A week of Fall Break has come to an end and boy howdy did we ever pack it in this week. After working really hard at the beginning of the week cleaning out closets, sorting through clothes for Fall, working on some serious deadlines with photography and a book project my mom and I are working on, getting to doctor appointment after doctor appointment (we have some weird issues going on right now), we headed to Mexico.

And let me tell you, there was not much that would have felt better than being with our family and some friends and sitting on the beach. And eating. And actually being able to sleep at night…despite a house chock full of kids and babies and staying up late to talk to friends.
Kids can never seem to get sick of playing in the sand.
…especially when that beach keeps getting bigger and smaller depending on the tide at different times of day. I love our friends’ cabin down there because in a matter of hours the water can go from being right up splashing the steps in front to receding miles and miles away. This allows for some serious ocean life to be spread out all over the wide expanse of the beach for easy crab, octopus, clam, and gorgeous shell hunting.
The little boys wrote the BEST list of stuff they wanted to do while we were there:
My favorite part is about how they wanted to “Inpress mexicans.” Oh, and they wanted to “throw Parker off the roof into an ant colony” but thought better of it and crossed it out.
Lucy, after making it down there without screaming all our ears out in the car as we expected, had the absolute time of her life.
Much of her delight, along with Claire’s, was wrapped up in the fact that we had our own dog for a few days.
I know, I know, mangy and disease ridden as you may expect a stray dog to be in the middle of Mexico, we seriously fell head over heels in love with this dog. I say “we” because I was ready to beg Dave to let us bring him home. He was SO great with the kids and they thought he was the best thing that had ever happened to them.

He was nowhere to be found the day we left, so I guess luckily for us we are still a pet-free family.
Claire was even more in love than Lucy was. Doesn’t she just look like a girl who should really have her own dog?
This is Claire’s face when she’s asking for “root beer” (Dr. Pepper):
And this is Lucy’s face when she’s thinking to herself, “don’t even think about taking this sippy from me.”
Lucy was enamored by my friend’s sweet little boy.
This is what I’m talkin’ about…
Claire and her new “friend” (she just met him on this trip and never learned his real name…just called him “my friend”) played countless hours with a topless, raggedy mermaid barbie they found on the beach. It always amazes me the things that delight kids.
Dusk.
In “town.”
Lucy fell in love with all the fake animals lining the little shops……and every dog she came across.
Quad rides:Ranger rides:
to see stuff like this:
S’mores.
Examining the treasure sea creature finds from the day.
Nothing like just enjoying a good book on the beach.
It was a perfect vacation. Thanks for everything you guys!

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29 Comments

  1. What an amazing trip! We have yet to take a trip down there, well, have volunteered with our ward at an orphanage but never a Rocky Point beach trip. Great photos.

  2. I wish I could get our pics in Mexico to look so good. One of the benefits of having a professional in the family I guess. Do you use any actions or is it just camera setting that make the colors so good?

  3. Dad and I loved your narration of these fabulous pictures! They made us laugh and almost cry they were so beautiful! So glad you got away from that crazy rat race last week and got a little re-hab time!

  4. I have been looking in on your blog for a little while now. I absolutely love your photography. Everyone and everything you take a photo of turns out absolutely gorgeous. I wish I were in AZ to take a class from you! Thanks for sharing.

  5. Gorgeous pictures! Looks so fun! Octopus? Crazy! I love the little boys list! I was thinking my favorite parts were the “Impress Mexicans with karate” and “throw Parker off the roof” too. Priceless comedy!
    Glad you had a great time!
    ~Christine

  6. Now that is really living it up for your fall break! The place was gorgeous and we all got to share in your fun through your beautiful pictures. Thanks! I could have just kept scrolling down all night.

    How nice that you were able to drive down and have your own car and stuff all your things in the trunk/back instead of a few suitcases. I am already dreading traveling home for Christmas and trying to fit all our gear into such limited suitcases.

    It sounded like you needed a little break from crazy daily life. A little escape with the family and friends goes along way in keep you happy and sane!

    I loved all the sweet pictures of your kids. That Lucy is such a doll. Her facial expressions are better than words. I love her passion for books and dogs. Very sweet. You can just tell how close your family is and the love they have for eachother. That is the best gift a mother could have. Ever.

  7. ohhh that place looks beautiful. What a fun way to spend the break. So I recognized Cameron immediately in your pictures. (He’s the same age as my daughter and we car pooled for preschool) I had no idea Lisa got a 3rd baby!?! How exciting.

  8. beautiful family…
    beautiful pictures…
    beautiful vacation spot…
    as usual your photography captured the moments….I even feel like I was there with you!!!!

  9. Shawns, I love you! I love the blog because it makes me feel like I am right there with you. You are an incredible writer and photographer and I am so grateful you share both of those talents with the world. I miss you, but seeing and hearing all of this make me feel a little bit closer to your world!

  10. Shawni! I SO wish you would have stopped by the other day!
    AWESOME pics as usual & I love your new header! I need you to show me how to do that.
    BTW, did you ever get that new lens??

  11. You guys are spoiled rotten! Every time I check in on you all, you’ve gone somewhere new and amazing! I’m so jealous… 🙂

    I love all your photos (as usual!) and HAVE to know- how did you get your blog to be wider??? It looks great with all the new great big photos!

  12. Hi. I got on your blog through a friend of a friend. Your photography is beautiful! I noticed your girls’ initial necklaces and wondered if you would be willing to tell me where you got them. I’m looking for one for my daughter and can’t find one that has a thicker chain. Thanks so much!

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