"Jenis!"

This past extended weekend, Mom ("Jenis" above... which was the kids pronunciation of her name!) was able to come down and visit the kids and I... good times! I love it that these kids can experience "family" through our families that come down and visit. After I picked Mom up on Wednesday night, we drove down to Magdalena Thursday morning, and then on to Bahia de Kino (on the Sea of Cortez) after the kids got back from school. The water was still a little chilly, but I am truly thankful that we didn't have any rain! And since when has a little cold water stopped kids (and adults!) from getting sopping wet?!?

(Above: The kids in the water at sunset.)

Mom and I

Mom coloring with the kids... I don't know how many drawings she got before going home!

(Left) Diego with the amazing watermelon we ate... it was seriously great.

(Right) Mom putting lotion on Candi's face; Candi just hated this, can't you tell? ;)

Mom watching the sunrise over the beach...

One morning I was down by the water and Aaron came down to join me. We were trying to take a picture and this is about... hmmm... #7 or 8. :)

Unfortunately (as you can tell in this photo), Aaron got really sick after the trip, and spent the early part of the week recovering.

Diego & Ponch showing the particular shells that Mom liked so much -- so they were on a mission to find every single one that they could for "Gramma!"

I don't know why this photo won't load correctly... sorry. :)

But -- I love this shot! Mom doing puzzles with Diego... tile isn't as soft as carpet, is it, Mom?!?

With the completed 150 piece Cars puzzle...

(Left) Diego. is. too. cute. in these goggles... :)

(Right) Nereida. is. too! :)

We went to the restaurant Pargo Rojo Friday afternoon, and Aaron was the only one who didn't get seafood! I was kinda proud of the other kids' spirits of adventure -- until two of them poured a ton of hot sauce on their ceviche and could barely eat it. There's something to be said for practicality, and knowing what you like and what you can handle, Aaron! Bien hecho!

And Candi ate her shrimp taco with gusto, too!

I pointed out to Mom that she was cutting her pieces of shrimp with fork and knife! I certainly haven't specifically taught her this, but I think she's been watching... :)

On the beach in the early morning... all with sweaters and shorts!

I love this photo, because this is completely and totally something that I always do... sweaters, coats, and long-sleeved shirts on top while wearing shorts and flip-flops... :)

Mom & Candi watching the other kids brave the late-evening waves from the dryer (and hence warmer) beach chair... :)

A side-view of some of Mom's snuggling time she got on this trip!

We certainly didn't lack for food; pizza, soup, pudding, fruits, veggies with Tajin, cookies, and... Dum-Dums! ;)

(Left) Candi "modeling" her Oreo cookies!

(Right) Ponch with the bowl of Dum-Dums... this was a great idea, Mom!

(Except having to explain all the flavors time and time again... ;)

Mom & Nere walking down the beach together; by the end of our time at the beach the kids were walking with Mom, carrying her chair, and helping her through the steep sand! It was really sweet...

Enjoying time in the water with "Gramma"...

The seashell-lined wall in front of the house we rented... and we brought all these home!

(And then Mom took them home. Her suitcase was, um, a little heavy... :)

I took a picture exactly like this over two years ago...!

Two kids less, though...

Funny how things change... right, Jenna? :)

So -- praise the Lord -- we returned to Magdalena safe and sound; and with lots of memories!

Mom and all the kids on Sunday morning before church...

Ponch & Jose posing with the bike for Mom's camera.

We are all about safety measures here... can't you tell? :)

Sunday evening we went to Momo's for carne asada and then... we got served!

Soft-serve ice cream that is... ;)

Okay, I know it was cheesy. I couldn't resist, alright?!?

All the kids decided to make faces for the camera while we were eating at Momo's... I think Jose won this contest... ;)

And thankfully -- there are four bathrooms at Momo's!

With six kids who all manage to have small bladder syndrome at weird times... it's helpful. :)

Mom with the bottle that says, "Nana" -- which is a nickname for "grandma" in Spanish.

Thanks for coming, Mom! The kids and I had a great time, and we're thankful for your love and prayers! We love you, too... :)