Gracias, Mexico.

I have this mental list of places I want to visit and things I want to do on road trips. Honestly, Mexico wasn't on the list. But I'm oh-so glad my husband had the idea to go. So, with that said, here are seven reasons I'm saying thank you to Mexico.

 1. The all-inclusive resort was great. The food there was delicious. The grounds were pretty. And the people were so friendly. We used All Inclusive Outlet and learned about El Dorado Royale, an adult-only resort between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. This was our first time staying at an all-inclusive resort and I totally recommend it.

2. I slept so good while we were gone. Perhaps that's what relaxing does for a momma away from her kids. Unfortunately, I haven't slept that great since we've been back home, mostly thanks to a nagging cough. So, really, I kind would like that king-sized hotel bed back.

3. Beach cabanas. For a beach lover like me, having a bed or couch in a personal shaded hut right there on the beach was the perfect setting for me to relax. Did I mention I read three novels while we were on vacation? Yeah, that's what happens when I have free time and relax. Greg says I'm nicer too. {The relaxation must have been good for my health too because my blood sugar was so consistently good.}

4. The kids had fun here too. The grandmas split the five full days we were gone. My mom stayed here the first night we were gone and then took the kids to her house in Louisville for the weekend. Then my mother-in-law stayed here with them the last two nights. {Technically, we were gone only four nights, but we didn't get home until 2 a.m. that last one.}

5. Greg and I needed the time. I'm not much on going on trips without my kids, but this particular trip came at a good time in our life. We've had a busy, busy summer. I wrote freelance and managed lake houses and took care of kids and did fun things with kids and spent hours at the pool and hung out with friends. And my husband's busiest season at work is July and August. The time to talk, reconnect, eat meals I didn't have to prepare, explore, and just be together was good for us.

6. Adventure is fun. Years ago I would tell you I wasn't adventurous at all. But I think I kind of am, actually. We've bungy jumped and ziplined before. On this trip, we spent the day with Adventuras Mayas, where we ziplined, rappelled and snorkeled in a fresh water river in a cave and in the ocean. They also fed us delicious Mexican food. {This was the only day we left the resort, but it was certainly worth it.}

7. Sunshine. We went to Mexico during its rainy season, which I understand is risky. {Just look at the forecast not long before we left.} But it only rained during the day one of the days we were there. I didn't swim as much as I thought I would {see #3}, but we certainly enjoyed being outside. Other than lounging, we enjoyed a bike tour around the resort on our first morning there.

So, gracias, Mexico. We loved our time with you.
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I uploaded all our pictures to a Facebook album, if this sample isn't enough. Here are a couple recent posts that indirectly are related to our trip: Find Your Balance. Six Things I Learned in September.  

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