Day Two: Cancun

Here are our photos from Cancun on day two. We had the best time lounging in the sun, playing in the ocean, swimming in pool, eating lot of food, and hanging out with each other.


Swinging bed by our room

Relaxing at the beach
Kevin enjoying his vacation

For dinner we ate a the "French" restaurant and used our anniversary voucher. It was hilarious we gave the hostess our voucher and she made us wait while she got our table ready. When Kevin and I walked into the restaurant the pianist/organist started playing "Here Comes The Bride" super loud. I was so funny. The entire restaurant started clapping. I thought it was sweet how excited the wait staff got when we sat down. Dinner was a four course meal.

Ready to go to dinner

Our anniversary dinner at Chez Isabelle
Our waitress set this up for us
Kev's appetizer of Escargot "SNAILS"
Hil's pear, almond goat cheese salad
Three desserts: We could not decide...Creme Brulee, Chocolate Ganache
cupcake, and Chocolate Crepes.

To finish dinner one of the resort staff, Ivan, came over to make a Mexican tradition...Mayan coffee. It was the coolest show. First he melted sugar on the rims of the glass coffee mugs. Then he started pouring different kinds of alcohols and coffees together. Within seconds he started a fire and poured the liquids from one glass to another. The pictures really do not show the flames but it was super cool. The final drink tasted like the worst cup of coffee we have ever drank. It had a lot of ANISE in it so it was like drinking black licorice. After one sip we could not finish it. We clapped and tipped well so that we did not hurt Ivan's feelings. He really wanted us to love that Mayan Coffee.

Day one: Cancun

Well, Kevin and I arrived to Cancun Mexico around 12:00 today. Our flights were excellent and our trip to our all-inclusive resort was good too. Funny story about our ground transportation....when we exited out of the Cancun Airport there were all kinds of signs with peoples names on them. None of them had our name but from a distance I saw one that said " Bienviendos HILLARY HOUSTON...Excellence Playa Mujeres". I did not think that was ours but there was not one with our name on it. As other tourist started to leave in their shuttles this sign was the only one still waiting for its guest. I told Kevin, "I think that is our transportation." It was....you know Hilary Houston, Hilary Austin, Hilary Texas. They had it somewhat close. Anyways we were taken off in a fully loaded Denali XL to our resort. It was safe, comfortable, and private.

Once we arrived at Excellence Playa Mujeres we were greeted by Mario who brought us citrus smelling, moist hand towels. Then we checked in where they gave us glasses of Champagne to welcome us. Everything was just like it was pictured online. The resort staff were super friendly and the rooms were spacious and beautiful. Check it out online. Immediately upon arriving we went to lunch at The Grill. Food was good. After lunch we threw on our suits to head to the pools. Boy, did we feel like we were on vacation.

Here are some photos from our suite and the resort. More photos to come
tomorrow.

Our suite

The living area of the room

The bathroom

Jacuzzi tub in room

Our porch

Directly outside our swim up room.

HOLA from Cancun!

HOLA! Kev and I made it to Cancun without any major issues. Thank you Jesus! We are enjoying our mini vacation. Happy 5 year anniversary to us! I am not able to download photos at this time because everything moves at a snails pace. But if I get a chance tonight I might attempt it. If not I will post them when we get home. I don't want to spend a lot of time on the computer when the beach, pool, and spa are calling my name. We wanted to send a shout out to our parents, siblings, nieces, nephew, and our little man...we love you and will see you soon. Another shout out to Mel who is at home recovering from her first chemo treatment...we are praying for you and hoping that you are doing well.

Lots of Love from Cancun, Hil & Kev

Crashing our friends vacation!

Zachary swimming (first time in Water Wings thanks Peyton for sharing)

Zachary and Peyton holding hands to water slide

Ashton, Zachary, and Peyton getting ready for bed

Last night we had the chance to meet up with some of our good friends. Jodie, Adam, Ashton, and Peyton are vacationing down in our neck of the woods and we spent an evening with them. We visited, went swimming, tried to attempt mini golf (not a good idea with two two year olds), and visited some more. Kevin & Adam were in the same kindergarten class and have continued to be good friends ever since. It was amazing to me that their oldest who is 4, almost 5 years old. Is about the same age as when Adam & Kevin met. That shows me that we are either getting OLD or that their friendship with each other cannot be broken. I wish we lived closer to them but I am so thankful that we can pick up right were we left off when we reunite. Thank you guys for including us in your vacation plans. Zachary had a wonderful time with the boys. He had so much fun he feel asleep in the car ride home and he is still asleep at 8 am. Thanks for everything.

Z finally gets to meet Lucas

How can I explain this one?....First Zachary loves High School Musical (HSM). He is more into the music than the movie, but he loves them both. If you are ever at our house and peek at the c.d.s in our c.d. players you will find HSM 1 in our kitchen c.d. player and then HSM 2 in Zachary's c.d. player. He loves these c.d.s. We listen to them at least once a day.

