I spoke too soon . . .

regarding my success in Spanish. This week, while attending a Stake RS presidency meeting, our president started discussing almacen (food storage) and kept using the verb embasar (to can or bottle - as in fruit.) They were talking quite fast and I thought she was using the verb embarazar (to become pregnant.) I was quite confused and finally asked what being pregnant had to do with food storage (other than storing a lot of fat cells on your thighs.) Embarrassing! (and that doesn't mean to be pregnant.)

My Spanish is improving . . .

although admittedly, that's relative.
Two weeks ago during church, our Bishop announced a temple trip today with a baptism afterwards at the ward. I always listen intently so that I can understand everything being said. I thought I had it down, until this morning when DTB corrected me, saying that he had announced the baptism was to be this morning, followed by the temple trip. Disappointing - since I thought I had my despues/antes down. Come to find out, however, I was the one that had it right. Yahoo!
So we went to the temple first, and as we were sitting in the chapel waiting for a session, the gentleman in charge came over, nudged dad and asked him "ustedes son matrimonio?" (are y'all married) to which I answered "Si" and dad answered "No!" Our Bishop, sitting next to me interrupted and confirmed that we were indeed married. In spite of that, we were passed over and another couple was chosen for the assignment (dad's version is that he was asleep and didn't quite hear the question - actually quite plausible.)
So, I'm starting to have a little more confidence in my spanish - por fin!

The Mexicans

Who's Mexican now, Fernash?

Huatulco

This weekend we spent a few days in Huatulco with Ashley for some badly-needed R&R (well actually, I'm not really working that hard, but came along just because I'm nice like that.) Huatulco is a small coastal town in southern Mexico that is not as touristy as most of the beach resorts. We had a great time swimming, relaxing, fishing, hiking, and boating.
Here are some of my favorite moments:

• Ashley and I beating dad-the-bad in a kayak race. (Our combined competitive natures overpowered his physical strength - although as he tells it we just had a better angle.)
  

• Having a Mexican guy flirting with Ashley on the beach tell her "Tu pareces como Ironman." (You look like Ironman) He got very flustered and embarrassed when I mentioned Ironman was not a woman.
  

• Swinging from a rope swing over a waterfall and dropping in the water. (unfortunately, Ashley turned the video camara off when I started and on when I finished. You'll have to be satisfied with the video of her. (think a little -or maybe a lot- smaller, black swimsuit instead of bikini, and a terrified look)

• Going deep sea fishing in a tiny boat with one of the locals and his 10-yr-old son and catching six fish! This is an amazing feat for us given we never catch a thing. I knew you wouldn't believe it, so here's the proof:
  

• 

• While on our fishing adventure encountering dos tortugas felices on top of the water - on top of each other.
• Enjoying all-you-can eat hand-scooped icecream at the hotel restaurant.
  
• Getting flipped off a banana boat three times in one circle around the bay because the little kids we were riding with thought "el divirtido es caer."
  

and now - back to work for all of us!

Cute family!

Grandpa trying to be funny. You decide.....

Xochicalco

Today we took a trip just south of Cuernavaca to the ancient ceremonial center of Xochicalco. Although not as famous as Teotihuacán, it is quite spectacular and lies in a beautiful location. Xochicalco is Nahuatl for "place of the house of flowers." Built atop a plateau, it has representation from various cultures - including Toltec, Olmec, Zapotec, Mixtec and Axtec - for which Xochicalco was a commercial, cultural and religious center. It began it's rise in importance when Teotihuacan began to weaken (around AD 650-750) and remained an important center until around 1200, when it experienced a demise similar to that of Teotihuacan.
This is their religious court, with two identical pyramids facing each other. In the middle is a stand boasting an "estela" (a rock with writing) Xochicalco boasts three ball courts, which were very popular with the locals. It was quite an honor to play in a ball game - the goal of which was to get the ball through the tiny hole flanking the sides of the court - the reward for the winning team being getting beheaded (also an honor.)
The Observatory was closed, which was disappointing, because it has a hole through which one can observe the passing of the sun. At certain times of the year it shoots a beam of light into the room.

This structure is Temazcal (hut-like oven where one perspires) - aka steam bath. At the back is a combustion room to heat the rocks, which were sprinkled with water to produce steam - all related to religious beliefs of "purification." And finally - the site's most famous monument - Pirámide de Quetzalcóatl (Pyramid of the Plumed Serpent) - adorned by my white-plumed DTB.

Here it is, Shady!

or anyone else who would like to help decorate my bed (a prize to the winning entry) - Shady will make the pillows/decorations on her new sewing machine.

Boring!
the color is faded in the picture, but you get the idea. It's green.

The big event

Yes, the big even this weekend was the blessing of Asher Ryan Reed - along with various festivities related to the celebration of the birth of our country. It was a whirlwind couple of days and I didn't accomplish half of what I had on my things-to-do list. We did have a great time, however! Most of Brianna's family turned out and almost all of ours.

First, a visit to the alligator park, a must-do for all Reed get-togethers featuring food (compliments of Ryan and Brianna,) lots of sun,

. . . the Reed boys. . . the cool cousins . . . and cute Devin, of course(among other awesome people)and even quite a few gators.
On the 4th we watched a parade in front of Bethy's, then went to the neighborhood carnival, featuring more food, LOTS more sun,
train rides, clowns, balloons, and even free icecream.
But the big event was the best day of all. The Reed family did a great job at the blessing, and then the party, featuring more food, fun, and
fashion!
the sparkle shirts . . .
. . . Brandon and Landon sporting twin outfits (sorry to take the photo of them eating, but they weren't cooperative for a posed shot - for obvious reasons)
and the beautiful family!

Sorry Jennifer and Brittany - I was going to call Jennifer, but didn't get to a computer to find her number, and I didn't get a chance to mail Brittany's keys. I'll do better next time!

Great time with friends!

We were lucky enough to have friends from Houston - Brent and Carolee Weber and Corwin and Andrea Slack - visiting in Mexico this past week. We haven't seen them for quite a few years, so it was wonderful to spend some time reminiscing. They were here singing with the Houston Chorus (yes, we have talented friends.) We had a great time visiting an old monastery in Desierto de los Leones. We also tried some Mexican food in a popular restaruant in Polanco. Thanks for the dinner and wonderful company!! Sorry we couldn't attend the concert.