Here we are two weeks later....
So we have been in Dallas now for two weeks, for some reason it feels alot longer, maybe because we didn't really have any down time we just jumped into life right away. So to recap what has been going on, we moved to Texas then went on a wonderful trip (just Paul and I) to the beautiful island of St. Lucia (thanks mom and dad for watching Elyse!). It was a great trip for us at the perfect time. It was relaxing with some adventure which was perfect. We both read a couple books and for those of you that know us that is amazing. Then once we got back from our trip, we spent a couple days in Houston and headed to Dallas our new home. Paul started school a couple days later and he has been studying and working hard since. I think we both still feel a little like "what the heck did we get ourselves into", but we find reassurance that this is what the Lord had planned for our family. It has definitely helped having family and friends around to help us feel welcomed. It has been harder than I thought though and I know Paul is already having a hard time at school and feels like he has no idea what he is learning and questioning what he is doing getting his PhD in Finance. Anyway, I have found some fun stuff for Elyse and me to do during the days so that has been good for us and we having been having alot of fun together. Oh and we got Elyse her first bike (Strider running bike, the bike without pedals) and she is really excited about it, but we are taking it slow. Hopefully she will get more comfortable with it soon and go on her own. Well I think that is all I have to update you on, hopefully we will be better about posting more often. I wanted to post some pictures from our last few weeks of life but I can't seem to find my camera cord at the moment but wanted to post at the request of some friends. So the pictures will have to wait.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
We made it!
So yesterday afternoon we started our drive to Texas after having my Subaru worked on, finishing packing and taking Elyse to the airport for a quick ride to Houston. As we drove I'm was continually challenged on many things. As my car overheats and I'm unable to turn on the air conditioning, yes I'm driving to Texas where it was 107 degrees today let me remind you, I'm reminded that my car is a material possession that thankfully will not go with me. I felt myself getting frustrated as my cotton t-shirt seemed to fuse the leather seat to my back but I'm reminded of the things the Lord has done in our life in the past few months to lead us to this point. I'm thankful for this hope and somehow allows me to enjoy the warm air blowing across my bald head. As we crossed the state line into Oklahoma it became apparent to Kristin and I that Colorado was no longer our home for which it has been for the past 5 years. This was the first of the many times I will question what the heck we are doing. I again come back to what the Lord has put in motion and the comfort that this brings. We arrive in Wichita Falls 12 hours later, amped up on coffee and unable to sleep. We essentially used a bed for a few hours at the house of Mary Alice, Kristin's roommate from college. It was still great to see them and we are so thankful for the few hours of sleep. This morning we got on the road for the remaining 3 hours of driving. I was additionally challenged to see how long I could withstand using the men's room. Bad idea. There was no comfort in this moment. I was comforted by the fact that there is Heidi's Deli arriving down the road from our place that has its roots in Denver. I'll call that comfort food. At last we arrived at our new home around midday excited to get a few things packed away. This was the capstone to a transition that started almost 5 months ago. Now the new chapter begins. Stay tuned....
So yesterday afternoon we started our drive to Texas after having my Subaru worked on, finishing packing and taking Elyse to the airport for a quick ride to Houston. As we drove I'm was continually challenged on many things. As my car overheats and I'm unable to turn on the air conditioning, yes I'm driving to Texas where it was 107 degrees today let me remind you, I'm reminded that my car is a material possession that thankfully will not go with me. I felt myself getting frustrated as my cotton t-shirt seemed to fuse the leather seat to my back but I'm reminded of the things the Lord has done in our life in the past few months to lead us to this point. I'm thankful for this hope and somehow allows me to enjoy the warm air blowing across my bald head. As we crossed the state line into Oklahoma it became apparent to Kristin and I that Colorado was no longer our home for which it has been for the past 5 years. This was the first of the many times I will question what the heck we are doing. I again come back to what the Lord has put in motion and the comfort that this brings. We arrive in Wichita Falls 12 hours later, amped up on coffee and unable to sleep. We essentially used a bed for a few hours at the house of Mary Alice, Kristin's roommate from college. It was still great to see them and we are so thankful for the few hours of sleep. This morning we got on the road for the remaining 3 hours of driving. I was additionally challenged to see how long I could withstand using the men's room. Bad idea. There was no comfort in this moment. I was comforted by the fact that there is Heidi's Deli arriving down the road from our place that has its roots in Denver. I'll call that comfort food. At last we arrived at our new home around midday excited to get a few things packed away. This was the capstone to a transition that started almost 5 months ago. Now the new chapter begins. Stay tuned....
