Before I ramble on about Mexico, I thought I should give an update on the quarantine we have been under.
The kids are on the upswing (I think). Yesterday was the first day we did not have to dunk the boys in a tepid bath and listen to them scream about how much it hurts. Woo!
Miss Emily still has a river of boogs flowing out of her, and is also working on some bottom molars. There are two squishy mounds of throbbing red flesh on the gums of her bottom jaw. I do not envy her in the least. She wants to spend every waking moment on my hip/lap so I have not been able to get much done. I am totally fine with it though - we are just making up for last week’s missed cuddles.
Yesterday afternoon we were all feeling a little stir crazy, so we did some errands as a family. We threw in a trip to the park down by the lake for good measure.
This was before she went down. Once. She was pretty skeered after that and refused to go again. This surprised me as she has been known to climb on top of the table and jump up and down. Go figure.
On to Mexico!
Matthew and I are lame and boring. Really. Our days were pretty routine (Just how we like ‘em!). We would get up once the sun was over the horizon. We would (gently) toss my camera, our books and iPods into the backpack and saunter over to the Buffet Of Amazing Food for breakfast.
We would hightail it back to the south end of the beach. It was less crowded, had a smaller pool (complete with a pool bar), and next to that was the 24 hour snack bar. We would claim a pair of chairs under one of those straw umbrellas that were everywhere.
We would set up camp. Sunscreen lathered on, iPods blazing, noses buried in books, sipping bevvies. It was awfully boring. And truly wonderful. I would look up every once in awhile to take in the view from my chair.
To the left:
That area to the left is where they had built a breakwater. It is quite windy there, so most days it is not safe to swim in the ocean. This little area provided you the opportunity to swim in the salty blue water.
Isn’t that colour amazing?
We took self portraits.
(This is the one I posted on Flickr from Mexico.)
We were miserable, as you can see.
After two days of listening to the Activities Coordinator yelling into the microphone at the pool directly behind us, we thought we would venture down off of the bench so that we could have unobstructed views of this.
And, of course, my beloved hammocks.
The hammocks were down for the last two days because there were weddings being held there.
Honey and I both agreed that if we could go back in time eight years, we would get married RIGHT THERE. Maybe we should renew our vows for our tenth anniversary…
We would eat our lunch at the snack bar so as to not lose our chairs. And so as to not exert more energy than was absolutely necessary. We already had to take more steps from our new location to refill our refreshments, so we needed to balance that out.
The highlight of eating at the snack bar? THE HOMEMADE SALSA. Or as they called it, “Mexican Sauce”. The guacamole was also phenomenal. During the week I ate my body weight in chips and salsa. And pineapple. Mmmm…pineapple.
Most nights we were in bed by nine o’clock. I KID YOU NOT. We might not have been (ahem) sleeping, but we were in bed. We wanted to soak in as much sun as possible during the day.
Tuesday we decided to mix things up and go on a three-hour shopping excursion in Playa del Carmen. They have a street called 5th Avenue that reminded us of Robson Street in Vancouver, except there were no cars on it. There was a Starbucks, however.
I took my camera, but did not take many shots. I was too busy bartering. GO ME. We got a beautiful dress for Emily, shirts for the boys, a couple of necklaces for myself as well as a sarong that called out to me from a rack of about two hundred of them.
(Taken the next day)
I also bought a pretty blue skirt (see below).
I did happen to catch a shot of these guys.
Authentic Mexican experience going on!
As I mentioned in my last post, we had our photo taken by our tour guides after they supplied some props.
They really were the best nachos I have ever had. I don’t have a photo of them because I was too busy stuffing my face enjoying Honey’s company.
We got back to the resort a little after nine. (Gasp!) Each night they had a live band out at La Hacienda from ten until midnight, and then the discotheque opened up. We thought we would shake off our old fart status and check it out. We had a “nap” and then thought we should set up the camera with the self-timer to catch us party animals ready to go shake our booties.
A little crooked. Let’s try again:
I love that skirt. It flips and twirls when I walk. Wheee!
The live band was amazing, but the discotheque was lame. We bailed after only a few songs. I am glad we checked it out, but we were pretty tired and grumpy the next day. Nothing a nap couldn’t fix though.
I will stop here (if you have even managed to make it this far). Next post will be about the adventure we took on Thursday to the other half of the resort…where we honeymooned eight years ago.
Stay tuned.
44 Comments
Sounds fabulous Angela. And look at your colour! Loving the sun-kissed glow.
