Puerto Vallarta

Matt and Brock and I embarked on our first ever all-inclusive to the absolutely beautiful VelasVallarta resort in Puerto Vallarta.  Our weather was perfect, and so welcomed after the pounding of the Midwestern winter this year.  Already on his third air passage trip, Brock did awesome on the plane.  He strategically smiled and charmed his way into the other passengers hearts as they boarded.  We thought these alliances would be helpful later if he got cra cra, but he did not need to cash in on them as he was a perfect gentleman throughout the flight.  Minus the most insane blowout he's ever had on a plane.  Or maybe ever.  We sat in the first row in coach, so the first class restroom was closer.  After my first trip there with Brock, the stewardess "kindly" reminded me that there was another bathroom in the back (34 rows back to be exact).

This is the first dinner with the whole group that we braved to take Brock away from his bedtime for.  A traditional Mexican feast, this was by far our best meal at the resort.  This was not the last dinner that we sacrificed a proper bedtime for.  We loosened up considerably by the end (and paid for it when we got home).

Not asleep yet.

So close, still not asleep, but quiet at least! 

In the city in the quaint open air market.  The little local girls to the right/left of us were counting how many of us there were.  

Brock on his afternoon nap.  The umbrella stroller was the most amazing hit not only with Brock, but with other tourists who loved the shark's style.  It is pretty clever, and can be yours at a Target near you.  It changed our life... and spared my back.

The boys chillin as the girls nab some gelato

While shopping I found one souvenir I really wanted.   It was a beautiful handmade day of the dead shadow box... they wanted $200 - (not pesos) for it.  Orrrrr.... if I went to their time share presentation it was free.  I got over it pretty fast.

city-scape family portrait

Here Matt takes Emma out for a croc ride.  He is dutifully watching Brock simultaneously (note the blue lump circled in red... the Brock burrito that became a common sight on the trip)

gator action!

Not sure what Matt is communicating.  Jeff seems to be questioning as well.

yay!  The happiest and whitest people on the beach!

this ended up being my favorite of the pools, it was the old folks pool... heated, quiet, zen (but lots of terrible tattoos and living reminders to wear sunblock).

here we are trying to gather all 20-something of us for the group photo.  In the chaos I sadly neglected to grab my swim cover up... but not Brock or my pina colada, priorities I guess.

ok, trying to get over not grabbing the cover up.... deep breath, ok, I'm over it... urrrrr!  Anyhow, we managed to get all but one family of four in here.  We are going to shop them in at some point.  What a wonderful group and a beautiful place.  Although it makes Chicago soooooo much colder.  sigh.