Home Away From Home

  You could say that Miami is to the Daytons as Oregon is to the Van Cotts.  Hopefully, soon the whole Dayton fam can get back to Miami.

Why do we love Miami?  Well, we do 2 things. Eat and play on the beach. 

Really, we love the Cuban culture and visiting family.

 So here are some pics....

 Playing on the beach - Dad brought his metal detector! We all took turns playing with it. We actually found $3 in change!

 Eating - Mom and Dad at Los Jugos

Who knows? What famous artist sings about Calle Ocho?

Joseph all sandy!

My Dad and Joseph went on their fishing adventure.

When my dad was in like 3rd grade? ....there was wet cement on his way to school, so of course he wrote his name in it and it's still there!

 Eating! Mario's has the best garlic rolls ever! We love their pizza too.

 I only got in the water once. It was the coldest I have ever felt in Miami. Yes, I know, I am not a daring VanCott when it comes to swimming in water. Joseph has more than pointed that out to me.  

Joseph's turn to help medal detect

Cute Catalina 

Windy beach day.

Someone got a good idea....

Who is who?

One of my favorite things! Ghirardelli caramels

Yes, this trip was at the end of January. I'm always trying to catch up ;)
 
If you ever go to miami, we can tell you all the great places to go!

Ancestry

January 18th 2012 was my last day as an employee at Ancestry.

That is right! I will never have to explain to another angry costumer that I don't have their family tree all completed and ready for them. (Apparently the commercials can be a little misleading?) Or they have had an automatic billing to their card every month for the past 2 years of 29.95. (Please everyone that is reading this, be sure to check your credit card statements regularly, it is always a good idea.)

I really did enjoy my time at Ancestry. I made a lot of friends and really surprised myself with how well I did with sales. I was hired September 1st 2010 and soon after tricked two of my best friends (I love you Racheal and Kate) to come and work with me in November of 2010. We had more fun than anyone should at work. Want to see? Follow this link to Kate's fun Post!
Catalina came along to play at Ancestry in December and then Jack and Naomi soon followed.
Long story short.... Management changed right after Joseph was hired in August and things have changed immensely.
Long story short.... We are all done with Ancestry!
Bring on a crazy new year :)

*2012*

I love this time of year. When you can look back at the past year and even if it wasn't as happy and successful as you'd like, there is a new year to make new goals.
Yes I do miss having a parking space at the gym, but that usually gets back to normal near the end of February.

Joseph and I sat down and made individual and family goals.  As you found out, in our last post, we have dedicated this year to traveling. Of course we have many other great things happening this year (John and Trudy VanCott return from their missions, Friends and family weddings, Joseph returning to school in the fall...), but since it is just the two of us, why not?
My best friend knows me well and knows I have my own concerns of traveling so much.... Anyway, I am very grateful she sent me this quote.

"Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living."

Our first trip ended up being to Cabo. It was short and sweet and we loved it. We had gone before for our honeymoon and it was hard to believe it had been more than 3 years since we had been back.

The Famous Arch

Please tell me you remember when Joseph insisted on swimming on the pacific side because it was so fun with the huge waves? Well, I guess they decided it was dangerous enough to add warning signs.

This photo was on our way in to walmart. Why, my Arizona family and friends, does Arizona not have these? When conditions are so hot that your seat belt can give you a serious burn, I believe it is enough reason to invest in some of these umbrellas.

We took the local bus (.80 cents a person) away from the resorts and found our own beach with 3 surfers. It was so nice, Joseph fished 100% of the time (besides taking this photo) and I read and slept.

The beautiful view

Oh Yeah! Also taken at walmart. There are handicap parking spaces designated for pregnant women too. Just for you, Courtney and Naomi!

Traveling destinations for February are still being decided. I will post a few of the places we have in mind and I would love feedback or traveling advice from you all.

My 2012 Resolution - When normally I would be timid and scared, I resolve to be confident and optimistic with new ventures and experiences. 

Happy New Years Everyone!