Tuesday, August 11, 2009

MEXICO 2009

Two days after the Chris completed the Bar Exam we hoped on a plane with the Spiker family & went to Mexico! A much needed vacation, after a very stressful and busy summer.
We stayed in Playa Del Carmen, just outside of Cancun. I love the resort we stay at because it's not on the strip of hotels where it's crowded & crazy. I like the quiet & open feel of it. When we arrived in Mexico, we met up with more Spikers, my parents, & my brother and his wife. We had an awesome time! I loved having members from both of our families there at the same time! The weather was warm, not too hot--the right kind of hot if you know what I mean...the kind that you want to sit & soak up. We kept busy but fit in plenty of beach time as well. For myself & Chris, this is our #2 favorite spot (right behind Kauai).

We went to the ancient Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza, which are now one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The city was enormous! Building after building, and we were able to witness even more excavation! They haven't even completed digging it all out! I gained a new appreciation for how advanced they were for their time after seeing what they built. We were all glad we spent this day here, it was a definite highlight of our week.

Steve was constantly harassed by locals selling handmade items...I guess they could spot a 'softie' pretty easily







some of the actual coloring they used was still preserved




sorta creepy..








My dad
(look at that white sand & gorgeous water!)


One night there was an incredible lightning storm over the ocean, so we went to the beach to get front row seats




My brother PJ & Chris



there was a lot of volleyball played


we took catamaran's out on the water by our hotel, the water was beautiful! there really is nothing like it.




steve wanted to be an ancient indian too....or a little kid again, I am not really sure which

Luke learned that wrestling on the sand has it's side effects, the rest of us learned that Luke likes to lick people when he wrestles them..

Chris & his granny Rita

Sister-in-Laws
i feel like a freakishly tall human being in this photo



Chris & I are strange individuals



he was trying to make me ..dance? not quite sure, but his crazy wet hair is cracking me up



our big Spiker clan

my sweet parents

at every meal we had authentic guitar music played for us

my mom & I rode a ferry across to Isla Mujeres, the water was incredible


On Isla Mujeres we met up with the rest of the family. We rented golf carts & toured the island.

we went to an aquarium and saw baby turtles & sea horses! cute!

look how tiny!

we also saw a shark in the ocean- don't let this photo fool you, it was about 8ft long




we sailed the ocean blue on a big white sail boat
Pat being ...Pat





the men driving the sailboat tried to spice up our ride, they came out with loud dance music & "soda shots" since none of us drink, it was hilarious to watch them try to get us all excited--here I am with my shot






Here is a video of part of the lightning storm we watched from the beach. It was at night, so the black is literally what we saw--until the lightning would hit. It was really cool to watch...

12 comments:

Brittany and Johnse said...

WOW that lightening storm is AMAZING!! Looks like an amazing trip...i LOVE all your adorable swim suits you wore!! You are so beautiful and just shine in every photo!

Sabrina said...

a shark?! omg. i would have died.


& you can't possibly get any cuter. you've got the bestest style. love your sunglasses!

Adam & Samantha said...

I am so JEALOUS. Cancun is on our next vacation to do list! We will have to get info from you about where you stayed and everything. we are trying to plan it. It looks gorgeous, and how fun to have both sides of the family there! nice relief after chris' bar exam! you deserve it!

Unknown said...

So sad that we missed this year! Glad to see that we didnt miss your forehead bubble again! ; ) Loved that lightning storm must have been awesome in person! Did you get my text the other day by chance?

The Alvords said...

Let's go back...like right now. I miss you already! That trip was sooooo fun.

the organic kitchen said...

the water in cancun is the most beautiful evah! love the baby turtles... but then i again I see those everyday here! love all the boys flexing their abs.

Trevor and Shelby said...

What is it with Playa del Carmen and it's storms?? Hurricane Dolly came through when we were there and looks like you had one of your own... Glad to see that you guys had so much fun. You both deserve it.
PS We covered for your Sunday school class last minute... and unlike you 2, we didn't bring a laptop, or cookies. Instant FAIL. Bet they'll be glad to have you back :)

lauren said...

Cool pics! Love it... :)

lori and clark remington said...

Looks like you had such a great time...why didn't Linda go with you guys! I wouldn't miss Mexico for anything!

US said...

We went to all those places too! So beautiful! We are in the works of goin back! How fun you got to do it with most of the family!

Chalonn said...

Mari...what a fun trip...and the fact that you got to be there with so much family!!! I didn't see any pics of your mother in law...was she there??

The lightning storm was spectacular!!

YOu are gorgeous!

Mark and/or Lisa said...

that looks like a really fun trip -- can i be a spiker now, please? call me when you want to hang out! ~Lis