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Tomorrow has Come!
So tomorrow is my final day at work. Crazy! I have been working in public accounting for the last 5 years and my time has come to say goodbye. I can't say that I'm sad to leave the profession. I'm saddened to leave the people at EKSH that I have spent the majority of my last 4 years with. I have built some great friendships and have had great experiences that I will never forget. I have learned a lot and hope to carry my experiences into my next career in academia. Tomorrow is also the day that we say goodbye to some of our closest friends that we have lived life with for the last 5 years and some the last 5 months. This is the hardest part of leaving our lives here: our amazing friends. They have encouraged us, challenged us, and loved us throughout our time with them and for that Kristin and I are forever changed. This is a bittersweet post because we look ahead to an uncharted road of adventure, new careers, and being close to our families. Change brings about hard things but many new great things that the Lord wants to teach us. I look forward to this growth and look forward to tomorrow.
So tomorrow is my final day at work. Crazy! I have been working in public accounting for the last 5 years and my time has come to say goodbye. I can't say that I'm sad to leave the profession. I'm saddened to leave the people at EKSH that I have spent the majority of my last 4 years with. I have built some great friendships and have had great experiences that I will never forget. I have learned a lot and hope to carry my experiences into my next career in academia. Tomorrow is also the day that we say goodbye to some of our closest friends that we have lived life with for the last 5 years and some the last 5 months. This is the hardest part of leaving our lives here: our amazing friends. They have encouraged us, challenged us, and loved us throughout our time with them and for that Kristin and I are forever changed. This is a bittersweet post because we look ahead to an uncharted road of adventure, new careers, and being close to our families. Change brings about hard things but many new great things that the Lord wants to teach us. I look forward to this growth and look forward to tomorrow.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
One day closer....
Paul, Elyse, and I are one day closer to making the move from Denver to Dallas. We are excited about the new adventure but will mourn the loss of so many good friends in Denver. We have been truly blessed in our time here and have met some amazing people that we have shared life with. They will be life long friends and will have to settle for annual visits for at least the next 4 years. Paul is wrapping up work and trying to fit in as many activities as possible. On Tuesday he went and road biked to the top of one of Colorado's 54 14,000 foot peaks named Mount Evans. It was a long ride but he felt accomplished to have ridden it. It is supposedly the highest paved road in North America. I was proud of him.
As of June 1st I quit my job and became a full time mommy. I have loved every minute of it. Elyse and I have had a blast hanging out together and enjoying the Colorado summer. We have spent time going to parks, the zoo, swimming, and spending time at the local library.
We have been able to travel twice this summer already. We went to Salado, Texas as a whole family for the Mason family reunion. It was great to see everyone and spend time with so many cousins, aunts, and uncles. The second trip was to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Elyse and I went with my family for 5 days and Paul had to stay back and work. It is such a beautiful place and great to be around family.
It is a bittersweet summer as we are trying to see as many people as we can in the last couple weeks we have in this great place and enjoy the weather while we can.
Pics from around Town
Pics from Mason Family Reunion
Pics from Jackson Hole, WY
Paul, Elyse, and I are one day closer to making the move from Denver to Dallas. We are excited about the new adventure but will mourn the loss of so many good friends in Denver. We have been truly blessed in our time here and have met some amazing people that we have shared life with. They will be life long friends and will have to settle for annual visits for at least the next 4 years. Paul is wrapping up work and trying to fit in as many activities as possible. On Tuesday he went and road biked to the top of one of Colorado's 54 14,000 foot peaks named Mount Evans. It was a long ride but he felt accomplished to have ridden it. It is supposedly the highest paved road in North America. I was proud of him.
As of June 1st I quit my job and became a full time mommy. I have loved every minute of it. Elyse and I have had a blast hanging out together and enjoying the Colorado summer. We have spent time going to parks, the zoo, swimming, and spending time at the local library.
We have been able to travel twice this summer already. We went to Salado, Texas as a whole family for the Mason family reunion. It was great to see everyone and spend time with so many cousins, aunts, and uncles. The second trip was to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Elyse and I went with my family for 5 days and Paul had to stay back and work. It is such a beautiful place and great to be around family.
It is a bittersweet summer as we are trying to see as many people as we can in the last couple weeks we have in this great place and enjoy the weather while we can.
