Mexico Christmas 2014

We had a really great Christmas down in Mexico with my parents this year! Flying down solo with the kids went really well. Gavin was suck a big helper, Liam did great and barely fussed at all, and despite delays at security and not having my stroller right away in Mexico while going through immigration, people were really helpful - holding Liam while I filled out forms, and one lady even insisted on tying my shoe for me so I wouldn't trip while holding Liam.

Gavin enjoyed exploring Nana and Grandpa Ducky's home (it was a little sad realizing Gavin had no memories of being here for Christmas two years ago).  He helped Nana make granola, and Daddy said it was okay if we made the gingerbread house before he got there! One morning while I went to my mom's water aerobics class and my dad was playing tennis, Liam enjoyed a nap in the stroller by the pool and Gavin entertained himself running between the tennis court, the pool, and the playground. My mom and I also got pedicures one day, and we enjoyed an outing for Italian gelato! Language barriers are non existent for kids, and Gavin was soon enthralled in a game of tag forgetting all about his ice cream!

Jared arrived late on the 19th, and the next day we went on a drive around to the other side of Lake Chapala for a Christmas party at the branch over there.  We brought sandwiches for a picnic lunch at a park, visited a pretty little church hidden in the middle of a small town, and watched the pelicans along the shore of a small fishing village. My dad paid some local kids to throw left over fish remains into the water to attract the pelicans, and this cute little boy (maybe two) happily emptied his bucket then proceeded to walk around with it on his head.

It was neat to meet some of the locals that my parents interact with down there, and once again Gavin managed to instigate a game of tag with all the other kids. We ate yummy pozole, practiced our Spanish, and there was a pinata for the kids. By the time we got home the kids were tuckered out.

We spent an afternoon in an artisan area near Guadalajara where we all bought hats and ate lunch at a restaurant while being serenaded by a female mariachi band.

More time was spent relaxing at the pool, where Gavin began learning to swim on his own, hanging out at my parents, playing games, making almond roca with my dad, and enjoying the hot tub.

The afternoon of Christmas Eve we spent wandering through a local street market nearby where we did some shopping and tried some yummy street food.  With the beautiful weather it sure didn't feel like Christmas Eve, but I'm pretty sure no one was missing the cold or snow!

That evening, to celebrate Christmas Eve we headed down to the church in Ajijic to see a variety of live nativities on display in the courtyard.  After we headed home to open Christmas pajamas from Nanny M and Papa, read the Christmas Story from the Bible, read Davey and the First Christmas, and leave a note and treat for Santa and his reindeer.  We finished just as we heard Santa's sleigh bells outside so said a quick goodnight and all hurried off to bed before Santa found us awake!

Christmas morning Gavin had us up before the sun and we spent the day opening stockings and presents, playing with our new toys, and just hanging out around the house!

While in Mexico, Liam sampled rice cereal for the first time that Santa brought him in his Stocking, while Gavin helped Grandpa Ducky prepare the turkey for our Christmas feast!  The whole trip Gavin couldn't wait to eat the gingerbread house, so on Christmas Day he finally enjoyed way too much candy for dessert!

Before leaving Mexico we made sure to get in horseback riding, a stroll along the edge of the lake, and more fun at the pool and playground.

Horseback riding past my parents home

El Escarabajo!

Since there wasn't room for all of us in my parents car, this is the fancy little car that we got to use while visiting. Stick shift bug with no power steering or breaks, and no seat belts in the back!

We had a great Christmas relaxing and spending time with family. Gavin is already asking when our next trip down to Mexico will be!