaying some scrapbook supplies).

I did complete my final assignment at big picture scrapbooking: A portrait photo essay. I chose my brother's birthday as my assignment and took more pictures that I ended up using. Thought it turned out fairly well. Can't wait to get my hands on Jenn's Luke! :)


Today is Kung Fu Panda, a dentist appointment for Joey and then he goes to his Dad's house. This week Joey and I have been to the pool 3 days... he's so sick of me making him do laps but he loves to play in the water. This morning I got up early enough to feel motivated to jog but any later than leaving the house at 6 am and it's too hot! Joey, although I'm sure he'd love to go to the pool, is happy NOT to swim his laps today.

Dan finally went to the doctor for the back/hip pain he's been having as a result of his sprained ankle. He got some good drugs that are finally allowing him to sleep.