Christmas is here!

Christmas came quickly since we just got home from Mexico on Dec. 19th.  Hardly any time to get in the 'mood'.  Lots of Christmas music and rum and eggnogs helped.

I bought onesies for Sue and I.  So cozy!  We watched It's a Wonderful Life and sipped rum and eggnog on Christmas Eve.  Had a sleep over at Sue's.  Was great!

Pancake Santa breakfast at the firehall.  Paul was working so wasn't in the picture.

Teeny and Jamie opening presents.  Jamie got a kitchen which he loved.  Future chef!

Landon got a new skateboard.  He's wearing his full face helmet that he wears for most sports.

Harper got a new glider bike and like Landon he also has a full face helmet.  Protect those little faces!

Another wonderful Xmas dinner hosted by Sue and Rich.

Last day in Cancun

Well the weather has changed so it is making it easier to leave.  Strong winds and rain blowing sideways....it's still lovely and warm.  We have to check out by 11:00 a.m. but don't get picked up until 4:00 p.m. for our flight home.  So much for spending that time swimming and playing on the beach.

We decide to go to a large shopping mall in Cancun to spend time.  We caught the local bus there which was an experience.  Packed bus and there we are with two young children and a stroller.  Then a local fires up his guitar and starts singing Xmas carols right beside me.  We make it there but totally forgot it was the last weekend to shop before Xmas.  What we were thinking!!!

Then as if the level of noise, congestion and general chaos wasn't enough the Mariachi band starts playing in the food court!  OMG...just shoot me!

On the plane at 7:40 p.m. and homeward bound!

Day trip to Isla Mujeres

We decide to catch the fast ferry from Playa Linda which is a short walk from Royal Cancun.  When we arrive on Isla was pick up our golf cart in order to tour the island.  They only had a small golf cart so it was a bit cramped but we made due.

Off we went to the Turtle Santuary in the south part of the island.  The kids had a great time looking at all the turtles from the very small all the way up to the very large.  They could pet them and also touch some of the other creatures.  Landon and Harper get ice cream and then we're off to get lunch.

Went to the Mango Cafe.  Finally got to try it out after two other attempts.  They were renovating so was closed for a couple of days.  Was worth the wait as the food was the best we have had to date.  Coconut French toast to die for!

We shop a bit and it's time to catch the return ferry.  Didn't even have time to check out the beaches.  Did find both of Penny's properties, The Joint and El Patio and showed the kids.  They would love to come back one day.

Back in Cancun we go swimming.  It's so humid after a bit of rain.  Landon has learned how to use my snorkel and mask and is turning in to a little fish.  Amazing how far he has come!

Dad and his boys!

The whole family.

Nana and Harper.

The next day we decide to hang out at the resort.  Swimming and digging in the sand.

It's been a great day but then the sky starts to darken and the wind picks up.  It's a storm!  That's it for the pool!

Being our last night here we treat ourselves to dinner out at the Trattoria.  It's an Italian restaurant at the resort.  I had seafood risotto and went at 5 pm.  Kiara and Paul go over at 9:00 for a quiet dinner while Nana babysits.

Chichen Itza

Yesterday I went on a tour to the Inca ruins of Chichen Itza.  It was a bus ride of just over two hours from Cancun however we stopped at Hubiku.  Hubiku is a Mayan eco park where there is a sink hole which contains sacred waters of the Mayan world.  You can swim in it but the waters are quite cold.

I encountered two Mayan tribesmen who worshipped me.

 

And then of course there was the Tequila Museum.  I tried coconut, coffee, pomegranate...you get the picture?  All was good but nothing I wanted to take home.

And then we arrived at Chichen Itza.  So hot....but amazing.  This civilization started 3000 B.C. And ended suddenly about 1400 A.D.

Lots of skulls and they did make the occasional human sacrifice.

This was where sacrifices took place.

On the way back to Cancun we stopped in the nicest little town.  Not much time to look around but it was worth the stop.  These are cute little chairs in the park that couples sit in so they can kiss!

Back to the resort....arrived around 8 p.m.  Long day.

Day trip to sister resort

Today we decided to catch the shuttle bus from our resort and go to the sister resort called the Royal Sands.  It is about 20 minutes away and a much larger resort. 

The beach is quite a bit more active....quite the surf.  It was red flagged but people were still swimming.

We stuck to the pool where there was a children's section.  There was service for stuff to eat and a swim up bar.  It was great and Landon was swimming like a little fish!

Mr. Cool!

Guess who!  Eating fish crackers...

Having a great time!

Last day on Isla

Today I head south on the island as I really want to try this cafe that gets rave reviews.  It was closed yesterday for renovations.  Unfortunately, as typical in Mexico, the renovations were not completed on time and I was unable to try it out.  Manana! Manana!    

And now it's time to leave Isla and catch the ferry across to Cancun.  The kids (Paul, Kiara, Landon and Harper) are flying in this evening and I can't wait.

So long Isla Mujeres!

And hello Cancun!   Just checked in to our resort which is the Royal Cancun Club International and this is the view from our patio doors!  I couldn't be happier!  Ground floor right on the beach.  Perfect with the two little ones.  The sand is like powder!

All decked out for Christmas!

The next day we hung out at the pool....several pools including a great kids pool.

Landon and Paul.  Landon is swimming like a fish now.

Mom and dad sneaking off for a wee bit of alone time!!!

Two days on Isla

Had a wonderful two days on Isla.  My hotel was very simple and more like a hostel.  I met quite a few people that came and stayed for a month or longer.  A couple of Canadians, one from Kelowna and one from Toronto.  Everyone sharing information and tips on travel.

I walked to the main avenue and had breakfast.

I then explored the beaches of the north end.  Fine white sand and very blue water.

 I then decided to walk the length of the island down to the south end where Penny has another bar/restaurant called the joint.  Didn't find the joint right away but ended up at another resort where I stopped for a beer.  I met Manuel and Rod.  Rod is ex military from North Dakota.  He has been living on Isla for 10 years with his wife who is a nurse practitioner regularly travels back home to work the emergency and earn some serious money.  This helps with spending money since they are both retired.  Not a bad set up since the hospital pays her flight!

Rod offers me a ride back on his golf cart so I accept and off we go.  He gives me a mini tour and we end up at the beach on the north end which is his 'regular' spot and he introduces me to some of the locals.  I meet Annie who gives me a wonderful facial and massage for $30.  We then have a beer and I meet Pedro and Pedro.  Wonderful people.  Very friendly.

Rod heads back home and I go back to my hotel to get ready for dinner.