Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Hola Mexico!!

Last summer I filled out an entry to win a free vacation to Mexico at Gabe's Gym class. And wouldn't you know that out of the four winners nationally that they give away trips to, we won!! This past week, we cashed in our reward and took an awesome trip to Riviera Maya (20mins outside Cancun).
The resort was geared towards families, but was not over run. Our day consisted of waking up and going right outside to our patio and saying "hola" to all the 'guys' (aka the resort employees) as they walked by.Then we'd get dressed and head to breakfast. We'd usually hit the beach in the morning. Gabe had a ball his first time seeing the ocean and playing on the sandy beach. After lunch we'd head back to the room for a nap. Our room was perfect for a napping toddler. We were on the first floor with one of the pools right outside our room. After Gabe would go down, we'd sit on the patio, and alternate taking an occasional dip, and one would take a stroll to the bar to bring back cocktails and enjoy 2 hours to ourselves on the patio. After nap time, it was usually straight to the 'wa-wa park.' There was an awesome kid's section with a splash park, baby pool and water slide. Then showers and dinner. Next day, repeat.
It was great to get away to a fabulous location, but really to spend five days together having fun as a family!

Now for WAY too many photos...

On the plane ready to go!


View from our room

Gabe on the 'hola couch'

Keeping an eye on that shifty character

Beach time







Drumming at the pool

Chillin'


Fun at the splash park










24 comments:

sue said...

first of all. gabe looks older in these photos! maybe it's because i haven't seen him in over a week!

second, i love that he was drumming on the beach. of course he was!

third, i love the "chillin" photo with his sunglasses on lounging on the chair!

so glad you had such a good time. we missed you!

Elizabeth Frick said...

Ahh... this is *exactly* what we have in mind for our vacation. Just waiting on those passports! :)
Congrats on winning such a sweet prize!

Kara said...

Wow!!! That looks amazing! I'm so glad you guys were able to do that as a family. How fun:).

everythingismeowsome said...

that sounds heavenly!!! so glad it was a wonderful trip.

Anonymous said...

Wow - that looks like an amazing vacation! I'm glad you all had a great time!!

Tiffany said...

I'm glad to see that Gabe's taking the drumming to the streets. :)

nancy and eric schwartz said...

never too many pictures...these were SO great!

Christine said...

Your trip looks like so much fun! Gabe looks so cute in his summer clothes and sunglasses. Looks like a beautiful place and a relaxing time! Glad you're back safely.

kelly said...

Wow, that place looks perfect for kids! I especially love your naptime routine :) It looks like you guys had a blast. Seriously what is better than family time, sun, beach, pool, cocktails, relaxation?? Btw, I'm dying over that chillin' photo of Gabe with the shades on the lounge chair!!! He really seems to have the personality to pull that off.

Barbara said...

Wow- this trip sounds amazing and it looks like you were at a great resort. I can't wait up take our boys to Mexico. We loved the Mayan when we went pre-children.

Patti and Rick said...

Wow - that is so cool! Looks and sounds like you guys had a wonderful time. You should play the lotto too. :)

IP Journey said...

Looks like you guys had a great time! I love Gabe's chillin photo! And so cool that this was a prize that was won!

Beth said...

How. Much. Fun. I love that he brought his "drums" on the vacation. There really in no vacation when you are a super duper rock star. How old does Gabe look in the last photo? Omigosh! He looks like he's in kindergarden!

Birdie said...

This routine sounds absolutely dreamy! What a great prize, lucky! You all look like you enjoyed yourselves.

Grace said...

love this! what an amazing prize!!! although, i am going to admit that i'm a bit jealous. just a smidge.
it looks like you guys had a total blast! i love gabe in his sunglasses -- i think i saw those at baby g@p -- too cute! i love that gabe has totally mastered chillaxin'. ;)
and, hello there, hot momma!!!

Colleen said...

How freakin' lucky to win such an awesome trip! So happy for you guys! Looks like it was an amazing time and the place looks perfect for kids. Soooo many great photos from your trip, but I'm just dying over your little man chillin on the lounge chair! Adorable! And by the way...go mama in your bathing suit! you look wonderful!

Krista said...

You won that?!!! Holy smokes! Lucky girl - and lucky family! Looks like you had a blast!

Kortney said...

What a great vacation to win, especially after the winter you have had this year! It looks like you guys had a great time!

Kimberly and Ed said...

What a great family vacation - very jealous of the nap time cocktails & dips in the pool!

Rach@In His Hands said...

Oh my goodness, I am totally green with jealousy! The resort, the family time, the beach, the sun and fun. So happy you 3 had such an amazing time!

Janet said...

This trip looks like it was SOOOOO wonderful. How awesome that you WON this trip!? Wow. Gabe looks like a natural around all that water. I love his red swim trunks...I must find something similiar for D. I love him in red. You all look fabulous. JEALOUSY is seeping out of me at the moment. Hmmm.

Mi Yeon said...

WOW! It was really nice vacation for you all! Young Min looks so happy!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your win!! What a fabulous family vacation. We have also vacationed in the Mayan in Mexico and had a wonderful time with the boys.

HJ said...

Omg Joanna, these pics make me want to go to Mexico right now :) Love that Gabe had such a good time and that you and Dave got to relax too!!