Pics from around Town
Pics from Mason Family Reunion
Pics from Jackson Hole, WY
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
So it has been forever since the Mason's last posted. I looked at our last post and it was showing Elyse walking. How lame are we. No wonder no one can follow us. Well a lot has happened since the last post as many of you know. I was accepted to graduate school at UT Dallas, we sold our house and decided we are moving to Texas! Oh and Kristin is pregnant with our second girl. How cool is that! As my friend Chad says, I'm started my own sorority. Well I wanted to post a cool video of Elyse. She is in the repeating mode and heard Kristin call me Pauly-Woggers. It was hilarious. I hope you laugh as well.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Elyse is Walking!
So tonight we were just hanging out around the house. After Elyse's bath she was playing with her favorite ball in her room. She stood up and tried to go chase the ball and realized she took her first step. She got so excited and began to bounce and take steps around the room. It was so cute and such a blessing we both were there to watch her. I have attached a video of a couple days of sledding, New Year's with the Mason's and of course her first steps!
So tonight we were just hanging out around the house. After Elyse's bath she was playing with her favorite ball in her room. She stood up and tried to go chase the ball and realized she took her first step. She got so excited and began to bounce and take steps around the room. It was so cute and such a blessing we both were there to watch her. I have attached a video of a couple days of sledding, New Year's with the Mason's and of course her first steps!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Clips
So I had the day off this morning before our big trip to Costa Rica. We are pretty excited about the trip but I decided to take today off even though we don't leave until 7pm tonight. Our nanny still came so I could get stuff ready for our trip since Kristin had to work but I took some time to make a fun video of some random clips of the family this morning. I hope you smile watching it as much as I do.
So I had the day off this morning before our big trip to Costa Rica. We are pretty excited about the trip but I decided to take today off even though we don't leave until 7pm tonight. Our nanny still came so I could get stuff ready for our trip since Kristin had to work but I took some time to make a fun video of some random clips of the family this morning. I hope you smile watching it as much as I do.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Ellie's Growing Up!
So Elyse has been having so much fun lately. Kristin and I (Mostly Kristin) have been taking her to the park almost everyday. She loves watching other kids. She probably inherited that from her parents who tend to people watch way to much. Ellie hasn't figured out the whole staring thing though. She has recently figured out how to climb the steps and probably would climb steps for hours if we would let her.
We also took her to get her first taste of ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. It was one of our birthday celebration outings but really it was for Ellie to enjoy her first cup of ice cream. No hands just dive right in. I can't wait to see her eat spaghetti. This reminds me of one thing I've learned about myself lately. I don't really like messy things when it comes to the kitchen or eating. Krisitn laughs at me but Ellie is breaking me of that because I think we have at least three layers of banana, cottage cheese, yogurt and who knows what else below her high chair. So much fun to see her learn and experience new things though. Enjoy the video of some of her fun times.
So Elyse has been having so much fun lately. Kristin and I (Mostly Kristin) have been taking her to the park almost everyday. She loves watching other kids. She probably inherited that from her parents who tend to people watch way to much. Ellie hasn't figured out the whole staring thing though. She has recently figured out how to climb the steps and probably would climb steps for hours if we would let her.
We also took her to get her first taste of ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. It was one of our birthday celebration outings but really it was for Ellie to enjoy her first cup of ice cream. No hands just dive right in. I can't wait to see her eat spaghetti. This reminds me of one thing I've learned about myself lately. I don't really like messy things when it comes to the kitchen or eating. Krisitn laughs at me but Ellie is breaking me of that because I think we have at least three layers of banana, cottage cheese, yogurt and who knows what else below her high chair. So much fun to see her learn and experience new things though. Enjoy the video of some of her fun times.
Birthday!
So last week was my 28th birthday and yes that feels old to me. Kristin surprised me and took me out to eat and to a concert. It was so much fun to go grab dinner and just hang out and listen to music. We saw Carolina Liar, One Republic and Rob Thomas. They were all really good but we had fun listening to One Republic the most. These guys were so talented. All that to say my wife is so thougtful so make that happen.
Then of course we had to celebrate with one of my favorites. The beautiful chocolate eclair cake. So tasty. Many of you know I love to bake to I ended up making the cake for fun so Kristin didn't feel like she needed to but of course she helped.
Birthday's are so much fun. We started a fun tradition by celebrating a birthday week. Why settle for one day? Birthday's are so important because for at least 12 hours before you are born people are getting ready and celebrating and after you are born "the baby" is all anyone can talk about for a week so we decided why not keep that thought process each year and celebrate a birthday week. Kristin and Elyse made this an extra special year, Love you ladies!