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Comment by Karla on March 5th, 2008 @ 3:16 amDamn, I tried to hit stop when I realized I missed an L in your name, but wordpress was too quick (and obviously, after only one cup of coffee, I am too slow). Sorry chiquita.
Karla’s last blog post..Parking Assitant
Comment by Karla on March 5th, 2008 @ 3:18 amIt’s a good thing the kids were back home, otherwise it would be wicked hard to tear yourself away. Good to see you are keeping your marriage vibrant!
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Comment by witchypoo on March 5th, 2008 @ 4:01 amI want to dunk myself in that water and eat nachos. Maybe even at the same time.
I hope the kidlets are feeling better.
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Comment by Moose in the Kitchen on March 5th, 2008 @ 6:33 amWhat a wonderful recap! I’m kind of glad you didn’t take a picture of the nachos - It would make me too hungry.
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Comment by Jennie on March 5th, 2008 @ 6:37 amI can’t wait for your next post! Your pictures are absolutely amazing–as always 
I love skirts that do the flippy thing—totally puts a bounce in my step.
Personal goal: Buy a Hammock.
The Over-Thinker’s last blog post..Nothing a little bed wetting won’t cure…
Comment by The Over-Thinker on March 5th, 2008 @ 6:54 am*green with envy*
oh right I had my vacation already….
The worst part about vacations?
When they are over
Looks like a fantastic time, can’t wait to see the rest!
Kami’s last blog post..Am I the only one?
Comment by Kami on March 5th, 2008 @ 7:43 amGreat pictures! Lounging in the sun, cocktails and Mexican food … sounds wonderful. Can’t wait for the next post!
Comment by Nicole on March 5th, 2008 @ 8:23 amnow I really want to go to Mexico!
gah - when I’m in freaking ALASKA I will be dreaming of that crystal blue water
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Comment by hills on March 5th, 2008 @ 8:29 amHow beautiful! I wish I were there right now!
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Comment by SouthernBelle on March 5th, 2008 @ 8:29 amYour photos bring back good memories of Cozumel. Glad you had a safe trip home
Oh Angella, you have just inspired me so much. I’m such a Type-A personality and have to overplan every moment of my life. I’ve been stressing about planning a vacation for our anniversary this year, trying to figure out all the things that we would want to do and where would be the best location to do all of these things. But your post made me realize that really, I should just take the time to read some trashy books, listen to my iPod, while drinking a fruity drink on a beach. It sounds heavenly.
Jill - GlossyVeneer’s last blog post..A Brief Semi-Vacation
Comment by Jill - GlossyVeneer on March 5th, 2008 @ 8:48 amI’m glad you had such a nice time. You sure managed to get a lot of photos of yourselves- something I never seem to do, but should!
180/360’s last blog post..An Affair to Remember
Comment by 180/360 on March 5th, 2008 @ 8:55 amI LOVE MEXICO. I can’t wait to go back. Your pictures remind me of how much fun I had sitting around in the sun, sipping drinks and reading. Bliss! Sounds like you had a great time. Vacations don’t have to be about staying out late. Frankly, I prefer the napping! 
sizzle’s last blog post..Self? Where have you gone?
I really do think you’ve said, but where did you go and what resort? I think I’d LOVE to go there. It seems incredible, and I’ve never been that set on visiting Mexico again.
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Comment by She Likes Purple on March 5th, 2008 @ 9:22 amAs I sit here reading this I’m reminiscing about all the vacations I was able to take with my parents when I was younger. I’m severely jealous of your time away, hehe, and long to have a real vacation with my husband. Hell, I’d settle for a family vacation (I’m not picky). This October I will have my second child, will celebrate my 13th wedding anniversary, and I can honestly say the last vacation Joe and I took was our honeymoon.
Holy crap!
Looks like you had tons of fun. Glad everyone made it back safe and sound!
Comment by Marcie on March 5th, 2008 @ 9:34 amBoring? Maybe when we’re 21 and want to be crazy and active and party… but once we grow up and have kids that keep us wound up too tight? Lounging with beautiful water all around sounds like fun to me
LVGurl’s last blog post..Working hard, hardly sleeping, eating plenty
Glorious photos! Sounds like it was an incredible time. I’m getting hungry just reading about those nachos.
I’d love to hear about the coffee flavoured tequila you mentioned on that flickr photo. Yum!
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Comment by Sharon on March 5th, 2008 @ 10:18 amThat looks simply amazing. Wow. I need a vacay NOW!
