Mexico here we come!

Well there was no twisting my arm to join Jack for a conference in Playa De Carmen after all the stress the house had brought me. And how thankful I was for my dear friend Angela to insist on taking the kids when I hesitated to even go. What a great time we had. We planted ourselves at the Fairmont in Mayakoba which was perfect. We played golf, enjoyed the beach and pool, biked around the grounds, and enjoyed good food and great weather! Our driver who picked us up at the airport told us we had just missed a long streak of rainy days...so glad to have missed that. We may have come from the Sunshine State but that didn't mean we'd be ok not going to one.

Our first couple days we spent on the golf course. Neither of us played particularly well but we sure enjoyed the scenery...And yes, that is a sand trap! The best part was the PGA was arriving in a week so we were literally some of the last ones to play on it before all the pros arrived. The greens were definitely the nicest we had played on.




Of course the hotel grounds were equally as nice as the golf course. Beautiful pools, a nice private beach and even a river you could cruise through!



When Jack was busy with meetings, I was busy enjoying someone else waiting on me for once... ha!




My wheels for the week!



One night Jack and I took a cab into town to see Playa's version of 5th Ave. Stopped for dinner and have to say these were the biggest smoothies we had ever had.



The highlight of the trip had to be the day we spent at Xplor. It's basically a jungle full of all sorts of adventurous activities, including zip lining, all terrain vehicles, rafting, and underground rivers. It was set up like an all inclusive where you could eat at any time and the food was fantastic. We especially loved the smoothie stands located around the park. All we kept saying was how much the kids would have loved this place. When you first check in they offer a photo package which normally I would have passed on having the GoPro with us but the way it's set up is there are cameras throughout the park that connect to your helmet every time you pass one so you never have to worry about asking someone to take a photo for you and they are able to capture some great shots that we'd never be able to get. It was definitely worth it. Now we just have to return with the kids!!!




We did the zip lines first! There were two different routes with about 7 on each one. So fun!



At first we didn't know how fun these vehicles would be but they actually were a blast. You'd go over bridges, through caves and across rivers.





From exploring underground caves to paddling and swimming in underground rivers...




And even a hammock zip line!



This was definitely a trip we'd like to repeat. So grateful for a short flight from Orlando and good friends who made it possible for me to escape for a few days with Jack!

Paige!

The last time Paige and I saw each other was back in 2008 when I flew to CA for my 20 year hgh school reunion and spent a night visiting her too! We may not see each other often but when we do it's like no time has passed and we instantly pick up where we last left off. This time was no different. Even though we only got to spend a half day together, it was so great to see her. The timing wasn't ideal as Jack and I were flying to Mexico early the next morning but at least we got to see each other! Hopefully it won't take as much time to pass before we see each other again... How lame though that we didn't think to take a photo until I was dropping them off at rental car place...haha!

Getting into the Halloween spirit...

One thing I was looking forward to this Halloween was taking the kids to Busch Gardens to experience the haunted houses like Jack and I did last year during during one of my trips to make house selections. Once again it did not disappoint...in fact it was a bit too scarey for Sage but she toughed through a few of them.






When Jack got asked to participate in a conference in Mexico the week of Halloween the first thing he did was call me and see if I'd want to go with him. Indeed with all the stress of the house there was no arm twisting needed...But we did need to find someone to watch the kids, something I had never had anyone do except my parents. Thankfully I have an amazing friend here who insisted on taking them. So away we went. I have to say I was a bit sad to miss Halloween but with the boys being too old to trick or treat anyway, it wasn't as big a deal to miss. They did dress up for school though, Connor in his standby costume, Superman and Ty took my advice and went the creative route, going as "fake news". He was a bit skeptical at first but after getting all sorts of compliments at school he agreed it was a good idea. Loved that Brian captured this photo of Ty in front of the Chipotle sign...very appropriate.



Of course Sage wasn't going to pass on trick or treating. Her and Liz were the busy bees and made out quite well...a little too well if you ask me! Somehow they managed to get through the night without a photo of them in their costumes...