So last week was my 28th birthday and yes that feels old to me. Kristin surprised me and took me out to eat and to a concert. It was so much fun to go grab dinner and just hang out and listen to music. We saw Carolina Liar, One Republic and Rob Thomas. They were all really good but we had fun listening to One Republic the most. These guys were so talented. All that to say my wife is so thougtful so make that happen.
Then of course we had to celebrate with one of my favorites. The beautiful chocolate eclair cake. So tasty. Many of you know I love to bake to I ended up making the cake for fun so Kristin didn't feel like she needed to but of course she helped.
Birthday's are so much fun. We started a fun tradition by celebrating a birthday week. Why settle for one day? Birthday's are so important because for at least 12 hours before you are born people are getting ready and celebrating and after you are born "the baby" is all anyone can talk about for a week so we decided why not keep that thought process each year and celebrate a birthday week. Kristin and Elyse made this an extra special year, Love you ladies!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Houston Bound
Elyse and I decided to go to Houston to hang out with my family these past two weeks. It was a treat for me to get some help with Elyse and for my parents to get to spend time with Elyse and get to know her. It was such great time for me, but hard because we were away from Paul for a long time. The first weekend we were there we took a road trip with Kevin and Ginna up to Dallas to see some of my friends and family. We stayed with my friend Alissa and she was so sweet to have our friends over to her house so they could meet Elyse. Then I got to see Shelby and Cade and the Masons, and Grand Martha. I loved getting to see so many people and for them to meet Elyse. Houston was so relaxing for us and my mom throw a little sip and see so we could show Elyse off to some of her friends. I also got to see my friends Angela and Jacob & Meredith. Elyse did so great traveling around with me, I was worried it would be too much for her.
My Dad with Elyse
Alissa and Elyse
Cade is such a great cousin!
Julie and Elyse
Friends in Dallas
Elyse and I decided to go to Houston to hang out with my family these past two weeks. It was a treat for me to get some help with Elyse and for my parents to get to spend time with Elyse and get to know her. It was such great time for me, but hard because we were away from Paul for a long time. The first weekend we were there we took a road trip with Kevin and Ginna up to Dallas to see some of my friends and family. We stayed with my friend Alissa and she was so sweet to have our friends over to her house so they could meet Elyse. Then I got to see Shelby and Cade and the Masons, and Grand Martha. I loved getting to see so many people and for them to meet Elyse. Houston was so relaxing for us and my mom throw a little sip and see so we could show Elyse off to some of her friends. I also got to see my friends Angela and Jacob & Meredith. Elyse did so great traveling around with me, I was worried it would be too much for her.
My Dad with Elyse
Alissa and Elyse
Cade is such a great cousin!
Julie and Elyse
Friends in Dallas
Uncle Sam came to town
Well the past three weeks have been so much fun with a lot going on. A few weeks ago Sam came in town. It was so much fun to have him here and for him to meet Elyse. When he first got in town we went up to Red Rock Theater which is where bands come to play, amazing place. Then over the weekend we all went up to the mountains to go snowboarding (well not Elyse or myself) and to hang out. It was Elyse's first overnight adventure. The first night was really rough with the sleeping, but other than that she did great and we got to hang out with our friends Andy, Jillian, and baby Pheobe. Paul got to enjoy snowboarding with the guys. The next week Sam, Elyse, and I went up to Boulder and hung out with Ray and Shauna. It was great to see them and to show Sam around Boulder. I have put some pictures below from this week.
Elyse with her friend Pheobe
Red Rocks Theater
Well the past three weeks have been so much fun with a lot going on. A few weeks ago Sam came in town. It was so much fun to have him here and for him to meet Elyse. When he first got in town we went up to Red Rock Theater which is where bands come to play, amazing place. Then over the weekend we all went up to the mountains to go snowboarding (well not Elyse or myself) and to hang out. It was Elyse's first overnight adventure. The first night was really rough with the sleeping, but other than that she did great and we got to hang out with our friends Andy, Jillian, and baby Pheobe. Paul got to enjoy snowboarding with the guys. The next week Sam, Elyse, and I went up to Boulder and hung out with Ray and Shauna. It was great to see them and to show Sam around Boulder. I have put some pictures below from this week.
