We got home from Cancun really late Wednesday night (July 29th). As I mentioned, I worked from home on Thursday, then I went into the office on Friday (since it was my week to go in).
We bought a wood splitter so the boys can cut more firewood, quicker and easier, so they can ultimately sell more firewood. Steve had them out cutting more wood once we got back.
The boys cutting firewood. Pretty flowers in bloom around the yard.
Nyles went into the ENT, and they cauterized the other side of his nose since he's been getting nose bleeds again. He wasn't happy about it at first, but of course it did the job and he's not getting nose bleeds now. Firewood on the porch. Many times we just have people come pick it up on the porch and they'll Venmo us the money.
On Saturday, August 1st, we drove up to Layton for Abby and Jesus' wedding. Since Jesus and his family are from Guatemala and speak Spanish, the Sealer spoke in English and Spanish. It was really neat! We heard more Spanish this past week than my whole life!
Family picture. Sisters: Rose, me, and Pauline.
We went over to a church for lunch events afterwards. Hudson kept wanting to go up and give Abby and Jesus a hug. He loves them so much! My parents. Sisters: Me, Barbara, Rose and Pauline.
On Wednesday, July 29th, we packed up for home. After one last breakfast at the buffet, we said goodbye to a wonderful waiter who always helped the boys practice their Spanish. We had encouraged our sons to speak Spanish the entire trip, and they stepped up—often translating for us when locals didn't speak English. We are so proud of their hard work and eager to keep learning.
Saying goodbye after breakfast. Pictures in one of the buildings (mostly Americans). The boys got one more slushy before we left. Beautiful grounds.
We were told to leave four hours before our 2:30 PM flight, so we met in the lobby at 10:30 AM. Sadly, an accident trapped our shuttle driver in heavy traffic, making him over an hour late. He drove fast to make up time, and we miraculously reached the airport safely. The entire ride, I prayed we would catch our flight. A kind stranger helped with our bags at the airport and guided us right to the check-in desk. We rushed through security and made it to our gate. It was truly an answer to our prayers!
The boys were watching Grizzy & the Lemmings as we finished packing. Ironically, there is no speaking, so they didn't have a problem watching it on the Spanish program. Sad to leave our room.
We made it to the airport! We got some lunch while we waited for our flight.
Here we go! Flying from Cancun to Denver.
After landing in Denver, we rushed through customs, rechecked our bags, cleared security again, and tracked down our gate. A short initial delay felt like a blessing because it gave us time to grab dinner, but severe storms soon pushed our departure back further. To make matters worse, the airport shuffled our gate from one end of the terminal to the other. We finally boarded around 10:30 PM for a short flight home, where Rob kindly picked us up. By the time we finally walked through our front door, we were completely exhausted. Since it was summertime, the boys didn't have school, but I had work. We all slept in, and I worked from home.
Sophia playing a game w/ Hudson while we waited. By 10pm we were all ready to be home.
We are so grateful for our unforgettable trip to Cancun with Rose and Sophia. It was a wonderful adventure that brought us all closer together. The boys, Nyles and Carter, loved practicing their Spanish, and we all enjoyed experiencing Mexican culture firsthand. We had an absolute blast and truly cherish the memories we made. Until our next adventure!
On Tuesday, July 28th, we soaked up our last full day at the resort. Here are a few favorite moments:
We went swimming of course! The tractors were working on clearing out more of the stinky seaweed.
Beautiful flowers around the resort.
As a CircleOne member, you get a free catamaran ride. Sadly, the wind did not blow at all. We checked every thirty minutes for two hours. Finally, a small breeze started, and we got to go out on the water.
Rose, Sophia, and Nyles went first.
Swimming while we wait. Then they kindly let the 4 of us go next.
The catamaran only fits 4 people, but since Hudson was small, they let him join us.
The wind was very light, but the captain made it work and gave us a fun little ride!
The captain of the catamaran told us this particular resort had basically ignored the seaweed issue the past 2 weeks, and let it build up. That is why it was so bad. As you looked at the other resorts next to them, the seaweed wasn't as bad.
More cleanup of the seaweed.
