The Most Fabulous Vacation Ever -Part 2

Each evening when we returned to our room, we would always find the bed turned down, some type of treat on the pillow and a towel folded in the shape of animal. I found myself racing the kids down the hallway, eager to see what animal was going to be waiting on our bed.

One night, we found a smiley-faced chocolate chip cookie for each of the kids.



This particular night, Annie told us that she was "weeeeelly, weeelly tiword" and she didn't want to go to "Camp Carnival." So, we decided to take her to the music show. Guess who suddenly came alive...

She was teasing Grampy...



And telling Grammy secrets....

And really trying to steal the show from the actual performers...


I said, "Annie, I thought you were tired." She told me that she was "just kinnin."


The next day, we arrived in Mexico!! Sadly, it was raining. But this day was probably my funnest day.






We took the kids through the little shopping area and they got to see first-hand what "bartering" is. This guy here...

was making string bracelets with the kids names on them. He put one on each of their wrists and said, "Only 60 dollar." I said, "60 dollars!! It's string!!!" He said, "50 dollar." I said, "Ohhhh no. Kids take them off." He said, "No, Noo, only 45 dollar." I said, "Kids, take them off. I'll make you friendship bracelets at home." I felt like Steve Martin on "Father of the Bride" when he finds out the price of the cake. -"A cake, Frank is made of flour and water."




As we walked through the shops, we saw a little boy holding a beautiful bird. His mom took a picture, and then handed the "bird man" a 20 dollar bill. We walked over to look at the birds. Before we knew it, the man started placing birds all over our giggling children. He said, "You want to take picture?" I said, "not for 20 dollars." He said, "How much?" I said, "five." He agreed, and so I present my five dollar pictures...



Emma cracked me up with the way she was holding that bird. The bird loved it, though. He was the biggest baby. He kissed the girls goodbye. The stupid bird on Mary's head bit holes through her sweater. And, Matt escaped just in time. His bird pooped as soon as he handed it back to the owner!






Emma was the only one brave enough to go in the water with me. We were soaked! (Not to self, do not go in salty water with freshly shaved legs...Ouch! it stung bad!!)

She and I sat down for this picture. Joel snapped it just as we got nailed with a crashing wave.




We headed back to the ship after a fun filled day in Mexico. It didn't have to be sunny. We made sunshine of our own that day.



The next day, you could get off the boat and visit another Mexican city, but you had to take a taxi to go anywhere. This was the view.

You could go into the little tent looking buildings and buy trinkets. People just trying to sell you junk at high prices. Those of you who heard the earring story with me and Mom...this is where it went down. Yup, I could have lost my life here.


We decided to just stay on the boat and go swimming. I think we were the only ones in the pools. People were walking around with coats on saying how cold it was.

We're tough New Englanders.





If I didn't know any better, I would have sworn there was a cute boy behind me the way this little girl struck up the poses...



Oh yeah...there was. :o)


I'll finish up with the rest of our FABULOUS trip tomorrow.