Elyse with her friend Pheobe
Red Rocks Theater
Monday, February 09, 2009
...And then came the swing
So we hung out with our friends Becca and Justin Rounds a few weeks ago and they brought over this travel swing. Paul and I have tried to keep it simple with things we have for Elyse around the house, so we didn't get a swing. However, when they put Elyse in it she was out! It was amazing! Elyse is a great sleeper at night, but doesn't like to take long naps during the day which makes it hard for me to get things done or even take a nap. So we decided we should look into one. We got on craigslist and bought one the next day. Definitely worth the money. We love the idea of keeping it simple, but when it comes to making our lives a little easier we have decided it would be worth it! See the picture below of Elyse in her new swing and I have put some other fun ones from the past couple weeks. Oh and Elyse's neck is getting stronger so I have put a video of her lifting up her head, how exciting!
So we hung out with our friends Becca and Justin Rounds a few weeks ago and they brought over this travel swing. Paul and I have tried to keep it simple with things we have for Elyse around the house, so we didn't get a swing. However, when they put Elyse in it she was out! It was amazing! Elyse is a great sleeper at night, but doesn't like to take long naps during the day which makes it hard for me to get things done or even take a nap. So we decided we should look into one. We got on craigslist and bought one the next day. Definitely worth the money. We love the idea of keeping it simple, but when it comes to making our lives a little easier we have decided it would be worth it! See the picture below of Elyse in her new swing and I have put some other fun ones from the past couple weeks. Oh and Elyse's neck is getting stronger so I have put a video of her lifting up her head, how exciting!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Strong Baby!
A couple days ago I put Elyse on her baby gym that has stuffed animals hanging over her head. She reached up and grabbed the parrot and was holding on for awhile swinging her arm back and forth. I was really impressed and definitely think she is advanced for her age. I mean I really have nothing to compare it to, so I have no idea if she really is, but I am just going to say that since I am her mom:) I put a picture below. She is also starting to smile at me, which is so exciting. When I say "WOW" really big I can almost always get a smile. I loved her when she was a new baby, but it is so much fun to have her now smiling at me and starring at me when I talked to her. I can't believe she is already 6 1/2 weeks old, it really does go by so fast. Anyway, I hope you all are doing well. I will hopefully start posting more often now.
A couple days ago I put Elyse on her baby gym that has stuffed animals hanging over her head. She reached up and grabbed the parrot and was holding on for awhile swinging her arm back and forth. I was really impressed and definitely think she is advanced for her age. I mean I really have nothing to compare it to, so I have no idea if she really is, but I am just going to say that since I am her mom:) I put a picture below. She is also starting to smile at me, which is so exciting. When I say "WOW" really big I can almost always get a smile. I loved her when she was a new baby, but it is so much fun to have her now smiling at me and starring at me when I talked to her. I can't believe she is already 6 1/2 weeks old, it really does go by so fast. Anyway, I hope you all are doing well. I will hopefully start posting more often now.
Monday, December 01, 2008
SNOW DAY!
Thanksgiving weekend for Kristin and I was such a great time. We spent the majority of Thursday at some of our good friends' parents' house. They were gracious enough to invite us to spend the day with both sides of their family. We played a little street football, watched the Cowboys, and ate lots of good food. It is hard to beat a day like this. I missed home and my grandma's amazing stuffing but it was fun to have a relaxing day with friends since we aren't able to travel.
The rest of the weekend was filled with relaxing time together, running errands, making some tasty food, and getting our house ready for an addition to our family. On Saturday morning, We woke up to a beautiful morning. It was the first major snow of the year. Kristin and I went for a long walk around the neighborhood to a nearby park and enjoyed having a little snowball fight and walking through the snow. Below are a few pictures.
Thanksgiving weekend for Kristin and I was such a great time. We spent the majority of Thursday at some of our good friends' parents' house. They were gracious enough to invite us to spend the day with both sides of their family. We played a little street football, watched the Cowboys, and ate lots of good food. It is hard to beat a day like this. I missed home and my grandma's amazing stuffing but it was fun to have a relaxing day with friends since we aren't able to travel.
The rest of the weekend was filled with relaxing time together, running errands, making some tasty food, and getting our house ready for an addition to our family. On Saturday morning, We woke up to a beautiful morning. It was the first major snow of the year. Kristin and I went for a long walk around the neighborhood to a nearby park and enjoyed having a little snowball fight and walking through the snow. Below are a few pictures.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
I'm HUGE!!!
