Fall Family Photos

Here are some of my favs from the photos we took in August for Shaun's mom's birthday gift.

The beautiful Kaili

The grandkids

What handsome boys I have!

My favorite picture of the day... Sam was under the tripod making jokes making everyone laugh.  Such a beautiful family.

Getting tired of photos!

Little loves!

So for harsh noon light, photo shoot time change, hungry tummies, lost sunglasses, a rascally pup and this being the first family photo since the mid 90s.... I think they turned out just fine.  So proud to be part of such a loving family.  I am blessed.

Aging Country Style

I celebrated my 31st birthday on the weekend... quiet, cloudy country day.  Sam refused to have my birthday without balloons so we headed into Sylvan to get balloons and for a happy meal!  I got to snuggle a tiny farm kitten, took an afternoon nap and watched Shaun take the maiden voyage on the kayak.  Shaun's parents took care of Sammy's bed time and we got to go on a date (first time in... ummm... hmmm... way too long!) and then meet up with a dear friend for a birthday drink hillbilly style.

My best little man.

I just know that hours of my life will be spent paddling around this little creek.  Shaun says it's beautiful just around the bend.  Can't wait to check it out.  

Family

The best ice cream cake I've ever eaten.  If this is what being 31 is like, count me in!!!

Look Out Summer 2013

After the craziest work year of my life, I'm ready to enjoy some summer time with my friends and family.  Time to reconnect with people that I didn't see enough of over the past 10 months, quality time adventuring with my boys and remembering to pause and enjoy the time off.
Summer '13 started like this...

This spring we did an awesome science experiment... we grew caterpillars!  It was cool to watch them grow over night and one by one build a chrysalis.  Soon enough we had 5 beautiful butterflies.  I was nervous to let them go, as they had become a real highlight for Sam to check out each day.  On release day, Sam took off the lid and as each one flew away he called out saying "Bye buddy, find your new home."

One of Sam's buddies. 

After the butterflies were gone, Sam took the chance to get an up close look at the empty chrysalis.  This kiddo loves science!

Content

HAPPY!

Patient

Curious and gentle

Proud

This summer has brought a lot of rain.  This storm brought the most perfect rainbow.

Peace

The Connolleys Go to Mexico!

We had the gift of a family vacation this spring break.  We spent 7 days in the Mayan with Shaun's parents, his brother and our niece.  The weather couldn't have been more amazing.  The resort was OUTSTANDING!  I would recommend it to any of my friends (with or without little kids).  

Waiting at the Calgary airport to take the long flight to Mexico.

We arrived at our hotel 12 hours after leaving our home in Airdrie.  We took a little golf cart ride to our hotel room.

First day at the pool hanging out with one of the many iguanas we saw on the trip.  Sam loved them.  He even named the one that lived outside our hotel room.  He was originally named Crocodile but that got confusing so we called him Buddy.

First dip at the beach! SAND THROWING!!!

My favourite guys hanging out in the water.

Family shot!

Only a few short meters off the beach there was a school of fish swimming around.  Some people were feeding them bread and they were very tame.  We tried to touch them but they are sneaky!

My guys winding down after a long day in the sun.

Sammy up with the sunrise each day.

Kaili and Sam waiting for our turn to swim with the dolphins.

Kaili getting a dolphin ride.

Grandpa being pushed by the dolphins

Sam and Shaun getting the dolphin to poke out of the water and touch Sam's hand.

Dolphin kiss!

KISS!  He looks equally as impressed as his dad was!

Crazy pool kid

We went down to a little square where there were was shopping.  On the ride there Sam fell fast asleep and slept through our entire tour around.  His mean parents took the opportunity to pose Sam... hehehehe.

Sam got heavy so we let him snooze on the bench!

Sammy and Grandpa!

Gramma, Grandpa and the kiddos!

Second day at the beach... Sam's tracks in the sand.  Love.

Running loose!

Beach baby

This is Sam's Amigo.  Every day we'd visit him at the lobby of our hotel.  He'd call to Sam saying "Hey, it's my amigo!" and Sam would run over and they'd do a little handshake.  It was sooooo sweet.  It melted my heart each time.  While we were there, Sam developed what we think was a heat rash.  Sam's amigo was very concerned that it could be an allergy so he suggested that Sam drink so milk to counteract the reaction.  Without Sam's amigo (and all the other amazing staff) it would have been a completely different trip for me.  The people showed love and kindness that was above and beyond.

Beach at the Tulum ruins.  

My guys getting poked by a cactus.

Tulum.  Absoultely amazing and breath-taking.  Unfortunately it was sooooooo hot and we needed to spend our time moving from one source of shade to another.  Our guide told us much of the history and it was fascinating.  Worth the time if you are ever in Mexico (fyi-the world is not ending... I heard it in the Mayan folks!)

Sam finding all the 's' on the sign.

That is Shaun and I in the top right corner.  We saw 4 turtles while we were snorkling.  It was incredible. 

If you look carefully there is a sting ray on the bottom right under me... too cool.

Boy LOVING the sand.  Luckily Shaun's mom was lovely enough to stay on land with Sam while we snorkled (I did try to put flippers and a mask on him but it was a BAD idea!)

The Connolley clan waiting for the 'tram' to take us from one hotel to another.   On the 5th day we found out that by the time we waited for the tram to come we could have walked to our hotel... it was literally 200m away and we didn't know!  We wondered why the tram drivers looked at us funny when we asked them to drive us!!!

Hammock time!

Parrot by the pool.  

On the final day, Sam was using the tube and swimming all alone.

A final relax by the pool before a VERY long trip home.  Holiday of a life time.  So many wonderful memories... LOVE.