Mexico! (part three)

For our last Mexico adventure, we went to some Mayan ruins in a city called Tulum. We left around 10 a.m. and took a 20 minute bus drive into the city. Once there, we bought our tickets and had a tour guide take us into the ruins. There is definitely a spirit present once you walk in, that I felt instantly. We have read that some experts believe the ruins of Tulum is the actual place where the Nephites lived, and where Christ appeared to them. If you would like to read more about that, click here. There is a feeling of reverence once you arrive, and we found ourselves whispering in respect. The whole city is spectacular, and walking through we were able to see each building structure. Most were ruins, but there were some still intact. It is amazing to me how they functioned day to day, living off the land and figuring out the terrain. The main temple, is built on a 40 foot cliff, to prevent enemies and natural disasters from invading it. It was just all amazing. 

This was my biggest day of struggle though; it was so hot and I felt so miserable, that my smile in most of the pictures is not real. Because of the pregnancy hormones, I was on the verge of a breakdown a few times, but I held it together (I'm not a public crier). Emma did not last on this excursion either, and fell asleep in the stroller. The ocean again looked so enticing, but we decided against going down to the beach. I just really wanted to go home, I was feeling quite done being in the heat and humidity. 

Once we got back to the market, just outside of the ruins, we had lunch. Ice cold coconuts filled with fresh milk, quesadillas, and shade. It was wonderful (Emma LOVED the coconut milk). After that we took some pictures and I had a delicious, two-scoop cup of caramel and chocolate ice cream that cost about $9. It. Was. Worth it.

I am so glad I was able to see the ruins, even if I wasn't in the best of moods. I still remember how I felt walking in, how that feeling brought me to tears because it was so overwhelming. It didn't last long, and stayed for only a moment, but it was enough to testify to me that this is a place of reverence, and that many great and marvelous events took place here. 

Here are the pictures of our Tulum adventure, again, sorry for my fake smile in all the pictures... at least the scenery is nice!

The original red hands painted from the Mayans

The corner of this building is a face, we thought it was cool

This is the fertility temple

part of the city at a glance

The tour guide said this was the Kings house

This is for Owen, I thought of you when I saw this guy. He was huge!

This is the cliff that protects the main temple, they've made stairs so you can walk down to the beach. The waves were massive!

My comment was something like, "how do they dress like that, how did the ever dress like that?!"  These guys were in full covered, cotton cloth outfits, walking around and banging their drums... in 80 degree weather plus humidity. Must be some ritual.

"Mayan" people. They posed free for pictures, but then said they do it for tips. What the heck, right?

This was the bomb, I wish I could have more!!! So refreshing.

Emma drinking...

still drinking...

and yet, more drinking. She chugged the milk through all of my pictures, she loved it!

Emma sleeping on the way to the airport, going home!!

such an angel when she sleeps, but then again, aren't all babies?

We had a great time, and had some unforgettable experiences in Mexico. It was a lot of work taking Emma with us, but I can't imagine experiencing all of it without her. She had fun, and we will have some great pictures to look back on someday.

Yeah for Mexico!!

xoxo

The Twistles

Emigration Vacation

We were given the opportunity to dog/house sit for our friend over the weekend, while she and her family went on vacation. I think this is the third time we have gone up to house sit for them. We love it, and Emma loves playing with the puppies. They don't run away like her kitties do at home! Staying there feels like a mini-vacation, because we are so secluded from everything and we really are far away from home. The house is beautiful, the view is amazing, and the hot tub is just what we need at the end of the day! You know it's a mini-vacation when you come home and you feel a little bit exhausted, and glad to be home at the same time. We love it up there, but we love being home even more! Here's some pictures from our weekend-

Matt's photo skills

sunset in the canyon, I should have gone outside to take it, but it was cold!

the work of Matty

Emma and Trixie, she loved her Trixie!

This was a great babysitter- she loved to take all the Legos out, and then put them back in

Chester was such a good pup, he let Emma do whatever she wanted to him

Mr. Chester

Everyone knows that the toys at other people's houses, are way more fun than your own

My happy girl

 Nothing too exciting, we were happy to help friends, and also have a nice get away for the weekend. "Staycations" are the best!

xoxo
The Twistles