We spent fall break on the Mexican coast. Last time we visited, Daddy was with us. He wasn't there in person, but all our glorious memories rang deep within our souls and made our trip lovely. I think his heaven is on a beach with his sweetheart and posterity.
Mom and Emily flew into Phoenix and we picked them up early Monday morning.
Four hours later and we found ourselves eating lunch and getting charged twice by the waiter.
Sitting at tables above the water was a new experience. The children ran amuck, but we were the only group there, so it was ok.
Grandma Kim wasted no time nurturing and loving my peeps. She's a peach, I tell you! They read Molly's new birthday book three times and giggled out loud every time.
Tuesday morning by 9 am we were camped and playing in the water.
Molly napped early.
Our friends came to be with us. The Santo Tomas beach was perfect for kayaking while porpoise watching.
Eddie and Ryan were her buddies.
Molly wandered and played just like the older kids. Each of the children stopped to play with her. Nick made her belly laugh for a long long time.
With 18 children amongst the three families, 13 boys, a good game of football was inevitable.l
We gamed every night.
Wednesday morning Grandma started building a sand castle with Maddie. We all joined in and it was named the "Crab Castle" or "Wab Wassle" by Ryan.
Just a glimpse of the house from the beach.
Austin does all the food in Mexico, the planning, buying, prep and cooking. I was glad he read an entire novel.
All day we played in the water then warmed up on the sand.
These big girls stayed out until passed sunset most nights.
By 7:30 the house was still and we all went to bed post scriptures and prayer.
Thursday we made Gaudi castles with dripping sand.
For hours we sat and dribbled sand.
These kids (Blisses came for a day) made a hot tub.
My little sunset beach bums were so content.
Meg and Emily
Emily made Ryan's world go round and round. Eddie saved her a seat a dinner every night.
We took some senior pictures of Emily. I love this one. I love her.
Meg stayed out the longest and played in the water the most. Here is the jelly fish Austin caught. Andy caught ten crabs that we boiled and ate.
More pictures with our toes in the water.
Grandma Kim made up the "2,000 Stripling Warrior" game. We placed 2,000 corkscrew shells into the sand. It took a couple hours, this is what it looks like.
Maddie was transformed into a mermaid.
Our most current family picture.
Our final dinner in Mexico was divine.
That last sunset with those kids down on the water was magical.
Saturday morning came and it was all over. We were all very sad to go.
It took 1.5 hours to cross the border -- ugh.
Mom drove most of the way back to the aeropuerto.
The reason that Mexico is so relaxing and rewarding is because our phones don't work!
