Griffin wants a playground, so Kat, Kayla and JR go off to try one. With the rest of our crew off snorkeling, I settle down to work a bit.

It’s a pretty pleasant, breezy day, so I choose the patio. Nice, really nice, to sit outside, feel the breeze, glance up and see the shine of the gulf through the trees. I can hear the water lapping, and the birds calling. Otherwise it’s quiet in my outdoor office.

I’m surprised when the snorkeling gang returns. The time flew by. But I’m not quite finished this scene, so keep at it while I hear about a shark sighting—baby nurse shark—barracudas, and many, many fish, small and large.

Playground gang returns. Playground was a bust, so they hit the mega store. It has some kiddie rides, and that did the trick. Also ice cream.

Kayla realizes I’m still working and says they’ll be quiet. I remind her I started this adventure with two pre-schoolers. I can work through noise, and nearly done.

And scene!

Griffin’s napping on Daddy. BW is upstairs working on the photos he took with his underwater camera. I treat myself to a Bellini, and see BW has sent out the pics. Oh, there are such wonderful ones of Colt and Logan! No doubt their first real snorkeling adventure was a success! These get printed out and framed once we’re home.

I walk into the kitchen and discover the Wilder Hair Salon is open. Just about every vacation, BW gives Kat a haircut. This started years ago on our first trip to Montana. I don’t know why Kat decided to trust him, or BW decided to trust himself, but it’s now a tradition.

I’m a little aghast at the amount of hair he’s whacking off, but as usual? Yeah, it works. 

Time to clean up for dinner. We’re trying a new-to-us place. It’s closer to the villa, but not on the water. Still, we’re all curious.

It’s lively. It has an old car Griffin can climb in. A guest chef from Austin greets us and tells us he’s making MD crab soup. We tell him all but one of us (JR) come from MD. He insists on giving us a sample—though he explains he uses shrimp and lobster instead of crab.

When in Mexico!

And it’s very tasty.

There are big screens on opposing walls and they’re playing MTV—80s edition. It’s fun and funny. This doesn’t feel like a touristy spot. The patrons strike me as old hippies (I’m one myself) and ex-pats. Maybe some locals.

Fun time guessing songs and artists on MTV—and amusement abounds at the hair styles.

Colt and I split a pepperoni pizza. Logan orders shrimp pizza—which seems to be a house speciality.

Once again, Logan’s choice is wowzer! How he manages to eat all but one piece is a mystery. The boy’s skinny as a snake—but not for lack of eating.

So a good, entertaining meal not far from home.

Back home and Kayla’s got a little headache. She retires for the evening. Kat and Griffin go for a swim, BW and I sit down by the dock for a very satisfying sunset. A golden end to a lovely day with plenty of memories banked.

It rains for about thirty seconds.

But it’s not over as Griffin’s still enjoying the pool. I think he might’ve stayed in half the night, but here comes a roll of thunder. Now it’s time to admire the creeping dark, then look amazed—Griffin and I exchange amazed glances—over the lightning.

Bedtime.

The birds go wild this morning. It sounds like an old Tarzan movie on my little balcony. I think I spot a magpie. Do they have magpies in Mexico? I’ll have to look it up.

There are plans for a visit to a nearby water park today. Should be fun. Hopefully the skies stay clear so everyone can splash around. Right now they’re a pale, quiet blue, and a little breeze remains. But it already feels as if it’ll be a hotter one than yesterday.

A water park sounds like a good way to keep cool.

Nora

Note from Laura: There are, indeed, pancakes.

Cloudy and breezy make very nice weather for patio sitting with a book. Colt is late to the party as he decides to practice his shuffling. I believe we have a card shark in the making.

I am incarcerated again when I go inside. My many escapes are short-lived, even when I unlock the Daddy wall with magic keys.

Logan and Grandda do some snorkeling down off the dock, and Colt has some mid-morning pancakes.

Skies clear and the pool beckons. Kayla and JR play some pool games with Griffin who’s confident in his floaty jacket and swims around. Then Kat takes the Orca floaty who threatens and attacks. Hilarity ensues.