Lunch time. Cute coatis. Pool time at our room in the shade. :)
On Monday, July 27th, we had an early start. We ate breakfast at the inside buffet (closer to the front of the resort and pickup location) as soon as it opened at 7am, then waited for our bus pickup to go to Xcaret at 7:25am. We had booked this excursion before we left, so we were pretty excited for it. Everyone we've talked to, said it's worth the cost of going.
Cute Coatis shaking down seeds from the tree to his friend below.
We made it on the bus!
Here we go! Shortly after, the boys fell asleep on the way over.
We brought our swimsuits and snorkel equipment, so we had a lot of stuff. We wanted to rent a locker to put down our extra stuff while we walked around. We found a few nice employees who told us the paths to go, in which order, and also where to rent other lockers, instead of just at the entrance. The locker guy helped us find a really large locker, which was helpful so we could put all our stuff in one, instead of having to rent multiple lockers. That was a blessing. We put our stuff in the lockers and were off on our way!
Here we go! Pretty parrots, a raccoon, iguana and pink flamingoes.
We made our way around, exploring the beautiful place.
It was really well organized, clean, and amazing!
We explored the aquarium.
Sharks, turtles, and Iguanas.
Pretty views of the ocean and Mayan ruins.
More cool ruins.
We did one river run before lunch. It was fun, though it was pretty crowded. It was more in a cave, so it was dark a lot of the time, which wasn't my favorite, but we still had a great time.
Fun picture spots and pretty parrots.
We then sat down for lunch. Several Iguanas were around us, and a few Coatis broke into the garbage cans to get leftover food. They were all pretty entertaining to watch.
More Iguanas, pretty flowers, and places to explore.
Cool butterflies.
So neat.
We then went down the river again, this time on the opposite one. This one was more open and sunny and since it was in the later afternoon, there weren't many people going down it either, which was nice. I personally enjoyed this one much more. It rained just a little bit, then stopped.
After the last river run, we went and got changed, turned in our locker key, and headed towards the evening show. We heard it was super awesome, so we wanted to get a good seat. They had people dressed as ancient Mayans as you got close to the arena, which was pretty cool to see. It reminded me of Lamanites from the Book of Mormon :)
More actors dressed up for the show.
We got our seats, then went and got something to eat at the concession stands, then the show started. They had us light the candles they gave us, one one by, until they were all lit, lighting up the arena. It was neat, though a little terrifying at the same time, as kids were holding candles and it would be bad if someone dropped one. Thankfully, no one did, and the show went on :)
They portrayed ancient Mayan games and dances, and made their way through Mexico's history.
It was really neat to watch and listen to the music.
On Sunday, July 26th, we spent the day around the resort again. Before leaving to breakfast, the boys caught a little gecko that was in our room and released it outside.
Catching the gecko in our room. A different lizard in the resort.
We then came back to our room to listen to Rose's ward sacrament meeting. After sacrament meeting, Rose and Sophia went back to their room. Rose sent me the link to listen to the Relief Society lesson on marriage. The boys weren't interested, so they went out and swam in the pool.
Steve braided Hudson a bracelet, and Hudson colored while listening.
After lunch, we walked over to a lagoon just down the way from our resort.
A cute Coati walking across the roof in the buffet.
The boys wanted to try snorkeling in the lagoon. The water was a little cool to me ;)
The water had gone down, so there was sand showing in an area. Right behind us was the nasty seaweed. Hudson played in the sand where others had been building things.
A couple pictures before leaving.
Beautiful views, a Coati crossing our path, and pretty flowers.
We ate at the Steak House for dinner. Kinda funny, they used the Mexican Restaurant for the "Steak House." All they did was change the music to Country (which I enjoyed), change the menu, and a few side decorations. The food was pretty good.
My dinner and dessert. Sunset, and a deer just walking on the grounds.
Back at our place, the kids watched a show and played a few games w/ Sophia.
We spent a relaxing, restful Sunday exploring the resort grounds and enjoying some quality time together. It was the perfect way to unwind and recharge before our highly anticipated, action-packed day at Xcaret Park the following morning.