That's right, some more prego pictures for you guys. I know alot of you are requesting more, so here you go! Oh, I am going to start talking in weeks. So from what I have learned, you are really prego for 10 months/40 weeks, so right now I am just over 8 months/32 weeks (crazy!!), but I still have just under 8 more weeks to go. I feel huge right now with my belly, but overall I feel really great which is such a blessing. Paul and I are getting more and more excited as time gets closer, we can't wait to meet her! Anyway, enjoy the pics!
24 weeks
28 weeks
32 weeks
That's right, some more prego pictures for you guys. I know alot of you are requesting more, so here you go! Oh, I am going to start talking in weeks. So from what I have learned, you are really prego for 10 months/40 weeks, so right now I am just over 8 months/32 weeks (crazy!!), but I still have just under 8 more weeks to go. I feel huge right now with my belly, but overall I feel really great which is such a blessing. Paul and I are getting more and more excited as time gets closer, we can't wait to meet her! Anyway, enjoy the pics!
24 weeks
28 weeks
32 weeks
Fun Project
Sorry it has been so long since we have posted on our blog, but we have alot of posts coming. This first one is a fun project Paul and I decided to take on a month or so ago. We had a grape vine that was falling over, so we decided to make an arbor for the grape vine. It was a really fun project for us to do together and it turned our better than I thought it would. The arbor is the entrance to our backyard.
Sorry it has been so long since we have posted on our blog, but we have alot of posts coming. This first one is a fun project Paul and I decided to take on a month or so ago. We had a grape vine that was falling over, so we decided to make an arbor for the grape vine. It was a really fun project for us to do together and it turned our better than I thought it would. The arbor is the entrance to our backyard.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Belize Part 2:
So after the trip to Western Belize we traveled back to Belize City. This time we were able to get on an express bus after 2 1/2 hours waiting that took us to Belize City much quicker than the first bus we took. Once dropped off in Belize City we took a ferry over to Ambergris Caye, the largest island off the coast. We stayed in the biggest city on the island called San Pedro. By big I don't mean that big. There are limited cars on the island and the major mode of transportation was golf carts with off-road tires and bicycles. After getting settled into our hotel we explored a bit and relaxed in the pool. A much different experience than the first three nights in a tree house.
The first day on the island was a day of relaxing and finding a fun place to snorkel and swim. We walked for a bit up and down the beach and found a fun dock to swim from. The beaches aren't like the beaches of Cancun with long stretches of white sand. The reef doesn't allow surf to take the seaweed back out so the best swimming is off piers that extend in the clear water.
When we got to the dock there were some local boys and girls swimming and jumping off the pier into the water. Krisitn and I swam for a bit and snorkeled around. Then I took the opportunity to play with the local kids and let one of them snorkel with our equipment for a bit. Then I started showing some of the younger kids some fun stuff my dad did for us when we would go swimming when I was younger. I had this little boy curl up in a ball and I would throw him high in the air. He loved it! I next had him stand on my shoulders and hold my thumbs as I went under water. I would count to 3 with my fingers and jump and the little boy would shoot of my shoulders. He loved this one as well. It was such a fun time. Below are some pictures of us having some fun. He wanted me to move up to throwing him off the pier. The pictures show the fun!
Every night we would walk through town and look for a fun local place to have dinner. Most tourists would eat at the more expensive places on the beach which we had to try once but we were always looking for some locals to recommend a good place to eat. The first night we ran into a guy that asked what we were looking for. We told him and he recommended some great places. This guy also took the opportunity to see if we needed any weed for the week. We politely told him no as Kristin was pregnant. As we left to go to the restaurant he recommended he told us to tell them that the 'Rasta-man' sent us. The rest of the week we began to see just how big of an island we were on. We saw 'Rasta-man' everywhere we went. Every night he would see us out somewhere and recognize us and chat for a bit. Such a friendly guy. I finally told Kristin that we had to get a picture with this guy so the last day we were on the island we saw him riding his bike on the beach and took the opportunity to grap a photo for our memories.
Our first trip we planned on the island was a half-day snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. We snorkeled just on the inside of the reef at a break in the reef that is a natural highway for marine life. We saw so much life. Eels, sharks, spotted sting rays, turtles, and tons of beautiful fish. It was so amazing. The next stop was Shark Ray alley where they chum the water for nurse sharks and sting rays. We were in such close proximity to the rays and sharks. It was so cool.
Less and less hair daily.
