Mexico Trip

Warning!  Here's another picture filled post from our trip to Mexico.  Although we were down there for Christmas and were most excited about just spending time together, we also got out and did lots of sight seeing.  My parents live about 45 minutes south of Guadalajara above the villlages of Jocotepec and San Juan Cosala, overlooking the largest lake in Mexico, Lake Chapala.  It's a beautiful area.

Here are some views of the lake from their front patio

My parent's home

One morning while we were out on the patio someone noticed these donkeys walking on the hillside carrying bundles of sticks.

San Andres Church in Ajijic

Ajijic

Boardwalk down by the riverfront in Ajijic

We spent some time walking around the village, and checking out the shops

One afternoon me, my dad, Trevor, and Mike went on a hike over the mountain behind my parents home, and caught a local bus home on the other side.

Local market

Raspberries are grown locally in the area, and are super cheap!  We ate ALOT of raspberries!

One afternoon we went on a tour of a fish farm out in the middle of Lake Chapala.  A man in my parents ward does many projects to help provide lasting resources, as well as jobs for the natives in the area.  This fish farm will provide an inexpensive source of protein for locals, as over fishing in the area has depleted much of the lakes natural source of fish.  We then visited the near by Island of Mezcala, a site of significant historical importance during the Mexican war of independence from Spain. 

The fish farm

This family of nine lives on a tiny island near the fish farm, where workers will often stay if the water is too rough to return back to shore.

Practical jokes were constantly being plotted during this trip, and I think there was even a secret practical joke club organized at one point.  Pretty sure Heather and Trevor were the ones behind this.  So here is Erin and Grandpa Ducky pouring water on someone from up in the fort.

After returning from the lake we enjoyed a picnic lunch and warm weather!

Trying local snacks from street vendors in Ajijic

Freshly made tortillas

One evening we managed to go out for an ADULT ONLY dinner! 

Horse back riding!  Gavin absolutely loved it, but I think 30 minutes would have been plenty long for him.  By the end he was getting pretty uncomfortable, but every time I asked if he wanted to get off, he adamantly said NO!  Even if it wasn't the most comfortable thing, he was going to stay on that horse for as long as he could!

More practical jokes!  This time we all gained up on Trevor as he was coming up for breakfast

More exploring in Ajijic

We sure had a great time!