Puerto Vallarta!

Rick and I were lucky enough to be able to go to Mexico from November 10-18th. This was our treat to each other for getting through the stress of our remodel, and also to celebrate my 30th birthday. We had an amazing time, and it was a perfect balance of being busy and relaxing. We stayed at the south end of the Bay of Banderas, in Mismaloya, at the Barcelo. It was an all-inclusive and we LOVED not having to worry about food while we were there. The resort and our room were beautiful and we had perfect weather every day. Needless to say, coming home was very difficult!
This is our resort, looking from our side over to the other side. you can see the green hillside above with the fancy houses and villas.

Looking towards the pools and ocean

On our way to dinner our second night

Our hotel had 4 restaurants. You only got to eat at the fancy restaurants once each, then the other nights you ate at the buffet. This was our first fancy restaurant-Don Quixjote, a Spanish tapas restaurant.We booked a few excursions for our time there, and with one we got a free city tour that we did on our 2nd full day there. We were actually pretty disappointed in it. It was too long and somewhat boring. Oh well, at least it was free.
Taken from our tour bus-the marina has cruise ships in port at least 2 days a week.

Downtown PV, there is the famous Malecon, or the walkway that runs parallel to the ocean.

We pulled up right when some indigenous people had come from the hills to do a show. They're called Papantla Fliers...

Climbing the pole

One stays behind and collects donations. I thought their costumes were beautiful.

The guy on top sits up there and plans a little flute while everyone else hangs upside down

Flying over the beach

Every town in Mexico has a town square, or zocalo, where their main church is.

The top of the church-a beautiful crown.

The Zocalo looking towards the malecon

A cacique in the fig tree

Inside of the church

The side of the church, and the cool dragon lights that I liked.

Shopping in the artisan market, on Isla Cuale.

Later the tour took us up in the mountains to this place to have lunch, which was not that great and was VERY expensive for Mexico. I was excited to get some huachinango for lunch-my favorite Mexican fish-but I was not expecting the head to come attached!

Rick next to the pretty river up in the mountains where we were

The scary suspension bridge over the river that we thought was a little too scary to risk crossing

Rogue chickens on the river

Rick trying to catch his own lunch

An agave farm-the plant where tequila comes from

A tequila making demonstration

The cutest little boy and his chihuahua, Minnie :)

That's it for now. I have LOTS and LOTS more pictures to come!

Meanwhile I've had my 30th birthday and today is Thanksgiving. My birthday was wonderful, thanks again to all that helped to celebrate with me.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. This year I am so thankful for so many things: Rick and our happy marriage, both of our families, our little house and kitties, our jobs, our great friends and all the many blessings that we have each day. I hope you each enjoy your day!