¡Viva Mexico!

We just returned home from a lovely trip to Mazatlan with my parents. We spent the week swimming, reading, swimming, playing games, and swimming. We even managed to relax a little, despite the un-relaxing kid, thanks to consistent tag-teaming and daily nap times.

And excuse me briefly while I brag: The day we arrived, Riley, who considers this swimming, was leery of the pool. By day 7, she was totally comfortable, freely propelling herself underwater (can I call that swimming?) several feet between Matt and me.

As usual, we didn't take enough photos. (And somehow, Matt and my mom didn't end up in any of them...) Anyhow, here are our favorites from the very slim pickings. Enjoy!

Sunset. (Trust me, it was prettier in person.)

Me, Riley, and Mommy's Dad.

Poolside happy hour. Happy, indeed.

Riley and Zelf, maxing and relaxing.

Christmas Catch Up

Since it's been more than two weeks since Christmas, I figure I ought to finally post the remaining batch of photos from our Christmas trip.

Zelf's surprise cameo in SkyMall magazine.

Riley enjoying the snow. Momentarily.

Riley's cookies for Santa. (Um...thanks, but no thanks.)

The Christmas tree, procured from the cabin's backyard.

The cousins on Christmas morning. (Can you spot the crying kid?)

Bandaids! (We could've stopped there. Maybe next year?)

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

A few days before our Christmas trip, Riley and her Portland cousins did a little nativity at my parent's house. Riley's confusion about her role as angel turned into one of my favorite Christmas 2009 photos.

Merry Christmas, Julie

My sister told me it's unacceptable that I haven't updated my blog in 26 days. So this little update is for her. (And anyone else who agrees with her.)

Here's what happened during December:

• I turned 32. Happy birthday to me.
• Matt worked like a dog. The holiday rush always keeps us busy, but this year, Matt added a commission to the mix. He worked very hard, and we didn't see enough of him. (But we know better than to complain about having lots of work.)
• Zelf's face got mutilated in an unfortunate stroller accident. Adding insult to injury, later that same day, he fell out of my pocket and disappeared while we were Christmas shopping. Sad, sad day in the Richards household. Thankfully, he reappeared the next day with new clothes and a fixed up face, so Riley assumes he briefly returned to the North Pole for reconstructive surgery.
• I performed a violin duet of Away in a Manger on three different occasions. Which I hope makes up for three solid years of neglect.
• We spent Christmas in Utah with Matt's family at their cabin in the mountains. We had a great time playing in the snow and not working.
• Riley got chap stick, band-aids, and a pink re-useable bag from Whole Foods for Christmas. (Along with a few other things.)
• I gave myself permission to neglect my blog.

Away in a Manger

We attended a lovely Christmas pageant tonight. Riley tried her darndest to get Zelf a starring role. Such a stage mom.