Okay back to the story...I have known the actor Lucas Grabeel who plays "Ryan" in HSM 1 & 2 since he was like 10 years old. Today I got to see him again and introduce him to his #1 one-year old fan. He was shocked that Zachary liked the music so much. It was funny, Z carried the "RYAN" fan club photo card with him to meet Lucas. I think Z had no idea what was going on because he got super shy. After about five minutes with Lucas, Z warmed up and started showing him his dance moves. Lucas was super nice and allowed us to take a fan photo with him. I also got 3 autographs...one for Z and the other two for my very special nieces in Florida. Yes, Brynn & Karsen you have autographs! They are on their way to Florida as we speak!


Thank you Lucas for allowing us to be "Crazy Fans". If you want to learn more about Lucas Grabeel click here for his personal website.
Our photo with Lucas

Thanks Lucas!

Mommy advice needed...

This post is for anyone who is a mom. This is my issue that I need feedback and advice on. Please comment if you have any pros & cons about this issue. I would not have made this post if I did not truly want advice or criticism. Zachary has always been a very good eater and drinker of whole milk. In the past week he has not been drinking his milk. He prefers diluted apple juice or water. I still give him his milk but he won't drink it like he used too. He drinks a little and then it sits there. Is it too hot for milk? Instead of getting 3-4 full glasses of milk a day he is getting about 1.5 glasses. What should we do? I want him to stay hydrated but I don't want him to go without his daily milk. Should we go to the "dark side" and start adding chocolate to it? I don't think it is a good idea because I don't think he will ever want white milk again. Kevin thinks it is better than Zachary not getting his daily allowance of milk. This is where you step in. Please give your advice in my comment section.

I will keep you posted on what we decide. Thanks!

Saying Goodbye to Good Friends

Last night we said goodbye to our good friends; Craig, Fawn, Carina, and Callen. They are moving to Little Rock in less than 2 weeks. Kevin and Craig have been good friends since 1996 when they met their freshman year of college. Since then we have shared in special events such as our weddings, the birth of our children, play dates, several dinners out to Luigi's Pizza Kitchen, Fantasy Football, baby swimming lessons for Carina & Zachary, and fishing trips together. Even though they are moving away we know that we will still remain good friends. Last night we had to continue our tradition of Dinner at Luigi's and then back to our house for dessert and conversation.

To the Rechkemmers we wish you the very best and we hope that your new job in Little Rock Rocks!

Fawn, Craig, and CallenCarina and Z waiting for their "cakes"
Watching Curious George while the parents talk
Carina & Zachary (4 weeks apart)
Zachary is sad Carina is moving to Little Rock! Please don't go Carina.

An encounter with a cute puppy

Last Saturday Zachary and I went over to my Aunt Mary's for lunch. It was such a treat to see Aunt Mary, Uncle Don, Aunt Sharon, Lisa, Darrin, Austin,Wade, Kathy, & Lauren. But the biggest treat was that my cousins brought over their new puppy, Chloe May. She is just a couple months old and weighs less than 5 lbs. Zachary loved her. At first he did not know what to do with her. Eventually he would pet her, love on her, and let her lick his fingers.

Lisa introducing Chloe May to Zachary

Zachary kissing Chloe May.

Zachary crawling under Aunt Sharon's chair to see Chloe
Hugging on the puppy.
Zachary driving Miss Chloe crazy.

Fresh Eats

This past week my in-laws have given us some fresh produce from their garden. Boy is it good! Here are a couple photos of Z's first time eating corn on the cob. It's not his first time at eating corn, but his first time of enjoying it on the cob. We have also enjoyed fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Thanks Karen & Marv. We love it!

Z's first corn on the cob

Man this is good!


For dessert I made an easy dessert that my mom used to make me when I was a kid. It is called "PUDDING IN A CLOUD". When my sister and I were little we thought it was a very special day if we got "Pudding in a cloud". All it is is fat free cool whip covering the entire bottom of the bowl with a scoop of fat free chocolate pudding in the middle. Fancy I tell you. Anyways, here are the photos of Z enjoying his treat.

Yummy...Pudding on a cloud

Thanks Mom this was awesome!

Hil and Zachary's roadtrip to Coffeyville

Zachary and I just returned from a two day road trip to visit one of my best friends, Megan and her family. I could not wait to see Megs, Aaron, Lucy, and the newest member of the Robins family, Violet Lane Robins. Zachary was excited to meet his new friend Lucy. We had the best visit. Prior to coming, I told Megs that we were coming to pamper her. Since Violet just turned 4 weeks old I wanted to come and help her do what ever she wanted me to do. I can't imagine the transition from one to two kiddos. So I brought a few of my favorite recipes to make yummy meals for them. I know it was super hard for Megs to let me take over because she is always the "Martha Stewart" hostess. After 10 minutes with Megs, I realized that she did not need me because she makes being the mother of two beautiful girls look like a breeze. She is such a good mommy and she really tries to enjoy every second.