Then thunder booms. Booms and echoes across the water though our skies are bright. Check the weather app, and we look good for now.

When it booms closer, adds that telling crack, everyone takes a water break, including Orca at Griffin’s insistence.

Thunder drifts off. Barely a murmur now, and the sun streams. We have one stormy looking cloud off to the south, but it’s back in the pool.

Later, inside it’s apparently time for Mario Cart while BW and I read and have a cocktail on the patio.

Time to clean up for dinner as many are starving. Plus most restaurants close early on Sunday. We get a table right on the water again. Lots of boats, lots of people swimming right below.

Logan asks if he can order the surf and turf. Go for it.

When it comes out, the whole table is: Wowzer! It’s serious surf and serious turf. Beef, chicken, pork, I think. Lobster, shrimp and who knows what presented on one enormous platter.

Though he gets some help with it, he does it justice. The rest is boxed up for another day.

Back home and JR and Kayla suggest we play something called Jackbox.tv on the Switch. Several quirky games in one. So we download the app and begin. You use your own device which connects with the game.

Trivia questions. Guessing games. Much goofiness. Make your own tee-shirt game which includes drawing and slogans or sayings—and the game mixes and matches them for votes. Another game where you have to discover The Faker among us.

Very entertaining, and I believe this will become a staple going forward.

A very nice, easy, fun-filled Sunday comes to an end.

Up early, make bacon.

BW, Jason, Logan and Colt are off on a snorkeling trip this morning, and head out while I work out. Clean up, and Kat and Griffin are having breakfast. I escape possible arrest by heading to the patio to write the blog.

I suspect my freedom will be limited.

Will likely finish the book I’m reading, then go work on my own awhile.

Another breezy day, and with enough clouds now that the water is a shiny, silvery gray.

Nora

I end up in Griffin Jail many times over the morning. This seems to be his new addition to the Chase game.

Kat makes omelettes for those who want them. She makes pretty ones.

Kind of a lazy day otherwise, and, on parole, I go up and work a couple hours. Jason and Kayla head out to pick up JR at the airport, then pick up a few things at the store. Griffin takes a long, deep nap.

When I come down, I hang out with Colt on the patio awhile, ask if he wants lunch. Grilled cheese sandwich? No problem. Shortly after consuming one, the growing boy asks for another. Good thing Jason’s picking up bread as this will finish off what we have.

The Mexican grackles come along—always one or two at a time—to stand on the edge of the pool and drink. And take a quick shower while they’re at it.

JR arrives, safe and sound. He gets settled in, and Kayla shows him around before they take a dip in the pool. Somewhere in the neighborhood, people are playing a game as every couple minutes, we hear cheering.

Time to clean up for dinner. Meanwhile Griffin decides Kayla and JR are fair game for chasing.

We’re nine now, and pile into our two cars for the drive to town. We’re for Italian tonight. A pretty restaurant, open air, and as close to the water as you can get. Wonderful view, one of the skyscraper size cruise ships out there, and a couple of people swimming closer in.

Our server claims they have the BEST margaritas. Okay, I’ll be the judge! I order their salad special, a citrus deal, and a margarita pizza to go with the BEST margarita. And that drink is most excellent.

The salad’s amazing. Fresh grapefruit and apple with greens so fresh they snap and a dressing with tiny chunks of mango. Kat got the same, and we agreed: Yum.

Griffin’s all about the bread, sort of a round, airy pita. I can’t blame him, and as Jason and I both bake bread, we ask if they’ll give us the recipe. Our very friendly server comes back with a little note, handwritten in Spanish. Ingredients—no measurements or instructions. I think we’ll give it a shot.

Time for pizza or pasta.

Now Griffin’s all about the spaghetti, which does look delish. My pizza takes me back to Italy.

We eat while the sun sets, and it’s spectacular. All that color over the water, spreading and blending and bleeding. We decide we’ll have dessert tonight, and cappuccino. When mine’s cool enough, Colt samples it. He is undecided.

Back home after a very happy meal for another couple rounds of chase. A good idea after that very happy meal.

Then off to bed.

It rained overnight, and was steamy when I got up this morning. Today’s a make bacon day, and once that’s done, it’s workout time. While I clean up after, I hear happy, excited noises from downstairs.

