Te amo Mexico

* Sorry about the duplicate fish picture. I couldn't figure out how to delete one of them! 

We are back and well rested after an amazing seven-day vacation in Ixtapa, Mexico!!  We flew back on Thursday night, into a terrible snow storm. I have to say, Northwest came through for us and we landed only five minutes behind schedule. If it weren't for our two darling little boys waiting for us in Minnesota, we could have easily stayed in Ixtapa another day (or two... or three)!!

First of all I have to thank our gracious families who took care of our boys while we were vacationing. It goes without saying, we could never leave without their assistance and for that, we are deeply grateful. Nearly everyone in the family had one or both of the boys at some point. We were thoroughly relaxed and confident, knowing they were in the best of care. 

Pat and I have been blessed to go to Ixtapa for the past five years. We absolutely love Ixtapa and cherish the time we spend there. We really know the area well- the good restaurants, the waiters who greet us with high fives and the best local fishermen. The weather is always outstanding. We have been there for a total of 35 days and never once has it been under 87 degrees with full sun. The last morning we were there, we woke up to a partly cloudy sky, but the intense sun burned them off by 9:30am. No doubt, it's a slice of heaven here on earth. 

We were fortunate to spend a few days there with Shannon's parents. We enjoyed great conversation, many fantastic meals and lots of sunshine. Pat and Denny got out fishing on Sunday. Denny caught an eight foot sailfish and Pat caught a 54" Mahi Mahi (Dorado). Mom and I rushed down to the fishing pier to see it in person. That night, we brought the Mahi Mahi filet into Ixtapa where a local restaurant prepared it for us! That day was a highlight of our trip!

We left on Thursday the 19th. Cole went to the respite house, for the second time, on Wednesday the 18th. I was so nervous on how it would go. In true Cole fashion, he handled it like a champ. In fact, on the Monday prior, he asked his PCA, Haley, if she would take him to see "Erin, Laura and Jeff". It worked out great when Haley responded, "Not today, but how about Wednesday?!".  Cole ended up going to the house without any resistance. He was cheerful, happy and such a trooper. He knew all of the staff by name and made himself right at home. When I called Wednesday night, to hear this report was music to my ears. I knew it would go well. And it did.

Cole was at the respite house until Saturday afternoon. He got the ride of his life when Brendan and his girlfriend, Brittany, picked him up in her car. Cole has a big crush on Brittany and to ride in her car was better than a John Deere tractor ride. He spent time at Brendan's house and then went to Tara and Jason's for a pizza party. The plan was for Cole to spend the night at Tara's house, where Connor was staying. Cole changed the plan. He wanted to spend the night at Uncle Brendan's, with Connor. So Brendan and Brittany brought the boys back to his house and played with them, fed them ice cream and tucked them into the air mattress. The boys slept through the night and enjoyed homemade pancakes in the morning. I would say the slumber party was a huge success! :-)

Brendan wrote me an email saying how impressed he was with Cole's speech and behavior. He noticed progress even in the short time since he had seen him last. He also gave Connor a huge compliment. He said that whenever Cole mentioned mom and dad, Connor stayed right by Cole and comforted him by saying, "It's alright Cole. Connor's here and mommy and daddy will be home soon. It's ok buddy." Did I mention that Connor is by far the best brother on this planet? Yes, there is no doubt. Our blessings with him are countless.

On Sunday the boys went to Pat's parents. The day went well. Cole entertained himself on the computer and I believe he got to Skype with his Auntie Katie, who is studying abroad in the Netherlands. Wait until this Sunday when he gets to Skype with her at home! :-) We miss you Katie and think of you so often.

Monday brought Cole back to his regular routine. He went to speech and MAC. That night he played at the Schusted's with Connor. Tuesday, he went to MAC and was brought to the Cooney's house. It was a night filled with excitement, as they just flew in from Ixtapa. 

Connor came with Grandma Cooney to pick us up at the airport last night. We were thankful to land on time, despite mounds of snow and whipping winds. We decided to leave Cole with Grandpa for the night. We wanted to make sure Cole got a good night's sleep and that he would be willing to go to MAC for therapy this morning. It was hard not to see him right when we got home, but it was the right decision for all of us.

Today Connor and I spent the day snuggling a ton and catching up. We also shopped for Cole's birthday (he turns 8 on Saturday!). We then went down to MAC to surprise Cole. Typically he is transported home after MAC on Fridays. I couldn't wait any longer to see him, so we went to pick him up ourselves. Cole was THRILLED to see us. I  just kissed him and smiled at how long his hair had gotten. He was so happy to have mommy pick him up. We came home and enjoyed pizza with Daddy, Connor, Tara, Elle and Ethan. Then the boys headed outside to shovel and plow snow. It was a great night. Cole impressed us with his ability to type so many things into his You Tube video search: dark green fast boat, John Deere tiller, Wiggles bid red car... you name it. He is just so dang smart. And I just love him to pieces.

Thank you again to all of those who helped take care of the boys. We appreciate it more than you know and we are so thankful for your generous offers to help.