Cookie of the month: Month 7

Inspired by her recent trip to Mexico, Elizabeth made Mexican Hot Chocolate cookies this month. The cookies had cayenne in them, which gives them quite a kick. Initial reports actually call the cookies too spicy. 

While making the cookies, Elizabeth made the mistake of licking cayenne right off her finger. Screaming, crying, and cheese eating quickly followed. Next month, we'll try something a bit tamer.

Winter Break - Playa del Carmen

We had the good fortune of visiting Playa del Carmen with my parents. Our week was filled with swimming, napping, touring, and relaxing. I can confidently say that a good time was had by all.

Elizabeth had to check out all of the swimming pools at the resort. She wore a life vest and had lots of fun swimming on her own. Henry also loved the swim pools. On the last night, we did a tour of all four pools at the resort, excluding hot tubs.

We also took advantage of other amenities at the resort, such as hammocks, 

face painting at the activity center, 

the beach, 

snorkeling,

mini golf,

and restaurants.

Justin went on a tour of Chichen Itza, where he took way too many pictures of himself. I will save you from all but one.

Elizabeth talked with the locals in downtown Playa del Carmen,

and posed on the beautiful beach there.

We also met some Mayans

while visiting the ruins at Tulum.

The views from there were amazing.

As is this self portrait of Elizabeth.

We also went to an eco park called Aktunchen, where we walked through a cave

and got to see some animals.

Before flying back to NY, we compared the back of my dad's head to Henry's. It's not fully captured in this shot, but these two have the same head shape, hairline, and birth marks.

Henry checked out the airport in Cancun, 

Elizabeth posed with Snow White during our layover in Orlando, 

and then we all lived happily ever after.

Better late than never . . . Thanksgiving 2011

Over Christmas, we finally took the time to retrieve our Thanksgiving pictures from our old camera and from my dad's camera. So, here is a quick Thanksgiving wrap-up.

On the way down to DC, we stopped off in Philadelphia so Justin could take care of some work. The kids and I spent a long and very fun day at the Please Touch Museum where Elizabeth worked in a children's hospital, 

Henry steered a boat,

 

and Elizabeth caught up on her reading

and tried on high heels.

Once we got to Bethesda, Elizabeth and Justin went ice skating

At Opa and Grandma's house, Elizabeth helped with the whipped cream

 while the guys cared for the bird.

 We finished our long, ten-day, trip with a visit to the National Harbor for Justin's work.

I also found this cute video on the camera.

Coming soon, Cancun pictures!