The Chase is on, with Kayla and JR. When I come down, I’m immediately put in jail. I don’t know my crime. But when I escape and get out on the patio, I have time to write the blog.

Laundry’s on the schedule for some time today. But not right now. Right now feels like lazy time.

Nora

*Please note this is an imaginary competition as I really couldn’t choose a fave. ~Laura

As our Kat isn’t feeling well, Jason designates himself our chauffeur for shopping while the guys head off to fish. Kayla has enough Spanish to explain to housekeeping not to open the door to Kat’s bedroom as she’s resting.

Before we head out we have a quick game of Daddy Gate.

While Jason, Kayla, Griffin and I are getting ready to go, Griffin spies Colt’s blue icing cupcake on the counter. And he wants it bad. Blue cupcake! He doesn’t cry or even whine, doesn’t melt down or throw a tantrum. He just repeats. Blue Cupcake!

We promise we will get him one while we’re out so he’s okay with going. He takes a little spill on the gravel outside, looks up at me as he gets up, and says: That was a close one.

The kid makes me laugh a lot.

On the drive, he and Kayla have a very fine time in the back seat.

We get to the shopping area, which is lined with little shops and stalls, and boy, are the merchants hungry for shoppers! We’re told the cruise ship passengers flood in about one—we’ve got just over two hours before that flood, so we’re good.

I’m after my traditional I’m Away Christmas Shopping. In the first shop I try, I do find a couple things, but the merchants are just too helpful, to put it mildly. I like to poke and browse and consider, but they insist on showing me this, and that, and things I’m not really looking for.

So I take what I did find, and we move on. Lots and lots of shop choices, and as we breeze through one, Griffin spots a Peppa Pig toy that’s just at his level. He’s dealt with the shopping so far without complaint (Blue Cupcake ahead!) so Nana indulges.

Another shop where the merchant is friendly, but not pushy, at all. And there I feel we made his morning. Left to ourselves, I find several gifts, and he offers a good price. Jason finds a lovely birthday present for Kat.

And while we’re waiting for them to bag all the pieces, there’s a show about to begin out in the plaza.

Out we go to watch acrobats, young men in native costumes. They climb up a very high pole, and descend part way and circle—hanging upside down—from ropes. Around and around, pretty high up, while one plays a flute. It’s impressive, dizzying and a little bit scary.

We park in the garage, which Griffin decides is haunted. He spots ghosts, a vampire!, more ghosts.

In and up we go. They check your purses and bags at security. Not sure why, but fine. The bakery has the blue cupcakes. Final Mission Accomplished!

And back through the haunted garage. More hilarity from the backseat on the drive.

I reward myself for a good shopping job with a Bellini, and Griffin settles down with his Blue Cupcake. Jason goes to check on Kat.

I run up to put gifts away, and while I’m gone, Kayla attempted to wipe the blue mustache from Griffin’s face. He responded, as she showed me, by doing the boy thing. Swiping his sleeve over his face. So he now sports a blue icing sleeve, and a blue beard, and is fully enjoying the cupcake.

I decide it’s too late to start any work—and I’ll earmark time for that tomorrow. I read instead until the fishing crew returns.

With three red snappers.

Okay, good job! But do not present me with fish that still have their heads. I ain’t touching that. Kayla, the vegetarian, and I have similar reactions.

We learn nothing was biting for quite some time, and there was a four-five foot roll. Colt and Logan got pretty seasick, but Colt rebounded and caught a snapper.

I don’t have the supplies to deal with the fish—which someone else will have to dehead and filet (the tour guys cleaned them). But I make a list, so it’ll be back to the mega store for the spices, and potatoes, more carrots for sides I’ll make. I figure I’ll sauté the filets, roast potatoes and carrots. They can pick up some nice bread. That should do it. We’ll see how that goes tonight.

But for dinner, we head into town—with Kat who’s feeling rough, but better. Drinks, Nachos, soup for Kat. I order a rib eye—haven’t had any red meat in quite some time.

It’s really good, and really big. BW polishes off what I couldn’t manage.

