Together

in Cozumel.

We had an incredible 6 days.  After dropping the kiddos off at Grandma and Grandpa's house in IA, we headed back home and flew out the next day.  The flight was direct into Cozumel (and only 4 hours:)  We enjoyed just being alone and having the quiet on the plane to read and relax, but I honestly did miss the kids.  I missed them even more when we got to the hotel.  Jason had to convince me that they were fine---I so wished I could time-travel and peek in on them, but after that first day, I settled into the new routine of spending time with my husband.  The beach was amazing and we spent most of our time there.  I loved getting up really early (like 5:30) and walking the beach before they raked away all the seaweed and treasures that had been gently arranged by the waves during the previous night.  It was so great to walk in the warm air and listen to nothing but the waves.  Mornings are my favorite.   

 We kayaked a lot.  I love ocean kayaking (much like Lake Michigan--choppy and adventurous) only WITH sharks and jellyfish to think about:)

 Cutie.

 Crazy tennis skills:)  We played lots of tennis too--so fun! And after our friends arrived on Thursday, it was great to play doubles too:)

 All dressed up for dinner:) The food was great (lots of fresh veggies and the juice bar at breakfast was my favorite---I drank my weight in grapefruit juice). Honestly, the only negative about our trip was the desserts---yuck, yuck and more yuck (chocolate cake that wasn't really chocolate cake and weird pudding things that were always not the consistency you were expecting).  Actually, this Saturday we are going out with the other two couples as a little reunion and celebrating that we are back in yummy dessert land:) (so keep that in mind and pack a few candy bars if you can't go 6 days without chocolate:)

 Morning walks on the beach.  Glorious.

 We did lots of reading.  Lots. I mostly read Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser and Money, Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn---(I gobbled this one up.  If you haven't read it, you should.  I was so encouraged and challenged to think about money differently--and all possessions.  And being surrounded by such beauty in creation really helped me to focus on God's gifts that are of most importance (Himself and others).

 I love sandals and sand pictures:)

 Our friends from MN that joined us Thursday and Friday. (Two of them are also coworkers of Jason's (three Fridley teacher and spouses:)--we tried not to talk too much about teaching, but that is hard with a group of teachers (even on vacation:) We had a great time!

 This pier was just south of our hotel, and it was fantastic.  Tropical fish were everywhere on the south side, and you could just look down from the pier and see them!  We snorkeled here too---barracuda, baby; he was a little scary, but he seemed to mind his own business.  I find snorkeling a little unnerving as you are completely entering into another world (not really intended for you:)  and the fish always seem to look at you with suspicion, as if they were thinking, "What are you doing here?" "You have legs." "Get out of my reef." My greatest fear in all the world is a shark attack.  I would much rather come upon a hungry grizzly bear.  At least with the bear I am in MY element and could run or climb or something---(granted the escape would still be miraculous).  With a shark--oh dear.  Not even a chance. And then you have drowning to worry about too. Eeek.

 This was all you needed for a fabulous day:)

 Anemone

Iguanas: the hotel had a whole family of them that enjoyed the life of luxury--sunning themselves in the yard. 

I will post spear-fishing pictures soon (a memorable adventure indeed:)