Along the way back to Belize city from the west we met a couple from New York who we kept in touch with on the island and met up with periodically during the week. We decided to charter a boat with a guy name Chito. We got connected with him through a random connection of someone we met at the Rio On Pools in Western Belize. Chito picked us up at our hotel in his boat named Bianca Michelle and we traveled for some time to the north part of the island. We proceeded to cast nets in the shallow water to catch minnows and other fish as we were going deep sea fishing for the first part of the day. After catching our bait for the day we drove outside the reef into the deep waters. The water was rough but on this day calm compared to usual. The morning of fishing was amazing. We caught multiple fish. The first fish I caught was a horse-eye tuna. Put up a fight and was fun to get in the boat. Kristin caught a yellow-tail snapper and was the first time she ever had been fishing. Unfortunately the waves were a bit much for her so she didn't get to do as much fishing as she wanted. Below are a couple pics.
The next events were extremely fun. The first big fish that our friend Glen hooked was a large barracuda. He was trying to work the fish in as it pulled some line out and then he would bring it in a ways. This went on for a minute or two and then it got a little harder to reel in. The fish kept fighting and fighting pulling more and more line out. Then it got really easy. Glen thought he lost the fish. When he finally pulled the hook all the way to the boat we saw something rather crazy.
Only the head of the fish was left. Apparently the reef sharks are so abundant that if you are fishing off the reef and don't get the fish up to the boat fast enough you are left with the entrails. It was entertaining anyway.
The next fish I hooked was a fighter. I was using a bigger real with the last bonefish we had as bait. A foot long bonefish had to bring in something big. A big hit and I heard the line run out. He finally stopped running and I began the fight. It was a tough fight, nothing compared to my marlin, but a big fish. I would bring him in and he would pull line out multiple times. I fought him for 15 or 20 minutes and finally wore him out. As he got closer to the boat we realized what kind of fish I had hooked. It was a reef shark. It was about 4 or 5 feet long and was such a fun catch. It was definitely one of the highlights of the day.
We finished fishing about 3 o'clock and moved back inside the reef. Chito took us to a snorkeling spot with some amazing coral. We spent a little bit of time swimming around and looking at some different formations. The reef is so beautiful. After we got back in the boat, Chito took us to a random house on the far north side of the island near where we had been snorkeling. We docked the boat and went ashore. Chito went and talked with a local woman who lived here. She had to be 20 miles out of town. Chito started a fire and cooked 3 of the yellow-tail snappers we had caught that day with vegetables and spices. When it was done we all sat around a picnic table at the lady's house and had fish tacos with fresh tortillas and homemade salsa. Some of the best food we had all week. Kristin absolutely loved the tacos and she typically doesn't care for seafood. It doesn't get any fresher than this.
The dinner feast.
A picture of us and Chito, our guide.
This day was one of the best days and a perfect way to cap off our trip to Belize. The food, people, and company were amazing in Belize. This is just a glimpse.
I can't wait until our next adventure. We are planning one that starts on December 17th. We'll keep you posted!
Here are some other fun pictures to leave you with. Enjoy!
So after the trip to Western Belize we traveled back to Belize City. This time we were able to get on an express bus after 2 1/2 hours waiting that took us to Belize City much quicker than the first bus we took. Once dropped off in Belize City we took a ferry over to Ambergris Caye, the largest island off the coast. We stayed in the biggest city on the island called San Pedro. By big I don't mean that big. There are limited cars on the island and the major mode of transportation was golf carts with off-road tires and bicycles. After getting settled into our hotel we explored a bit and relaxed in the pool. A much different experience than the first three nights in a tree house.
The first day on the island was a day of relaxing and finding a fun place to snorkel and swim. We walked for a bit up and down the beach and found a fun dock to swim from. The beaches aren't like the beaches of Cancun with long stretches of white sand. The reef doesn't allow surf to take the seaweed back out so the best swimming is off piers that extend in the clear water.
When we got to the dock there were some local boys and girls swimming and jumping off the pier into the water. Krisitn and I swam for a bit and snorkeled around. Then I took the opportunity to play with the local kids and let one of them snorkel with our equipment for a bit. Then I started showing some of the younger kids some fun stuff my dad did for us when we would go swimming when I was younger. I had this little boy curl up in a ball and I would throw him high in the air. He loved it! I next had him stand on my shoulders and hold my thumbs as I went under water. I would count to 3 with my fingers and jump and the little boy would shoot of my shoulders. He loved this one as well. It was such a fun time. Below are some pictures of us having some fun. He wanted me to move up to throwing him off the pier. The pictures show the fun!