We miss sunset, but there’s still time for Nana and Griffin chases apparently, and more Daddy Gate.

I sit out for just a bit and watch the crescent moon and the star that dogs it.

Up early, so since I conquered the strange-to-me-oven, I make bacon for the bacon lovers before my workout.

Today, for me, is put in some writing time, then make a meal. Yeah, we’ll see how both of those go.

Nora

We experience, and test our mettle with, a day without power.

No AC, no water, no internet, no nothing!

Our hopes that this will be a quick fix are dashed. It’s island wide.

So we have the pool, we have the Gulf, we have books and toys and cards. And make use of all.

I finish the last fifteen minutes of my workout with an admittedly lazy swim. It felt just fine!

We have bread, cheese, crackers, peanut butter and jelly, chips, fruit. Nobody starves. Lots of drinks, including big jugs of filtered water. No one will die of thirst.

Griffin’s disappointed he can’t go on-line for his usual morning entertainment, but as a child of the internet, he gets it.

I read awhile, watch Kayla paddle board awhile. Colt asks me to teach him another card game.

Gin Rummy it is! After a couple of open hands to explain, he proceeds to kick my butt. I’m pretty good at Gin. I feel he’s going to be better at it.

We keep the patio accordion doors all the way open, and open the front door. There’s a blessed cross-breeze. It’s not nearly as hot as it has been, so we can be grateful there.

But by late afternoon it’s starting to get pretty steamy.

I make a big salad. Washing everything with our filtered jug water. Jason uses the gas stove top to make boxed Mac and cheese. BW does hot dogs on the grill. I do some raw veg with some Ranch dressing, some cheese and crackers. Again, no one starves.

Jason and the older kids head to the store—more ice. We have a cooler and can store some of the perishables in there if the power stays off much longer. They buy a couple more flashlights and candles—in case.

As it’s Kat’s birthday we have cake—and some very soft ice cream.

Griffin decides on a combo of chase and the locked-gate game we play at home. Jason becomes a gate at the library door and locks us in. We have to find the right color key—which Griffin chooses by some color on a book cover or something on my library shelves.

In this version Jason is the gate that locks me on the other side of Griffin. I have to find the right color key, unlock the gate, and give chase.

Hey, it worked off dinner.

And suddenly, just after 8, boom! Power! There is joy and jubilation throughout the land.

Close the doors and feel the cool start to happen. Plug in all devices that weren’t. And bless him, Jason does the mountain of dishes.

When I head up, I take the little flashlight I carry in my purse and put it on the nightstand, light a candle, in case.

And boom, power goes down. Oh, the moans! The curses! I use the candle to find the flashlight, start to head down to help any who need it. And boom, it’s back on. Whew.

And so far it’s stayed on.

This morning the guys are heading out on a boat/fishing trip. The girls and Griffin are going to drive into town and check out the shopping.

But that’s after, I hope, a full workout AND a shower!

Nora

The three oldest kids and BW try out the Gulf. What fun—for them, and for me to watch. The practicing snorkeling in the pool worked great. Kayla, however, goes in, comes out and ditches her mask. She decides she’d rather not know those fish are in there!

Logan finds a conch shell with an occupant. Very cool! And puts it back in its watery home.

There are kayaks and a standing paddle board. All are put to good use. Those kids are good! Excursion boats fly by, making a nice wake for the water play.

A very fun way to spend a chunk of the morning.

We’re thinking since Griffin has his float jacket, he might like to try a dip there later this week. We’ll see.

Housekeeping’s here, so I read outside awhile. When they’re finished in the room I’m using to work out, and will use to work, I go up, and travel from Mexico to New York in 2061.

I put in a hour and a half, am well satisfied. And the screen freezes. This has happened once or twice in the past, but THIS time I neglected to copy from my thumb drive to the hard drive, then work on that. Just a mental blip that cost me 90 minutes work because it’s gone, baby, gone.

I have to come down, pour myself a drink and take some good, deep breaths.

While I was working, Kat, Jason, Colt and Griffin have gone out to take a submarine ride. But I can whine to BW, Kayla, Logan, and do.

