Santo Tomas, Mexico was simply a perfect beach vacation. Both sets of grandparents aided in the beauty and splendor of the week.
Our first night.
The children were in the ocean within 15 minutes of our arrival.
Each evening we gathered for family scriptures and prayer. Maddie impressed her grandparents with her reading.
Austin spent most of his time in a kayak. He paddled our two little boys for hours.
Maddie made Maisie into a mermaid.
Both Eddie and Ryan napped everyday on the warm sand.
These two love-birds were carefree and relaxed.
These two grandpas spent time chatting, watching dolphins and running along the shore.
Nick and Ryan were pretty lucky to find themselves in this group shot. (The red villa in the background is where we stayed.)
Seeking shade.
Austin brought new games to master.
We played "Five Crowns" this evening -- I won! (My darling mother brushed my hair.)
Sunset on the sandbar. (L-R: Nick, Andy, Grandpa Ron, Maisie, Grandma Kim, Emily, Meg)
Both grandmas and Grandpa Ron spent one afternoon "chasing" the exiting tide by moving their chairs lower and lower along the shore.
The beginning of a sand wall.
Ryan loved every minute. His best smile.
One evening we four found ourselves as the last stragglers on the sandbar. The conditions were perfect for chatting and finding sand dollars.
The roof-top diners. Our dinner table was much quieter without them.
Aunt Emily was the perfect aunt, as always. She played with the bigs and littles, and she didn't get anyone else sick!
Andy and Nick allowed themselves to be pummeled for two hours while the waves rushed over, around, and through them. All the while they giggled.
These two made cookies juntos. My favorite was the macaroon with a salted caramel drizzle.
Once we stood by each other.
I didn't hear anything but joy from this Eddie. He loves any water with zero-entry level.
Our last night and no one wanted to come in.
A huge shout-out to Austin who made all of this possible. He planned, prepared and provided all the gourmet food accommodations. I suppose the best summation is that we are counting down until next year.