Every night we would walk through town and look for a fun local place to have dinner. Most tourists would eat at the more expensive places on the beach which we had to try once but we were always looking for some locals to recommend a good place to eat. The first night we ran into a guy that asked what we were looking for. We told him and he recommended some great places. This guy also took the opportunity to see if we needed any weed for the week. We politely told him no as Kristin was pregnant. As we left to go to the restaurant he recommended he told us to tell them that the 'Rasta-man' sent us. The rest of the week we began to see just how big of an island we were on. We saw 'Rasta-man' everywhere we went. Every night he would see us out somewhere and recognize us and chat for a bit. Such a friendly guy. I finally told Kristin that we had to get a picture with this guy so the last day we were on the island we saw him riding his bike on the beach and took the opportunity to grap a photo for our memories.
Our first trip we planned on the island was a half-day snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. We snorkeled just on the inside of the reef at a break in the reef that is a natural highway for marine life. We saw so much life. Eels, sharks, spotted sting rays, turtles, and tons of beautiful fish. It was so amazing. The next stop was Shark Ray alley where they chum the water for nurse sharks and sting rays. We were in such close proximity to the rays and sharks. It was so cool.
Less and less hair daily.
Along the way back to Belize city from the west we met a couple from New York who we kept in touch with on the island and met up with periodically during the week. We decided to charter a boat with a guy name Chito. We got connected with him through a random connection of someone we met at the Rio On Pools in Western Belize. Chito picked us up at our hotel in his boat named Bianca Michelle and we traveled for some time to the north part of the island. We proceeded to cast nets in the shallow water to catch minnows and other fish as we were going deep sea fishing for the first part of the day. After catching our bait for the day we drove outside the reef into the deep waters. The water was rough but on this day calm compared to usual. The morning of fishing was amazing. We caught multiple fish. The first fish I caught was a horse-eye tuna. Put up a fight and was fun to get in the boat. Kristin caught a yellow-tail snapper and was the first time she ever had been fishing. Unfortunately the waves were a bit much for her so she didn't get to do as much fishing as she wanted. Below are a couple pics.
The next events were extremely fun. The first big fish that our friend Glen hooked was a large barracuda. He was trying to work the fish in as it pulled some line out and then he would bring it in a ways. This went on for a minute or two and then it got a little harder to reel in. The fish kept fighting and fighting pulling more and more line out. Then it got really easy. Glen thought he lost the fish. When he finally pulled the hook all the way to the boat we saw something rather crazy.
Only the head of the fish was left. Apparently the reef sharks are so abundant that if you are fishing off the reef and don't get the fish up to the boat fast enough you are left with the entrails. It was entertaining anyway.
The next fish I hooked was a fighter. I was using a bigger real with the last bonefish we had as bait. A foot long bonefish had to bring in something big. A big hit and I heard the line run out. He finally stopped running and I began the fight. It was a tough fight, nothing compared to my marlin, but a big fish. I would bring him in and he would pull line out multiple times. I fought him for 15 or 20 minutes and finally wore him out. As he got closer to the boat we realized what kind of fish I had hooked. It was a reef shark. It was about 4 or 5 feet long and was such a fun catch. It was definitely one of the highlights of the day.
We finished fishing about 3 o'clock and moved back inside the reef. Chito took us to a snorkeling spot with some amazing coral. We spent a little bit of time swimming around and looking at some different formations. The reef is so beautiful. After we got back in the boat, Chito took us to a random house on the far north side of the island near where we had been snorkeling. We docked the boat and went ashore. Chito went and talked with a local woman who lived here. She had to be 20 miles out of town. Chito started a fire and cooked 3 of the yellow-tail snappers we had caught that day with vegetables and spices. When it was done we all sat around a picnic table at the lady's house and had fish tacos with fresh tortillas and homemade salsa. Some of the best food we had all week. Kristin absolutely loved the tacos and she typically doesn't care for seafood. It doesn't get any fresher than this.
The dinner feast.
A picture of us and Chito, our guide.
This day was one of the best days and a perfect way to cap off our trip to Belize. The food, people, and company were amazing in Belize. This is just a glimpse.
I can't wait until our next adventure. We are planning one that starts on December 17th. We'll keep you posted!
Here are some other fun pictures to leave you with. Enjoy!
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