Acapulco trip

We recently got back from a 5-day trip to Acapulco, way down south on the Mexican west coast. It was about 85 degrees and sunny every day, with nice breezes off the ocean - the perfect place to spend a "babymoon" while it is still just the two of us. We stayed at a hotel called Las Brisas, in a "casita" room with our own little private swimming pool. We slept in every day, had our free breakfast delivered to the room, and ate on a little patio overlooking the ocean and the city. We went to the local Wal-Mart in Acapulco to stock up on drinks and snacks, so we could just hang out in our room. We spent time in the sun by the pool and in the shade reading, and overall had a very relaxing time. It was just the escape we needed from the dark, rain and cold in Seattle at this time of year.

Our private "casita" pool and view of the city

Our pool, room and patio

Susan reading in the shade on the patio - note the growing tummy!

We took a video of the famous cliff divers of Acapulco. Here is the guy who dove from the highest point. There is a shrine at the top of the cliff so he can pray before attempting the high dive!

Visit from the Bartells

We finished the wainscoting project in the baby's room, and it looks so cute.

Now we are taking some time for other projects around the house - there's still plenty of time before baby will need this room.

Last night Joli, Dan and Gavin Bartell came over for dinner. We had a fire in the fireplace and had a cozy, mellow evening.

Gavin spilled his very first beer on our living room floor, with help from his daddy. That makes up for only a small fraction of what James has spilled on the Bartells' floor, I'm sure!

My pregnancy is going well. The doctor says I've already gained 25 pounds!!! She wants me to watch my carbs. James took all of our Costco muffins to work with him the same day, so we won't eat them. He and I walk at least 20 minutes a day when we get home, but it's hard when it's dark before 5 p.m. here in the winter. Here's a photo of my growing belly.

Christmas 2007 and New Year's Resolution

One of our resolutions this year is to start a blog - done! Oh yeah, and add to it weekly...

It snowed in early December here, so we took some pictures of our new house covered in white.

Front of the house at night

Backyard and the workshop

We hosted Christmas 2007 at our house - it was cozy and warm inside and we had a great time. It even snowed a bit on Christmas day!

Sheila, Chris, and Aidan (14 months old) enjoyed some fresh, frigid air.

James created a scavenger hunt with clues hidden around the house for me to find my present - a new HD camcorder!

Aidan can't wait to meet his new cousin, who is hiding in my belly. (That is sparkling cider I'm drinking!)

We are busy decorating our baby room in anticipation of "Shrimp's" birth, sex unknown, due in late April. Here are some photos showing what we've been up to.

First, we painted the room yellow - the paint is called "cheerful hue," and I agree. Next, James installed wainscoting on the walls.

He is having fun (mostly) with the project, especially because he got to buy new "toys" for his workshop. Next step: learning how to install crown molding. Should be interesting!