Away we go...

Our plane left at 7 am meaning we had to leave the house at 4:30 am. This was the kids' first time flying and to say they were excited would be an understatement. Bobby and I joined in the giddiness when we were bumped up to first class --for free--. (a first for both of us.) So, not only are the kids in the air but they are riding in style. Away we go! Patty soon decides shedoes not like this whole flying thing and wants off....now. The whole thing feels like a roller coaster and shes does not like roller coasters. Those of you who know Patty know how easy going and sweet she is, how much like Nanny Plaster she is. We all know what a strong spine Nanny can have when she makes up her mind. Turns out Patty inherited that too. She told her father in no uncertain terms that she would NOT be flying back and we could all find another way to get home. (I still grin uncontrolably when I think of her saying those words and watching Bobby's face) She finally relaxed with the help of some medication prescribed for her migraines that is actually designed for motion sickness. (thank you Donna for sending that along!!!). I am so proud to say that she did not use any on the way back and made it through the return flight like a rock star.

Fun in the Cozumel Sun

We had so much fun on vacation. The kids really loved it and want to go back soon. Maybe a different hotel though. We've definitely set the bar high for next year. These are some pictures of the beaches in Cozumel. I always feel like I do nothing but take pictures during the vacation then wonder why I didn't take more once I get home to look at them. The kids in th following pictures belong to the friends we met that I introduce below. This trip was a lot of fun for me because of all of the nice people we met. Not only did we get to know the people in the following pictures, we also met some of the locals. Hopefully I can do another entry just on them!

Reggae Bar

Very cool open air bar on the southern tip of the island. Supposedly they have the best fried fish in Cozumel.

Decorated with t-shirts from former patrons. (Bobby made me take this)

Ok, I know this is a picture of a dog, but he's the bar dog. On top of that...check out the face. 1/2 black, 1/2 white straight down the middle. He was too lazy to keep his head up long enough for me to get a better picture.

Our Austin friends, Vicki and Bill. They just got married at the resort. The kid behind Vicki was waiting tables and doing a really good job at it.

The wild side of Cozumel

We rented a jeep and drove around the island on Sunday with our Austin friends. See the picture below. The sea side pictures are from the eastern side of Cozumel that's not buffered by Mexico. The undertow and force of the water is unbelievable. Most of this side is empty. The beach that is swimmable (not covered with rocks) is used by the locals. We found one lagoon area that was a lot of fun. Bobby and the kids jumped off a rock into the water after watching a few cozumelenos do it first.

Chankanaab

Chankanaab is a national park in mexico with a protected coral reef and "replicas" of mayan ruins. The real things were too far away. Notice the iguana behind Patty's head on the wall. They're everywhere! We spent the day with another family we met at the resort who happened to be from Austin. Along the reef the park has placed several cannons and a statue of Jesus. Pres was so into it that he dove down twenty feet and touched one of the cannons. We saw angelfish, stingrays and crab. Patty caught a sea urchin in a coke bottle. We snorkeled and sat around in the shade. What a great day.

Playa Del Carmen

On the ferry

Ferry ride back

Shopping in Playa del Carmen
Notice Prescott's new Ray Banz

Patty and the monkey.
She held him in her hands, then he crawled up her shoulder and ended up on top of her head.
There are stands like this set up all over the market. They take donations for conservation groups in exchange for a photograph with a monkey, iguana or macaw. I really wanted the experience as well and held a beautiful red macaw at Chankanaab. He sat on my hand and bit me, crawled up my shoulder and scratched me, settled on my head and pooped. Go figure.

Identity Crisis

What to be when I grow up??
A baseball player..
A doctor...
A cowboy....
Why not all three?

Barnum and Bailey

Barrett loved the elephants

Tigers

My clown

At the Circus

We went to the circus about a month ago. Just a few pics.






I love this picture. It's the only one of it's kind. Prescott is smiling and Patty is giving a dirty look.

That is one goofy little boy.

The countdown continues

We are all now officially eligible to board the plane. The kids both have their passports! Hopefully we will be greeted with nice weather!

COUNTDOWN TO COZUMEL

We are 6 days away and can't wait! The kids can't wait to fly for the first time. I can't wait to snorkel. Bobby can't wait to hit the beach (and the bar) and Barrett.....Barrett can't wait to stay home. But he'll be with Lala so I'm sure he'll have a good time too.
Patty managed to get stung by a jellyfish in Galveston. Hopefully she won't shy away from the water. I AM SO EXCITED!!! Did I mention that yet?