We take off for Mexico on a wonderfully clear day. Always a relief for me when flying. On this trip, we’re eight. BW, me, Jason, Kat, and all the grandkids—Kayla, Logan, Colt, Griffin.
It’s not only Colt’s first trip out of the country, but his first plane ride. He handled it more than well. At take off, as usual, Griffin starts grinning—he’s a plane vet. Going super fast, and up, up, up.
We have some snacks, then Logan brings out cards. He wants Poker, Kayla wants Hearts. We end up with Hearts—Kayla, Logan, Colt and me—because Poker seems too complicated for those (K&C) who have no idea how to play. Plus Logan’s only Poker is Texas Hole ‘Em, which I can’t remember how to play.
I hope to teach them all 5-card draw on this trip.
Kayla and I watch Logan and Colt play Chess on another of Logan’s portable game deals.
Games pass time well, and really before you know it, we’re on our way down.
It was clear and warm in MD when we left some 3 hours ago, and clear and HOT in Cozumel. I can soak that heat right in!
Through Customs, through the airport, and Kayla, Logan, Colt and I wait with the luggage while the others hike across the parking lot to where our rental car company’s based. Two cars due to eight people and a serious mountain of luggage.
We pack it in, people and luggage, and wind our way through town. Busy! A tree limb, good-sized, falls into the road in front of the truck in front of us. Guy gets out, hauls it over to the little central island.
I guess it happens.
We arrive at our home-away from home for the next couple of weeks. We have two villas—right beside each other. So it’s take a tour through, decide who stays where. Everyone wants a view, and everyone can have one!
Walk around—we have two pools, a hot tub and best of all a view of the Gulf, and a lovely little pergola on one side, a little roofed hut on the other for sitting by the water, or making your way down to it to swim, snorkel or kayak.
Everything is very blue and very green, with splashes and flashes of red from flowers.
Haul luggage, start the unpacking process.
One issue: The company was supposed to stock one of the villas—where we’ll gather as a family-with food and drink as outlined on the list provided. And someone didn’t get the memo.
Now we have some hungry people!
Off go BW, Jason, Logan for emergency groceries and a take-out meal from an Italian place. A lot of restaurants close at five on weekends, but this one has longer hours.
Meanwhile Kat, Colt, Griffin, then Kayla try out the pool. Water’s warm. Kat says it’s the best pool ever. There’s a wide ledge where Griffin can stand—he steps off it once, and under he goes.
Colt hauls him back up. I’m pleased our boy didn’t freak at the dunking, but just carried on.
A black bird drinks from the shallow end. Being a bird’s thirsty work.
Emergency food arrives, so we eat at the big, live-edged dining table. That’s better!
Big grocery run today, but there’s enough to sustain all until.
Jason and Kat set up the Switch in the living room, and it’s Kayla v Colt in Mario.
BW and I sit down by the water as the sun gets lower. Perfect weather now—warm, a little breezy. The gang—sans Logan who’s crashed in bed—comes down. We admire the sunset, watch the boats ply the water.
Travel days wear you out so it’s not long until the rest of us follow Logan’s example.
I’m up early, sit out on our little balcony and watch the world slowly wake. That starts with a lot of very happy birds. It’s pretty sweet to wake and not immediately think of work or duties.
I have an unoccupied room for workouts, so take advantage of that. I give it about 20 minutes on the balcony before even I have to say: Too hot for this.
I finish up inside.
Get myself a shower, get myself dressed. I could hear Griffin’s arrival during my workout. BW comes up and tells me he and the boy played several games.
I find Logan in the kitchen, making eggs for his breakfast. I like a grandson who cooks!
BW went down to snorkel, and I choose a book.
Logan’s had a turn in the pool, and Kayla must still be sleeping.
Another black bird, or the same one, used that shallow end as a birdbath for a bit. Hot and thirsty!
The gang’s about to take off for the grocery run, and I believe I’ll sit down in the shade outside and read.
It’s so lovely, such a blessing, to be able to take a trip like this with so much family.
Nora
Sounds like heaven.
Hi, Maggie. I’m a Canadian Keech. Where are from?
Nice Just the beginning Relax Thank you for sharing ! Happy Independence Day 🇺🇸
Enjoy your family and the beautiful weather!!
Sounds peaceful!
Yay! I love Mexico! Im excited that you’re giving me a different perspective on somewhere I’ve actually visited! We went to Cozumel in 2022. I love travel and your writing just about equally (now, I’m sitting here trying to decide which I love more, but I can’t pick a favorite any more than I can choose a favorite chid!) so your travelogues make me incredibly happy! Thank you for sharing!!!!!!
Sounds like a great start to a well deserved vacation. Enjoy!
Have a gray time
Damn auto correct & my early morning clumsy fingers!!!
Of course I meant:
HAVE A GREAT DAY !!
What a great trip for you and family – enjoy 😊
Enjoy your vacation and family!
We love Cozumel – six trips there so far and always ready to go back. Have you tried dining at Pancho’s Backyard in Los Cinco Soles? Quiet, secluded, live marimba music, good food.
Looks like the beginning of a wonderful family trip!
Have a wonderful and peaceful vacation.
Sounds like a wonderful first day there and the scenery is gorgeous.
Enjoy!
What a wonderful beginning to what should be a fantastic vacation. Thanks for sharing
Enjoy…..sounds wonderful
Have wonderful family vacation. They are the best. Ours did Cozumel in 2019. That pool looks so awesome. Wow.
Lovely! Thank you once again, Nora, for sharing these moments with us. Enjoy your time with family in that beautiful place.
What books does Nora take on vacation? What writers?
I’m sure she’ll discuss as we go through the days. ~Laura
Enjoy your family and the vacation. You’re blessed that you are able to take a trip with everyone.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Sounds like a wonderful first day. Look forward to hearing more in days to come ❤️
Ooh, Cozumel is lovely. I’ve not visited in many moons, but have good memories of my time there. Great Mayan ruins sites, and pretty gardens. Enjoy it all!
Enjoy this wonderful vacation with your family. Precious time!
Your trip last year to Italy inspired me to go this year for two months. It was awesome. Met lots of locals, saw lots of Churches, Museums and had some amazing food. It made me want to move to Italy. Even though I caught Covid the last 2 weeks, I still want to go back. Thank you for sharing your trip.
It all sounds wonderful. Having your four grandchildren with you must be great. I gather you don’t like flying. I remember seeing you in the media when you visited Australia. That long flight must have been a, experience you wouldn’t have wanted th repeat. I have been to the States once and Europe twice but age has crept in and no more long flights for me.
Sounds just wonderful! I highly recommend re-learning Texas Hold-em. I recently retired, and live in a 55+ community. I play Texas Hold-em every Friday night with the “boys.” It’s lots of fun – but you do kinda need chips. Keep up the wonderful posts and pics – I love them.
Put my feet up and drank a glass of water. As close as I can get to your wonderful haven. Lol.
All the grandkids! You must be the happiest grandmother! The villas sound perfect, all the amenities you could want. The photos are all beautiful as are the grandkids. Thank you for sharing.
Great pictures. Beautiful sunset photos. What a great family trip. Enjoy!
What book was Nor reading this trip?
Wonderful description of arriving at the vacation home. I think I will sit by the pool and read. Thank you for sharing