Cancun

Hi, We have just returned for one of the most wonderful family vacations we have ever taken, our trip to Cancun, actually just south of Cancun in the Riviara Maya. What an amazing experience it is to go on vacation and not have to worry about naps, bed times, dishes, laundry, etc. I think we enjoyed this vacation so much because we were all able to join in the activities and the kids were old enough and mature enough that we could trust to "not" have them in our sight at all times...if that makes any sense. We still did the buddy system, and mom had to know where everyone was at all times, but I didn't have to be with them. I was even able to jog with Mark along the beach and leave Jessica in charge of the kids at the pool. I can't tell you how wonderful it felt to have a bit of peace and freedom.

While on vacation we enjoyed relaxing by the pool, building sand castles and playing in the ocean. Robert and Marissa were burried up to their necks in sand. Robert enjoyed every minute of it. We also played beach volleyball almost every day, pool volleyball, and beach soccer. Boy, playing soccer in sand is much harder than playing on the grass. Everyone was amazed (first) that I would play beach volleyball with the family and (second) that our kids wanted to play with us. We had a great time. Just so everyone knows, Betsy's soccer team was undefeated 3,0.


We took the family on several activities outside the resort as well. Betsy and Mark's favorite activity was sailing out on a catamoran and snorkling along the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world. The water was warm and beautiful light teal. The fish were amazing. We saw a sting ray and a few eels.

As for the kids, their favorite activity was having an amazing adventure swimming with dolphins. Since Marissa and Robert were both under 12 years of age, Mark and I were required to swim with them.

We decided to join in the fun (and expense). It was great! We got to pet, stroke, kiss and hug the dolphins. They gave us all belly rides and foot push rides. We also got free time with them to play in the open water.

The first adventure we took was on a field trip into the Mexican jungle to tour the newest 7th wonder of the world, Chinchen Itza. The temperature at Chinchen Itza was over 100*. I think everyone in our family last 10 pounds of water from sweating so much (just kidding). We had a wonderful tour guide that explained the ancient civilizations culture and habbits. We loved being there.

Best of all we had a great time with each other. We learned that Marissa likes virgin strawberry daquaris (like her mother) and nobody expect the grown ups like virgin pina colata. The food was great at every meal. We took photos galour (Betsy's addiction). The funny thing was that almost every day strangers would come up and compliment Mark and I on how well our family gets along together. It was amazing that people even noticed us. I've added some pictures at the bottom of my blog of us swiming with the dolphins, standing in front of the temple at Chinchen Itza and playing with a squirrel monkey right on the beach at our resort.