Chichén Itzá & Xcajum Cenote in Mexico (four)

Chichén Itzá was my favorite part of our trip! It was so beautiful and fascinating. Our guide was great & I loved to imagine the lives that were lived here so long ago...

While there, the kids had a hard time but we made it through with popsicles & lots of water. When I was in Cancun with my Dad as a kid, I refused to go to the ruins because it sounded boring. So I am pretty proud of my girls even though they didn't really have a choice, ha. 

We also did some shopping because there is a lot of choices on the grounds. Zara found some lovely embroidered dresses. Now Zara, Eleanor & I each have one. Zara wears her dress nonstop. They are a special reminder of our time in Mexico. 

Our tour took us swimming in a cenote after the ruins. It was such a refreshing. I have not gone swimming this much since I was a kid because I hate changing in and out of wet bathing suits. Somehow I made it through this challenge, lol. 

We also had a very delicious lunch & Zara made friends with some turtles. It was almost impossible to get her to leave.::

I took some photos from the bus ride through Yucatan & felt all the feelings about privilege. Through the whole trip, I just felt guilty for being lucky enough to be born in the USA. I wish for more equality, opportunity & an easier immigration process for the beautiful people of Mexico (& all immigrants). They are kind, hard working and welcomed our family with open arms. Such beautiful people & country::

Cancun, Mexico! (three)

The days we didn't spend on excursions, our plans looked something like this:

Sleep in.

Eat breakfast in the lobby or patio.

Swimming in the pool.

Playing on the beach.

Eat the freshest fruit & seafood tacos.

Watch TV in the room/ nap.

Go to dinner at the hotel or order room service!

Find dessert.

Get all the days mixed up because there's no responsibility in paradise.

Xcaret, Mexico! (two)

We took a ride to an amusement park in Riviera Maya called Xcaret. It is a pretty magical with wildlife & tropical plants all around. Unfortunately, I think it was a bit much for our little ones. They are too small for such intense heat without a place to take a break. & we were told that Eleanor was too small to swim in the underground river, which would have been such a relief.

We still tried to visit as much of the park as we could. It's gigantic. We spent some time at the outdoor aquarium and exploring displays of a Mayan village & a Mexican graveyard. I wish it had been a real cemetery. We passed by some real cemeteries while we were driving around this week. They are so colorful and unique., I love the Mexican traditions surrounding their loved ones who have passed away. 

We went swimming in the natural pools at the children's area & climbed a rope course. Afterward, we explored the multi- level aviary. Eleanor & Zara loved talking to the birds.

Zara really enjoyed the butterfly pavilion & picking out some special bracelets. 

It was still a beautiful place & a great family day!