Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Over the Weekend

+Coquito (Puerto Rican spiked egg nog!) cooking class 
{You're going to want to be my friend when I make this come Christmas time.  
Trust me on this.}


+5K run/walk for charity
{Ryan got 3rd in his age group and little Reina ran most of the way.  
She was pooped all evening.}

 

+Sunday Fish Fry
{Cooking up Ryan's latest catches.}


+Watching the Oscars
{Until the feed stopped working at end of Anne Hathaway's speech!
No bueno US TV Now.
Watching outtakes from Jennifer Lawrence's press conference put a big smile back on my face.}

{ It's hard to believe we only have one more weekend left in Cozumel.  Oh, so bittersweet! }

Monday, February 25, 2013

Lately

+Belated Valentine's Day celebration
{Beach chairs, beers, and books.}

+The Amazing Cozumel Race
{Pretty much just like the show.
Yep, we won!} 

+Enjoying more almuerzo
{Because there won't be jamaica, avocado salsa verde, tortillas and limes served at lunch back in the states.
Ok I just teared up a little.}

+Sorting through the hundreds of photos from the visit my mom made to Mexico.
{More posts about our adventures in Cozumel and in the Yucatan soon!}


+Margarita date night to end the week
{Drinks that require a spoon plus queso fundido and live music.} 

+Booking long overdue tickets to New Jersey and New York 
{We can't wait to see my sister, her family, and the city!}

 Appreciating every moment on this beautiful island with Ryan's family
{Because our time here is running out.}

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Las Palmeras!

Ladies Night has been a part of Cozumel's Carnaval for more than twenty five years.  During this pre-Carnaval event women form groups and make (or order) the costumes which are mandatory for the big night.  Some groups spend weeks rehearsing dance routines.  Our group spent weeks making our palm tree costumes by hand.  We shopped for fabric, sequins, decorations, and glitter.  Lots and lots of glitter!

Ryan was given the task of making forms for our hats.  


And the ladies (my mother in law and two of her friends plus me) worked on the rest.  We cut sparkly foam into the shape of palm leaves, put wire through each one...
  
...and  glued colorful tape on each to cover the wire.


Coconuts were cut, fronds were created, and accessories were purchased.

I worked on glittering (if that's a word) the burlap trunks that we'd previously gotten wet, scrunched, sewn and sequined.

On the big night, we got ready as a group.  The event fell on Dana's last night in town, meaning she got to be part of all the fun!

And finally made our debut as palm trees!
Then we climbed in the back of a truck, Mexico style and made our way to the show.
 

Once inside, we had a great time checking out the creative costumes and taking in the performances.
 

Two of our girls strutted their stuff to show off our costumes.
We ended up taking third place!

The trophy happened to be an anchor so the Delta Gammas had to show the DG love.
 
 

The night wrapped up with all the ladies on the dance floor, including Raggedy Ann and Medusa.

It was so much fun to take part in such a unique event.
Thanks Sarahmom for including us :)

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Foster Puppy Update

The only pets I had as a child were guinea pigs.  I always wanted a cat or a dog but could never quite convince my parents.  After two weeks with this girl, I'm certain having a dog was worth the wait.
 
You may remember Reina, the little pup we agreed to foster on a recent trip to the Humane Society.  The plan was that she would be ours for two weeks or until she was adopted.
Once it became clear that I was set on fostering her, Ryan made me take an oath stating that I would be the dog's "primary caregiver."  I took that oath seriously and have doted on the sweet puppy like it's my job because well, it is.

For awhile Ryan and I seriously contemplated adopting Reina, but for various reasons we know that right now there are too many unknowns in our lives to take on that responsibility.  
Luckily a friend of Ryan's mom's has agreed to adopt her.  Sarah will take the puppy to her in Eugene when she visits next month and we'll look after Reina until we leave Cozumel.
 
We're so happy Reina has a good home and have so enjoyed the practice she's given us as puppy (someday baby) parents.  
Did I mention she likes to get up between 4:30 and 5:30 am most mornings?  
When I sleepily pick her up out of the tub where she sleeps, she immediately coats my neck with kisses and I forget that I'm exhausted.  
Until 2:00 pm rolls around.  
And then we nap. :)  

Photos of Reina on her first walk yesterday, post-vaccines and ready to explore while Ryan cleaned his latest catch.





How you could you not love this girl?

And the fisherman is pretty lovable too!