Last week we returned from six beautiful days in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico at the Grand Velas with my little family and in laws. We feel so grateful they came along – it helped us out so much but it was also just a special time for all of us to be together . Of course traveling with little people presents its own challenges, and if it ever looks easy on me – i assure you, it’s not! But having six extra hands on deck for almost a whole week, really helped me get into vacation mode. We could have been anywhere! Though if we had to be somewhere, mexico is a nice place to be. We initially had two separate rooms but my father in law asked if we could switch to the presidential suite instead, and wouldn’t you know… they actually said OK. We ended up with a three bathroom, two bedroom, four balcony, private jacuzzi, big living and dining area suite… it was unreal. it was almost bigger than our house. Proof that the worst they can say is no or heck no, so might as well ask. It’s such a great family spot and I can definitely see us going back when the boys are older. They have so much for kids to do. Horse back rides, zip lining, rock climbing, seal shows, puppet shows… you name it. I’d say you absolutely have to be okay with kids if you go to this resort as they are pretty much everywhere aside from one of the nice restaurants. We met so many amazing families, those that were also there due to their spouses earning one of these, and those that were on their own. By the end of the week Tuck knew everybody and everyone knew him. I would just crack up over all these beautiful little girls lighting up when they saw him and saying “hiiiii tuck!”. Or when we’d leave to go to naptime after one of the shows, and all these random kids would be shouting “bye tuck!!” My child has not a single shy bone in his body. It is fun to watch (can also make things very interesting. ha). I didn’t want Wesley in the sun unless he was covered or during the high heat of the day, so either myself or my mother in law stayed in for his first nap. Before we left I kept talking a big game of getting a babysitter for just an hour or two during that time, and then I didn’t. To be honest I’ve only ever had a mother’s helper, one time, for like four hours. I need to let go! I was thinking about it! baby steps. I also couldn’t get over it was $25 per hour for one child. So cheapness and also my inability to let people watch my baby made for a big no for us. Though I did hear they were excellent if you are ever there with your littles. So where to start? The beginning -the plane trip! **also I’m sorry these are iphone shots. My good camera is at the doctor, and I’m still waiting on if it can be repaired or not. just stopped focusing. I am sad about it!**
With Wesley I did little different than when I traveled to mexico when Tuck was little. There’s a whole post here. Tuck sat with my in-laws during all of the legs- saint status. We timed it during his naps so he slept for two legs, and snacked/watched a show, played with his cars magnetic tin, for the other two. He was a great little traveler- even during our delay and during customs on the way back.
Someone recently asked me why we travel with kids. I definitely get it- it is almost never easy with little kids. Right now a trip to the grocery store with these two feels a bit daunting. These trips are something my husband earns through his work. We could take cash instead but I’d rather have these memories with my childrens grandparents and as a family than any thing, ever. There’s something about being away from your home with your family (it doesn’t have to be another country or extravagant) that is special and bonding. So basically, that was my answer when I was asked. (:
