Playing in Playa

Mitch and I went on a much needed, well deserved vacation last week. We went to Playa Del Carmen...again. This time we went with a group. Mitch sister, Lori and her husband Todd, as well as his brother Brian and wife Lisa joined us. There were also 2 other couples from their hometown along for the trip. Initially we were all booked to stay at the Barcelo Maya Tropical, but 3 of the 5 couples were upgraded to the Palace...the 3 couples that had all stayed their previously. Mitch and I were excited to be going back to the Palace. That is where we had our honeymoon, and with some smooth talking from Chad (local friend) the other 2 couples were upgraded as well. It was a fantastic vacation.

We arrived around 11 am on Saturday and so we were able to get checked-in changed and we hit the beach. Just about everyone controlled themselves with the open bar the first day...everyone but Uncle Todd. Needless to say, Todd was "sleeping" in his room by 7pm and didn't make it to dinner with us that night. The backstory on poor Uncle Todd: 2 years ago he and Lori went for the anniversary and on the 2nd day there he ended up in the hospital where he had to have his gallbladder removed. He got out of the hospital just in time to enjoy his last day in Playa...so the way I see it, One wild and crazy night was well deserved! Anyway, Lori ended up going to dinner with Mitch and I and then we relaxed with a cocktail at the lobby piano bar. Brian and Lisa arrived around noon on Sunday. We showed them around the resort got them settled in and hit the beach. Mitch ended up having a "rough" night a few days later and Aunt Lori has a priceless picture of him resting by the pool the next day.

The weather could not have been more perfect the entire time we were there. The forecast called for rain everyday, thankfully that didn't happen. We only had rain one day and it didn't start until almost 4 in the afternoon. It provided us all the perfect opportunity to get in a quick nap, and then meet up for dinner. We went to the Brazilian restaurant, went to the theatre at the Tropical and then on to the Discotech...what a fun night. Mitch and his sister Lori were both smiling these incredible huge smiles. They were certainly enjoying themselves. There were a few rounds of shots and a lot of dancing. Even Brian...Yes, Brian got out on the dance floor for a song or two. Lori and I tried to capture some pictures, but they just wouldn't turn out with the smoke machines and strobe lights in full force, but I swear HE WAS there and HE DID dance, ha ha!

The guys spent a lot of time out in the ocean. Brian, Lisa, Lori and Todd all brought their own snorkeling gear. They were kind enough to share with Mitch and I and you wouldn't believe all the sea life that just swam right up to you. I couldn't even list all the different types of fish that they saw but I know they were pretty excited, especially by the large sea turtles and the stingrays.

Most of our days were spent relaxing at the pool and the beach. The sound of the waves rolling up on the shore were so relaxing, it could have put me to sleep and to say that I LOVE the cabanas and loungers in the water would be an understatement. I was so content just relaxing with a book and a beverage. Mitch and I had wanted to vacation with his brother and sister for some time and it totally exceeded our expectations...we would love to do it again sometime and hopefully will!