Harriman

This year I organized a family reunion up in Harriman State Park. I definitely learned a lot about organizing something and what could be done better next time. I thought that the wilderness would be enough entertainment for everyone, but I forgot that you cannot possibly hike around all day. Fortunately, my brother Jackson brought nerf guns. The kids loved running around shooting each other. Also, I think most of us brought a few board games, so that worked well one afternoon.

Edmund had to work, so he wasn't able to come up until Thursday around dinner time. Jonathan and I missed him terribly. You never realize how much you rely on someone until they are not there. I felt really dependent on everyone else. Thanks to Dad and Chris for taking Jonathan around in the back pack. 

Jonathan loved the flowers. He had a wonderful time picking dandelions and pulling the little fuzzies off of them.

There was this little dam along the road that everyone was interested in crossing. They all did pretty well jumping from rock to rock, but Estella and Juliette needed a little assistance from their parents.

I think the older I get the more I look like Julia. Lucky me.

I wish I had a hat. I also didn't have a backpack, so I just crammed everything into my pockets.

I know Jonathan weighs a ton, so thanks Dad!

One morning Judd played his trumpet for us around the camp fire. This is Jonathan's favorite picture. He is constantly asking to see it and pretending to play the trumpet. I recently got a book of musical instruments from the library, and he always turns to the trumpet and then puts is hands up to his mouth like he is playing one.

We took a hike by a lake (I can't remember what it was called.) We stopped pretty often and Amber read us some trivia about the wildlife or plants. I learned that Aspen trees are the largest organism.

Jonathan took a bath in the giant sink. I thought he would hate it, but Amber convinced me that he would probably really enjoy it, and she was right.

All the grandkids.

Everyone that was able to make it!

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres was definitely my favorite thing we did while visiting Cancun. We rented a golf cart (way to small for six people, Jonathan, a stroller, a wheelchair, and two backpacks), but we crammed holding on for dear life as Edmund navigated past pot holes. It was really fun to have such a great view of the ocean and feel the fresh air. I do not know what those hut things are in the background, but the Caribbean is beautiful. 

Iguanas are lucky. They have signs all over the island saying to slow down and not run them over.

This was the southern most part of the island. It was really windy.

This was the northern most part of the island. Elisabeth and I walked back to the Ferry because Jonathan decided that he hated the golf cart and cried every time we put him in it.

Ferry and Eating at Isla Mujeres

We took a ferry to Isla Mujeres. I thought it was going to be a nice smooth ride, like the sea bus in Vancouver. Yikes, was I wrong.

There were fans on the ceiling.

Jonathan likes to feed Edmund and I things at meals.

Jonathan's goldfish crackers sat by a banana for a day, and they tasted like cheesy banana, but he still liked them.

The Lagoon

This hotel bordered the lagoon side of Cancun. You are not supposed to swim here because there are crocodiles and other yucky things.

This picture captures Jonathan's whole trip. He was always busy. It was impossible to get him to do anything but run around and explore.

He finally fell asleep in my arms. We were both a little sick this day, but it was Sunday, so we hadn't made any plans.

Buses and Eating

We ate at a garden restaurant with lots of plants near one of the other hotels. It was probably my favorite place we ate.

Poor little Jonathan is exhausted.

Jonathan played with the ipod a lot during our trip. We ate out so much, and it was one way to keep him in his chair.

We ate at an open air restaurant near the market.

The hotel ran a free shuttle between all the sister hotels. It was much less crowded than the other buses. Jonathan loved the buses. I think that is the one thing he misses about Mexico.

The Beach

Edmund led Jonathan right up to the water.

The water was exciting at first, but too scary once it touched his feet.

Uncle Jon, Auntie Elisabeth, Little Jonathan, and Edmund. The water was probably around 70-76 degrees.

Uncle Jon and Auntie Elisabeth played in the waves. There were red flags posted but they didn't notice them until they were done swimming.

Aquarium

Jonathan's favorite activity every day was to open and close the sliding door. It was the first thing he wanted in the morning and the last thing he wanted at night. In this picture, he was waiting for Daddy to get in the pool. He didn't want me.

The aquarium in Cancun was pretty small, but we had a lot of fun. Jonathan's favorite fish was the piranha.

Turtles. They were cool too.

Edmund got to touch a sting ray. It was slimy and rough.

Jonathan was interested in climbing up this fence thing. In general, the safety standards for children in Mexico are minimal. There were so many places Jonathan could have slipped through. Not just at the aquarium.

Jonathan got some serious red face while we were here. He was drinking plenty of water, but he just got overheated. It was impossible to make him sit still and cool down. Eventually, we just dumped the water bottle on him.