Here are a few photos of our road trip.

Zachary meeting Miss Violet...not sure about the baby but likes that she has a NINA.

Playing house with Lucy. Yes...Zachary is holding a doll.

Zachary is not ready for a sibling...he thought he was the baby.


Miss Violet Lane Robins...Isn't she beautiful?

Violet and me

Zachary, Lucy, and Violet....new best friends

Megs and Violet

Playing in the ELMO sprinkler

More sprinkler fun

Even though I don't get to spend a lot of time with Megs, like I used to when we were in college, I am so thankful for our visits. Each time we reunite it is like we never parted. We pick up right where we left off. Megs makes me want to be a better mommy, a better wife, and a better listener. These are three of Megs best traits. Thanks for letting us come and take over your house. Zachary already misses his new loves...Lucy & Violet.

Zachary and his girlfriend

In this post I am going to try an recreate two very sweet conversations Kevin and I had with our son. I hope you get the point.

The first conversation was about 2 weeks ago after dinner.
This is a conversation between Kevin and Z.

Kevin: Hey Zach do you have a girlfriend?

Zachary: Yes (in the sweetest little boy voice)

Kevin: Is it your Charley Wasson?

Zachary: No

Kevin: Is it Carina?

Zachary: No

Kevin: Well then who is it?

Zachary: Rachel (again in the cutest, softest voice almost sounding like Ray-chol).

For those readers that do not know. Rachel is my sister and Zachary's aunt. It was super sweet. So this next conversation goes with this. My sister got us tickets to the Springfield Little Theaters summer performance of Disney's Aristocats. Zachary loved it and was often clapping and yelling YEAH after each number. So on the ride home from the theater this is Zachary and mines conversation.

Me: Hey Zachary what was your favorite part of the show? (again he is in the backseat while I am driving) I was expecting to hear..the kittens, the doggy, etc.

Zachary: Rachel (again in the cutest, softest voice almost sounding like Ray-chol).

He definitely loves his Aunt Rachel. This is a photo of Aunt Rachel and Z walking to Jimmie Johns after the performance. Pretty cute huh?

A little boy and his Choo-Choo

A couple nights ago I went into Z's room to pray over him and check on him before I went to bed. This is what I saw.

Z's room was pitch black but when the flash went off it looks like I took this in broad day light. Anyways, most kids sleep with a stuffed animal or blanket. Our son chooses to sleep with a plastic train that my parents gave him. He can't get in his crib without it. The funniest thing is that when he wakes up he plays with the train for about 15 minutes. I know immediately when he is awake because I hear the sound of a Choo-Choo coming from his room. The joys of having a little boy.

Lake Get-Away Weekend

Kev, Hil, and Z in lake

Hayden John and Zachary feeding the ducks

The little boys eating snack

John and Kevin


This past weekend we went to Lake of the Ozarks to meet up with our good friends John, Misty, and Hayden John. Kevin and John were best friends all through out high school and college. It is so nice that we could bring our families together for a fun weekend. Back in January they invited us to Misty's parents house at the lake. We attempted to find a free weekend in our calendars and the only weekend that works for everyone was July 17-20 (Which happened to be our five year anniversary). We could not wait to see them and have a weekend away. I have to admit that with everything going on here with Mel, the practice, and stuff I started to have doubts that we should not go. But I did not want to cancel since we had it planned for so long. Ended up it was just what we needed. We arrived to Misty's parents on Thursday afternoon where we were greeted by the entire crew. We unpacked, had lunch, and went outside. Misty's parents, Jeannie and Gary, have quite the set up. It was wonderful. Zachary played very well with Hayden John. He loved playing outside with all of their wonderful trucks and toys. The weekend was filled with lots of yummy food, great conversations, fun times in the boat on the lake, swimming, and an anniversary celebration. It was so nice to be able to pick up exactly where we left off last fall with John & Misty. It is like no time has passed between us. Thank you Ms. Jeannie, Mr. Gary, John, Misty, and Hayden for everything. We had a blast and made lots of memories. Here are some pictures from our weekend.

John, Misty, and Hayden

Misty and Hilary

Zachary and Snickers (our favorite doggy in the world)

Zachary's 1st boat ride! He's relaxed

Ha Ha Tonka Group Photo

Our 5 Year anniversary!

Today is our five year anniversary. If I knew how to use our fancy scanner I would post a picture of our wedding day 5 years ago. But I don't so I will post a recent picture of Kevin and I. It's hard to believe that five years has come and gone. We have done a lot of things these past five years and made a ton of good memories. This weekend we went to the lake with our good friends, John & Misty. That is another blog entry but I wanted to make a quick post to Kevin before we started our rental movie and popcorn. Kev, you are such an amazing husband, best friend, father and companion. You always know the right thing to say and the way to handle any situation. No matter what you always put your faith in God first. I love that about you. I am so glad I get to wake up beside you each day. I love you, HIL