Then I put on my big girl pants, go back up and reconstruct. I tell myself this is probably better anyway. Come down, reward myself with a Bellini, then bang—something flashes in my brain and I realize I can add just this revelation—Eve’s—to the end of the chapter.

Well, you don’t waste that kind of flash, so back up yet again and finish it out. So maybe that annoying 90 loss was worth it in the end.

Everybody’s back and had a fine time on their underwater excursion. There’s pool time, reading time, hang out time before we clean up for dinner.

A drive into town and another open-air restaurant with two for one drinks. Ho boy!

Super nachos for the table, and another big ho boy. HUGE. And yum.

There’s a band here, and though they’re a little loud to allow conversation, they’re good, and they’re fun. Chips come with two kinds of sauce—mild and burn your tongue off. I am alone in enjoying the burn your tongue off.

At home BW, Jason, Kayla, Colt and I play some poker. Kayla’s getting it pretty good as we pretend bet from a penny to a million dollars.

A fine meal in a lively place with more awesome views. Can’t ask for better.

Shortly after, I follow Logan’s example and give it up for the night.

It seems I slept through the power outage. BW had settled down to read, but luckily had a flash light. Jason and Kat were about to take Griffin to the other villa for bed time—and Jason got the flashlight from the kitchen. Colt and Kayla used their phones to get back here.

BW tells me the dark was DARK, and brought the stars to brilliance.

A couple hours later, it came back on, and I never knew the difference.

Up just before the sun to enjoy the birds and that slowly creeping light.  Nice quiet start to my day. I’m about two-thirds done with my workout, and the screen freezes. Not just the internet. Power’s down again.

We’re fortunate it’s not blazing hot—at least not yet.

We’ll hope the outage doesn’t last too long, but there’s the pool, there’s the Gulf. I think we’ll manage.

Nora

A fine day had by all. Some lazing around, some swimming.

Part of the gang hits the grocery store for the big run. While they’re out I teach Colt 5-Card Draw. Every boy should have this skill—and every girl, too, so we’ll teach Kayla.

Grandda comes out and we switch to 7-Card Stud.

When the gang comes back, we’re loaded. Lots of food to put away, and now nobody should be hungry!

Griffin picked out a pool toy—a big Orca float. This proves fun for all. Logan and Colt practice snorkeling in the pool to get a handle on it before trying the Gulf tomorrow.

The neighbors are having a fine time, too. I hear lots of kids laughing. Nice someone’s enjoying themselves as much as we are.

I think it’s more getting our bearings, setting things up, figuring out a routine-ish, learning where everything is. And appreciating the lovely views.

We gather ourselves and head to a restaurant in town. I spot the shopping area we’ll hit on whatever turns out to be shopping day.

Fun restaurant, terrific water view and seriously good menu. Again, no one will be hungry! It’s two for one drinks. Logan and I—18’s the legal drinking age—order margaritas and Kayla a banana daiquiri. Didn’t realize we’re getting two drinks so we’ve got a lot! Jason takes a margarita. They’re excellent!

Logan and I appear to be in solidarity as we both order the grilled lobster. Beside me, Colt goes for a steak burrito. Not sure what everyone else ordered, but everybody was happy. Ice cream for dessert, but I try the flan. And it’s just fine!

I all but waddle out to the car.

Back home for some sunset picks—low clouds block the sun, but the sky turns into a painting of pinks and golds with orange highlights.

Griffin has some ice cream and entertains me with an on-line game that amuses the crap out of him. And Kat gives Logan a kitchen haircut at his request. Good job!

Another early night. The heat’ll do that.

Up early, enjoy the birds—a yellow warbler watches me as I watch him.

Logan’s already up, made his breakfast and coffee. Taking an early dip while I figure out how to work the oven. First challenge, translate centigrade—-but BW has his tablet handy. Then figuring out the symbols. BW and I both try various things, and I’m about to give up when I finally hit on it. Bacon will happen!

It takes longer than at home where it’s put the parchment paper lined sheet in a cold oven, turn it to 400 degrees for 20 minutes. It takes about 30, but I’ll adjust for it next time. And still a little floppy.

Time to work out, get cleaned up, and see what the day brings.

Nora