The devoted Mr. Garland and I got away this week to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary, a couple years late. With grad school, pregnancy, newborns and toddlers consuming most of the first 10 years of our marriage, it had been hard to get away. So it was finally time for a break. We saved up for this trip and booked way back in November of last year.
Our destination was Cancun, Mexico. We stayed about an hour south of Cancun, just minutes away from where Jeff’s second cousins, Jim and Debbie Rennak, live a beautiful retired life in Paa mul. They live in a glorified RV Park… in a home called a palapa that consists of a trailer and outdoor living space. We had fun visiting with them while walking through Mayan ruins, snorkeling (we swam with sea turtles!) and worshipping together at their church.
Our all-inclusive hotel was gorgeously landscaped, and offered delicious foods at several buffet restaurants. Bars were open 24/7. I have a newfound enjoyment of virgin pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris, at 7am after a run. Meals consisted of amazing Mexican faire: tostadas, thick fresh corn tortilla chips loaded pico de gallo, and we even had tempura (deep fried) ice cream for the first time. Shockingly, I have many pounds to shed after my indulgences.
We enjoyed dips in the bright blue ocean and Jeff took his first scuba dive in one of the many pools. The weather was not ideal (it was very windy and cloudy most days) and everyone kept telling us “this is not normal!” but we did just fine in our waterfront hotel room reading our books for uninterrupted hours, taking long naps and enjoying the views.
Before I launch into photos of our tropical paradise, I have to thank the people who really allowed our trip to happen… Grandmom and Grandad. They rocked the world of their 4 young grandkids and kept them busy with church, soccer and tball games, and even threw in a trip to Disneyland. I hope they are taking a 4-day nap now. Thanks, Mom and Dad.
Early morning departure.
Churros, taquitos and guac for breakfast? Yes, please.
Me, Jeff, Debbie and Jim Rennak. Jeff and Debbie are 2nd cousins. Gotta love the height difference.
1st time diver.
Belly up: I have always wanted to swim up to a bar for a drink.
Strong winds and waves.
Except for our arrival day, we ran every day we were there. Woot woot! Not that our runs put even a dent in my calorie intake.
A quick heavy tropical rain drenched us one morning.
Snorkeling with sea turtles, sting ray and squid.
Such a wonderful time away, just the two of us, to reconnect and refresh. Marriage is such a blessing, but it can also be hard work. God is good. It’s fun to celebrate.
Have a great weekend. Blessings, Wendi
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