Cabo 2019...so very thankful

There was something really special about returning to this place this year. We used to drag our babies out here every year; diapers, baby food, strollers and all. After Sloan arrived, it felt like too much. Our house remodel was consuming our time and money, and just thinking about dragging all four of our littles through customs made me want to take a nap. This year, it was time! We were finally ready to return, soak in the warmth of the sun and watch the kids run around in the waves. We are approaching a new chapter, an exciting one, without diapers and strollers. Our kids are old enough to play together, make memories, and dress themselves. It was exciting to board the plane with the thought that I might actually get to lay in the sun and read a book!

As soon as I walked into that Mexican airport, all the memories came flooding back. Finley at 2 pushing Ryder in the stroller while I carried armloads of suitcases, feeling so proud of my "big" girl. Ryder toddling out onto the beach with his pudgy legs and full diaper. Daley, with her floaties on, carrying her plastic shovel to experiment with the soft sand. I looked down at my big kids and wondered where the time had gone. I leaned over to tell Sloan, "you have been here before sweet girl...except you were in mommy's tummy." How her face lit up as she ran into our spacious hotel room overlooking the beach and the amazing ocean. She was captivated by its beauty. She learned to say "sunrise" and "sunset," as she enjoyed having a front row seat to God's breathtaking show. THIS was a special place for our family. 

The thing that marked this years trip was laughter and learning. We laughed a lot together, at Daley's epic encounter with the escalator; crawling up it and leaving her teetering luggage behind. We laughed at Sloan's attempt to say 'thank you' with a "glassyass." We enjoyed the friendly Mexicans and especially the one who invited us to go snorkeling by saying, "wanna go find Nemo?" We also assigned jobs to each of the kids in case we decided to move there. Daley would braid hair on the beach, Fin would make small stuffed animals, and Ryder would just dance and hope for tips. The kids were much more interested in speaking Spanish this year and learned about 10 new words. They also got to see and experience the Mexican culture surrounding our nice resort. It's a bit sobering to see the unfinished construction projects and discombobulated living conditions. As a mom, I find it incredibly rewarding to expose my kids to an environment where people live differently, to expand their understanding of global struggles and create a heart of compassion. 

I kept telling the kids, "it's a gift to be here," and I hope they always remember that. I hope they carry that appreciation and thankfulness for the way that God provides things for us that we don't deserve. I'm grateful to Grammy and Papou, for giving our family this gift...how it shapes our family and gives us memories that will always be with us. Words just fall short. At the end of our trip, we were loading up to go to our gate and all of us were giving Papou and Grammy hugs. We seem to make a scene when we're in the airport...some probably annoyed at the fuss that is created, but most like to watch the cute kids grab their backpacks and roll their carry ons. Sloan had her hedge hog backpack on and her hair in a high pony tail. With an audience of admiring adults, her young high-pitched voice sweetly rang over the crowd, "I love you Grammy!" We all enjoyed the heart-warming moment...a perfect way to end the trip.