Viva Mexico! Eli's trip to Mexico

Hi Everyone!

We know that we posted the pictures in Facebook of our trip to Mexico, but also wanted to share with you the little details of our 2nd international trip with Eli.

Just like last year we decided to extend Eli's birthday celebration, by going on vacation to a different country (I think I want to turn this into a family tradition, God willing).  Anywho, for Eli going to the airport was a new experience because he does not remember anything from last year.  The one thing I learned while waiting to board the flight is that it's best to bring a bag of toys such as building blocks, or thomas trains and tracks to keep him entertained.  I had brought things with me such as books, and the Ipad, but he was not interested at the time, so it's always good to bring variety.

Eli waiting to board the flight and examining his passport 

Also during this trip we were fortunate enough to have my father accompany us, so that we could have a little bit of help with Eli.  Although with so much to do in Mexico he was quick to remind us that he was there to vacation also LOL (Many of you know about my father's hilarious personality, but that's another story).  Either way Eli was very happy to have grandpa around to enjoy this new experience with.  

Eli and Grandpa @ Barcelo Palace Premium Hotel 

Thank God our flight went well and we landed in Mexico safely.  I had heard a lot of warnings from people telling us to avoid Mexico due to the issues going on, but I can tell you the Cancun airport was safe.  We then took a shuttle bus to our hotel The Barcelo Maya Palace in Riviera Maya.  This is something that we booked in advance with the travel agency so we knew who was picking us up and felt comfortable during our ride.  

I have to say the Barcelo was absolutely amazing, and you could tell it was a very family friendly resort.  Eli was in love with the kiddy pool area, and even made friends at the "Barcy Club" playground. They also had arts and crafts and other activities for the children.  

Weather in Mexico was absolutely amazing, however the sun is very HOT! I would limit the time Eli would spend in the beach/pool for fear that he would get a bad sun burn.  I do realize that after playing in the water for 2 hours he would be exhausted and would take a nap without protest. 

Just like last year it seemed Eli preferred to be in the pool instead of the beach. The biggest difference was that he was excited to play in the sand this year, unlike last year.  It was great to see him open up to the sand castle building experience.  

Taking a swim with mommy! 

Although there was really no reason to leave the Barcelo, because they had plenty to do onsite, we still decided to venture out during our stay.  On one day my father and Rigo decided to visit the famous Mayan Ruins, and take a swim in some awesome caves.  Eli and I opted to stay at the resort and have some fun at the pool.  The next day we decided to head out to do a dolphin experience.  As many of you know Eli loves animals, and we couldn't wait to have him come face to face with dolphins.  His reaction was priceless, and I have to say Eli is very fearless. 

The next day we also had the amazing experience to "play" with a lion cub.  We couldn't believe they were parading him around the hotel, and of course we felt that this was one of those things we could not pass up.  The lion was very playful, and did take a few nibbles at Rigo and it tried to bite Eli's hand (The Lion was a baby and did not have sharp teeth).  To this day Eli remembers the Lion and says "Lion bites me". Thankfully Eli and Rigo are fine, and there were no injuries.  

Rigo feeding the Lion 

Last but not least we decided to head out to Playa Carmen to do some souvenir shopping.  While at the plaza we found a man with two adorable monkeys, and of course Eli was begging to pet them.  

We found ourselves surprisingly surrounded by a lot of wild life in Mexico that we never thought we'd get to experience while there.  Also at the Barcelo beach, Rigo encountered a sea turtle that was swimming right next to him, and let's not forget the huge fish that you can feed and swim with as well.  

Barcelo was an amazing experience, and we will def. consider going back.  Overall Eli had a great time, and it will be an experience that we will never forget.  We recommend the Barcelo Palace to all of our family and friends.  To this day Eli keeps talking about "Mexico" the "dolphin" and "lion". 

We hope everyone is continuing to enjoy their summer.  

XoXo

Eli & Mommy