Mexico Day 5 - Tulum Ruins

Since we only have a few more days left until Tyler's grandma joins us, we've decided to do all the highly physical activities before she gets here. That thinking took us to Tulum today to visit the ruins and shops there. We loaded ourselves heavily with sunscreen and hats because you could tell it was going to be a scorcher.

When we arrived, we got some pesos so we could check out all the fun stuff at the beginning. Shops and animals! The kids loved this little monkey and taking pictures with him.

Logan wanted to be right in there, but when it was finally his turn, he was a bit nervous.

We met up with our friends from the Xcaret show again and got photos with them. It was fabulous to be with the whole group.

Then, we got to hold THE BIGGEST iguana I've ever seen. And we've seen a lot in 5 days now.

Then, it was time to make our way to the ruins for our tour. We decided to hire an LDS guide to take us through, to give him a bit of money and so we could get an LDS perspective on everything. It was awesome. These ruins were all built by the Mayan's long after the Book of Mormon concluded and the people were living mostly a pagan lifestyle, but there are so many traditions that remain the same, even if they don't understand their sacred history. It was cool.

An ocean picture for my mom:

(every time we were close to the ocean, Lucy would prompt us to take a picture for Grandma Bourne)

Family photo in front of the temple:

It was SOOO crazy hot today. Crazy hot. We felt like we were jumping from one spot of shade to another as we listened to our guide (who's name was Abinadi by the way). When our tour was finished, we headed to the beach to cool off in the waves. It was a welcome respite!

Lucy loved jumping in the waves at the edge, but didn't take too kindly to being dragged into the ocean by her dad.

The waves were huge at moments, and really took us by surprise. We all ended up with sand...everywhere! (Lucy DID forgive her dad and headed back out with him)

Once we were cooled off, we took the train ride (Logan's favourite part) back to the shops to get some lunch.

I had to use el bano REALLY badly, but was scolded by the local woman who was manning the bathrooms. Since my spanish is weak (seriously, el bano was a stretch for me), I had to run back to our table and get Tyler to help me understand what she was saying to me. Apparently my feet were too dirty for her newly cleaned bathroom (they were all sandy from the beach) so she wouldn't let me in until I cleaned them off. Not making any friends with the locals yet!

At home, after naps (which Max seems to be taking daily too! We're really embracing the Mexican siesta) we had a great taco dinner and homemade pina coladas. Logan and Lucy have decided they LOVE pina coladas...and guacamole. Hooray! More excuses to have them back home!

Oh, and I almost forgot...I got myself a Mexican dress for a nightgown. No pictures of it yet. And Lucy got one too. I'm WAAAY too excited to start wearing it. Starting tonight!

Mexico Day 4 - The Wedding

Today was the 'real' reason we came to Mexico. To attend Tyler's cousin's beach wedding at Bahia Principe Beach resort. To make the most of it, we decided to spend the whole day at the resort and enjoy the amenities. Which included the buffets and the pool!

Again, I'm a hot mess. Not much new there. Max has taken to the water like a fish! He's amazing. Willing to try anything. I'm so proud.

They had a booth set up for massages and hair braiding. Grandma and I decided to indulge and let Lucy get a few braids. When in Mexico! No massages though.

Then, after Logan had an awesome full nap in one of the hotel rooms (hooray for that!) it was time for the wedding. (Oh, and I read the first 2 chapters on The Hunger Games while Logan slept...umm, might be a bit addicting - but now I have to wait for Tyler to finish it before I can read it)

It was a beautiful beach wedding with a traditional Mayan ceremony. The kids especially loved banging drums or shaking maracas as part of the ceremony.

After the wedding there was a great dinner, where Max and second cousin Nicholas chased an animal that I can't remember the name of right now

and then a dance...always my kids favourite part of any wedding. Lucy danced the night away and was not willing to quit.

The boys tired much sooner than she did. Max couldn't keep his eyes open. Another great Mexico day! Tyler also decided to get his moneys worth at the resort and drank about 20 pina coladas. I guess that's your moneys worth!