I have to agree that that would be the most beautiful wedding site ever.
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Comment by Lisa on March 5th, 2008 @ 10:44 amSounds like you had a great time!
Glad the kidlets are feeling better.
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Comment by Hannah on March 5th, 2008 @ 11:15 amI always thought vacation was about doing things at your leisure and relaxing. I’m so with you about reading books on the beach. Granted, I’ve never vacationed anywhere, well, cool or anything. But no matter where I go, I take things in stride. No sense in going on a vacation and not using it as a break from how hectic life is! I don’t want to return from vacay more haggard than when I left. Maybe that’s just crazy talk, though?
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Comment by barbetti on March 5th, 2008 @ 11:22 amFUUUUUNNNNN!!!
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Comment by Elizabeth on March 5th, 2008 @ 12:03 pmThe pics are GREAT! I’m relaxed just looking at them;) Looks like you have a wonderful time, I’m so glad for you both.
Sorry you had to come home to sickness:( It went around our place last week. I’m so over the cold and sickness:( THINK SPRING!
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Comment by Randi on March 5th, 2008 @ 12:13 pmSounds like my kind of vacation. Glad you had a fabulous time!
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Comment by merrymishaps on March 5th, 2008 @ 12:14 pmUmmm, just wondering after all of those early nights…ahem….might there be another baby Dykstra on the way?? Glad to hear you had such a wonderful time…..are kids allowed at this resort? And if so, did you check out the facilities for them??
Oh, girl. It is medically impossible for us to have another baby. “We” had a surgical procedure of the snipping kind
Yes - the resort is COMPLETELY kid-friendly, with great programs and facilities. We plan on bringing the kids with us from now on. We would go next week if our bank account would let us.
Comment by Heidi on March 5th, 2008 @ 12:25 pmReminds me of my trip to Mexico two Decembers ago. Pure bliss…
Comment by Leah on March 5th, 2008 @ 12:31 pmI like your idea of a vacation. Doing nothing. My mom’s idea of a vacation is to DO EVERYTHING and SEE EVERYTHING. I don’t vacation with her.
I’m glad your kiddos are doing better!
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Comment by Jen on March 5th, 2008 @ 12:58 pmAwesome trip! And I giggled a lot at the “(ahem) sleeping” bit. tee hee!
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Comment by Victoria on March 5th, 2008 @ 4:38 pmLooks like you had an amazing time! Your pictures are beautiful! Glad to hear the kids are starting to feel better and hope things are getting back to normal for you!
Comment by Michele on March 5th, 2008 @ 6:35 pmyou two look like a hoot!
Chelsey’s last blog post..We’ve Moved
Comment by Chelsey on March 5th, 2008 @ 6:35 pm[...] hate me because I spent a week in paradise. Or do. It’s OK, because it was all sorts of wonderful. You should [...]
Comment by Cheaper Than Therapy » Blog Archive » These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things on March 5th, 2008 @ 11:56 pmLooks like so much fun and SO relaxing!
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Comment by Kristabella on March 6th, 2008 @ 2:14 pmreminds me of my honeymoon to the Dominican Republic. Pure eye candy, gorgeous water, relaxing and unadulterated ADULT time with the man you love. So glad you enjoyed every minute!
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Comment by Kelly on March 6th, 2008 @ 4:57 pm[...] I spoke too soon when I said that the kids were on the upswing. [...]
Comment by Dutch Blitz » Better Now on March 9th, 2008 @ 9:08 pm[...] I personally have never been to Hawaii, but I feel the same way about Mexico. [...]
Comment by Dutch Blitz » The Happiest Place On Earth on June 2nd, 2008 @ 8:17 am[...] even on a bad day. Kelly had suggested that I post some pretty photos, or do whatever I wanted. I went to Mexico in February, and have beaten that topic to death on my own site. I thought I could whip up a post [...]
Comment by Mocha Momma » Introducing Myself on July 10th, 2008 @ 8:14 am[...] we went and traipsed off to Mexico, which only fueled my hatred of winter. Why live somewhere where there is SNOW and ICE [...]
Comment by Dutch Blitz » Summer Is As Summer Does on July 31st, 2008 @ 1:04 pm[...] are also planning to take the kids with us to Mexico after Christmas. We loved the chance to go without kids in February but think that our monkeys would love the break from winter as [...]
Comment by Dutch Blitz » Babies Are Overrated on September 9th, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
Looks amazing Angella!
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Comment by Robyn on March 5th, 2008 @ 12:52 am