Cancun, Mexico - 2016

Pre-Trip

With some United and Marriott points earned from many business trips, we were able to take the whole family + Kendra to Cancun for spring break.  Leaving the day after Easter presented its own dilemmas -- Ian had no underwear and no stores were open and we had to call the doctor for an emergency strep test for Nolan. We had a great Easter service at Holy Trinity, but the worst breakfast at home (frozen casserole served at 4:00 pm).

Departure

We left at 3:30 AM via a cabby who refused to turn off the radio.  I was physically groped by TSA (not kidding). But karma kicked in as Krista and I were bumped up to first class, while the kiddos were stuck with the rest of the pedestrians in coach.  

We arrived at the airport a full three hours before our flight as many scared us about missing the flight due to recent TSA issues.  This allowed ample time for the family to purchase ridiculously priced coffees and pastries from the airport, while Nolan pleaded to us that he needed the $17.99 neck pillow for the flight.

With three children in tow through an international airport, I felt it was my responsibility to impart my extensive travel knowledge to my children -- this immediately backfired as it became fodder for my children to make fun of me. A perfect example of this mockery came from Ian, who mimicked the airline captain's announcement saying "Excuse my crew, please bring your 'A' game today, Jon Rachiele is on board."

We have arrived!

Blue Gecko

We arrived around noon, only to realize that this vacation would constantly involve math -- 16.5 pesos to the dollar.  After converting some dollars, I felt as though I had close to a million pesos in hand.  Once in our room, we changed and unpacked. Nolan found a scale, placed it in the middle of the room and declared "Let's see how many pesos I weigh" #mathisnotmystongestsubject  

Once at the pool/beach with the first of many Pina Coladas served, I quickly realized a million pesos would not be enough.  Auntie Kendra aka (nanny and translator) joined us in the afternoon.

In the evening we headed over to a small outdoor taco stand called the Blue Gecko.  And I mean small -- our crew of six filled half of the tables. The food was amazing and inexpensive, and the bar service was top notch.  

Pool/Beach Day

Tuesday was declared pool/beach day.  Here the translucent, pasty white bodies were broiled under the sun.  "Apply, apply and reapply" was our motto.

Ian got hooked on virgin Pina Coladas, and I quickly realized that "Uno Mas" does not mean "I will bring you the check."  I realized this after replying "Si" about three different times only to receive three more drinks.

After great success the first night, we put our full trust into TripAdvisor.com, and we were not disappointed. We ate outside by the bay at Porfirio's, and enjoyed fried octopus tacos, plates of meats, and churros served up on a small cart with four different dipping dessert sauces.  

Ian's Birthday

Wednesday was Ian's birthday and we celebrated by spending the savings Krista squirreled away throughout the year for the trip on parasailing for the three kids.  

We spent even more money after we were conned into a photo shoot session through the hotel (best photo omitted as Krista declared -- this is our Christmas card!). 

At night, we enjoyed dinner at a Japanese steak house (these million pesos are going fast), and then we had a midnight swim with our new friend Christopher.

Aloe Vera Day

Thursday was dubbed "Aloe Vera Day" after Ian and Krista literally received second degree check pattern burns from laying on the top of the boat deck.  Boat deck? Yes -- we took a boat to a local lagoon and went snorkeling.  We swam on top of a corral reef, among submerged statues (including "man watching TV"), and even saw an eight foot string-ray.

Devin spent quite a bit of time pining for Louise.  I replied to these constant longings, by asking her if she sent Louise messages as I did via grandma and grandpa everyday. 

To which Devin replied, "I didn't know that was even a thing."

"You don't even love her, Devin" I replied.  "In fact, if they made a movie about Louise the credits would say, co-starring Jon Rachiele, and Devin Lee as 'girl in the house'."  

"Dad!"

Devin, would you like some aloe vera for that burn?

We had two rooms between the six of us.  Krista and I shared a room with the boys, and Kendra and Devin slept in the other room.  It's odd sleeping in a room together as a family.  

Two odd stories about the boys -- On Ian's birthday, Nolan woke up at 4:00 AM and said "Happy Birthday, Ian.  I love you."  He does not remember saying this.   The following morning at 3:00 AM, Ian sits up and says, "Ian. I - A - N." Great to know, soldier, now sit down.

At night we ventured downtown to "Carlos n' Charlies" where we were served yards of margaritas, and Krista and Kendra did shots.  Upon leaving the establishment I was asked by a local if I would like some "ladies."  "Uno mas," I responded.  

    

Market Day

Our last full day was a bit blustery (this did not stop us from hanging out at the pool all morning -- "Uno Mas").  In the afternoon we took the local bus to Market 28, and haggled for such trinkets as porcelain skulls and bowls, and a Mexican poncho (aka "The Drug Rug").  We got street tacos via our translator (Kendra) and scarfed them down with real Mexican coca-cola.  

At night we decided to continue to appeal to our gluttonous evil sin by eating outside in a private cabana next to the ocean.  Here we shucked down oysters, clam chowder, tuna tacos, mojitos, and chocolate cake. Upon our arrival home, Krista and I each clocked an additional 5 pounds.

Rose and Thorns

At dinner time, we play rose and thorns -- naming the best thing of the day, and the worst. On our way home we reflected on our vacation in the same way:

• Devin: Rose - holding hands with Dad; Thorns - All people in general
• Ian: Roses - Pina Coladas / Birthday; No thorns
• Nolan:  Rose - Spending time with the family; Thorn - having to go home
• Auntie: Roses - Rachiele family welcoming her in, and holding hands with Nolan on every walk; No thorns
• Jon: Roses - Krista ensuring we had a great spring break with great weather, as well as her saving all that extra cash behind my back to pay for parasailing, snorkeling, and shopping at the market;  Thorn - the inability of any of my children being able to throw trash in the trash can and not the bedroom floor.
• Krista: Rose - being in warm weather with my family.  Thorn - sunburn itchiness