CANCUN

Cancun was incredible!

My parents gave us, my siblings, and our spouses this trip as a family for Christmas. How can we ever thank them enough?

We stayed at a resort called Barcelo and from the minute we pulled up to the hotel, I could tell we were going to be staying in luxury the entire week.

The resort was amazing. The hotel was the cleanest I have ever seen, even in America. There were housekeepers and workers everywhere constantly cleaning and catering to us. The Mexican people are such hard workers. Every little thing from the couches to the light fixtures was immaculate. Our room was really nice too.

I was most impressed by the landscaping. Lush gardens everywhere. Flowers, palm trees, beautiful sidewalks, huts, pools, fountains, etc, etc, etc. We felt like royalty. It was just stunning! It's home to lots of iguanas and lizards too. I'm glad we didn't find any in our bed!

It was an all-inclusive resort which meant that everything was included. I think we drank 6 pina coladas a day each (and lots of Diet Coke for me!). Virgin, of course! All though, there were a few instances when the locals didn't quite understand what "no alcohol" meant so we had to be careful. :)

The beach was private so there were no people bothering you with buying things from them. Just peaceful, quiet, and relaxing. 

TRULY PARADISE!

The guys immediately found a comfy spot on the beach and took a much-needed nap. (We had a red-eye flight and spent the night in the Minneapolis airport)

Staci & I, looking a little straggly from a long night flying, but very happy to be here!

I found a hammock to take a rest in! The hammocks were one of my very favorite things about our trip. They had them hanging all over the place. They are so comfortable to nap in. I just might need to get one for our backyard.

The resort still had their Christmas decorations up which was fun for us! This tree was beautiful lit up at night. Every palm tree (hundreds) had lights wrapped around the trunk- it was just gorgeous! There was also a manger scene set up. Weird to see Christmas trees and hear "O, Holy Night" in 85 degree weather.

We were all exhausted. Hannah didn't even make it through dinner! She's so cute.

Hunter & I enjoying the buffet. We ate at the buffet for breakfasts and lunches. We also ate there for dinner a few times, but went to the specialty restaurants for dinner most nights. The food at the buffet was great, but I think the food on a cruise is a bit better. Still delicious though.

I'm proud to say, I worked out 3 of the 6 days we were there and we were there on Sunday so I didn't want to work out that day, so really 3 out of the 5 days. Still managed to gain weight though. I guess that happens when you eat 6 monstrous courses a day? And... I'm pretty sure I had bacon at every meal. :)

Staci & Tyler eating lunch at a hut by the pool.

Dinner at the French restaurant- a "dining experience" which means a 2 1/2 hour long dinner. It was amazing food, but us kids agreed we are more "Chili's type people". haha!

My most favorite dessert on earth- CREME BRULEE! And...it did NOT disappoint! See the excitement in those eyes!?

All the girlies dressed up for dinner.

Being sassy...

And the guys.

Katie & Me on another night at dinner.

Eating the most decadent ice cream- Coconut with real coconut pieces in it. A party for the mouth I tell ya!

Catching a picture by the beach. Can you tell those legs haven't seen sunlight in months!? haha

 (Seriously missing this place right now as I'm bundled up in my sweats looking at the snow outside my window.)

Strange picture below?

At the moment I took this picture, I was laying on an extremely comfortable beach chair, reading the 2nd book in the Hunger games series. I had just finished the first book. I had been reading for 2 hours straight! 2 hours straight, people! Reading is my most favorite hobby and I never get to do it at home anymore so I was loving all the time I had to read on this vacation. There was a slight breeze blowing and it was about 80 degrees. I looked up at the palm trees around me and could here the waves crashing, and I thought " I don't want to forget this moment of pure bliss", SO.... I took a picture of my foot. I'm weird, I know!

 And this is Hunter relaxing to my right. I love my little bro and the time we got to spend together on this trip. Rob & I shared a room with him and we all had so much fun together!

 Beautiful pool! We especially loved the bar in the water. Strawberry daiquiri please?

 Family playing cards at the Sports Bar and watching a college football game. We also played miniature golf, ping pong, foosball, bocci ball, and lots of Phase 10 on other nights. All such a blast!  

 The boys were the sports champions at the resort! The won several soccer, water polo, and volleyball games!

 Volleyball on the beach- Pretty fun!

 Family Picture at the Steakhouse Restaurant on our last night there.

 Tyler showing that he's ready to be done with Staci. Nah...just playing around! I loved being with these two. It's great having another married sibling now and we love Tyler!

Other items I want to remember: 

• We went to Playa Del Carmen to shop and buy souvenirs. I got a really cute black and white cover up and some dolphin playing cards. Rob got a t-shirt and switchblade knife. We brought Drake home some t-shirts, moraccas, and a drum which he has loved playing with. In Playa Del Carmen, we found out that the waitress at McDonalds was making $1 an hour! I appreciate living in the USA.
• We were able to communicate with Calvin & Nancy through email and we called home once too to talk to Drake. I really never worried about him which was surprising.
• Funny/Gross story that must be written down so I can tell Hunter's kids about it someday- We had just left the really nice French restaurant pictured above and had to ride an elevator up a couple floors to leave the restaurant. Ty, Hunter, and Robert went ahead of us and were waiting at the top for us. The girls and my dad all got in the elevator and when the doors opened on the top floor, I giant, white butt was perched right at the opening of the doors. AGH! It was Hunter's albino bottom and we all screamed either out of fright, disgustion, or surprise! We started laughing our heads off. We were rolling! The best was my dad was facing towards the back of the elevator where there was a mirror so he got a great view of the butt in the mirror and he screamed so loud like a little girl. So hilarious! And probably not the best story to share, but I have to remember that moment! What is it with men and mooning?
• Hunter thought he left a necklace for his girlfriend at the hotel, but they weren't able to find it. He was so upset the plane ride home. Luckily, he found it in his suitcase in Salt Lake and we were all so happy for him!
• I was able to read 2 whole books on this vacation- The Hunger Games series is amazing! I can't wait to start the third, but now I'm home and can't find the time.

A gorgeous sunset to end the trip...

We were so sad to leave this paradise behind! Hannah was even crying. I was actually ready to go home just because I missed Drake. But, if he'd been with us I think we could have stayed there indefinitely!

It was a vacation for the record books. Our family is older now and we have the funnest time together. There is no fighting or arguing. We just enjoy each others company and love each other lots!

Thanks mom and dad for such a wonderful (and much needed) vacation!

I was giddy about seeing my little Drakey! We found him safe and sound asleep at Grandma and Grandpa's house when we got home in the middle of the night. He had so much fun with them while we were gone!  I know he is already missing them lots! Nancy knows what a worrier I am, so she was great to take pictures of Drake and share lots of stories with me so I didn't feel like I missed out on a week of Drake's life. They said he was so good and they loved having him. There were never any problems or crying fits and he did great! I was so glad to hear that! We are forever grateful to them for tending him. It's nice to have someone you love and trust to leave your child with and know you never have to worry because they are being taken care of perfectly! Thank you, thank you Calvin & Nancy! You are the best!

I didn't include the best part of the trip in this post because it deserves a post of it's own.

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS...to come shortly!