Christmas in Isla Mujeres

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!! I thought I'd show a few pictures from my Christmas here in Mexico. To be honest, I didn't suffer too much since I went out to join my brother and his family in Isla Mujeres (just off the coast of Cancun). It was so great to get to see them, and of course to enjoy some sand and sun!

Here's the classic "I just got off the plane and I'm sooo excited to see you" shot...

I had warned my niece and nephew that when I saw them I was going to squeeze them so hard they wouldn't be able to breath...!

I spent the majority of my 2 weeks in Isla Mujeres on the beach. It was wonderful...the sand was so white, and the water was so clear and blue. Here are just a few pictures.

We also had a pretty great view from the patio on the top floor of our hotel.

One day we rented a golf cart and toured the Island. It's only 7.5 miles long (or something like that).

We checked out the Turtle Farm...

And a different beach which is apparently good for snorkelling. The opposite end of the Island is absolutely gorgeous with rockier cliffs, crashing waves, and sparkling blue water.

One day we had a girls' shopping trip in Cancun.

Of course we also celebrated Christmas!! We combined Christmas traditions since we represented 2 different families. First of all, we made do with what we had and set up a "Christmas tree" so we could sleep by it.

Since the 24th was a Sunday, we all went out for a pizza supper (Plett Family Tradition). And while eating pizza, enjoyed some fine Mariachi music!

Then Aryn opened the "family gift" from Santa on Christmas Eve, which was the traditional Christmas movie...this year, "The Elf". Everyone got really tired, so Dylan and I were the only ones to stay up and watch. And then on Christmas morning Tanya went out to buy us all crepes for breakfast (her tradition), while the rest of us stayed in pyjamas (our tradition). And then the gift opening began. It was mostly small gifts this year since we were on this vacation, but it was still an impressive stack!

Christmas day was rainy, so we spent the day mostly inside eating, playing "Mexican Monopoly", hanging out...and since we were all far from family, taking turns calling home.

So, while Anthony and Melissa represent the Plett Vespa Gang in the 'Peg, Irene and I decided to represent in Isla Mujeres. We rented mopeds and toured the Island. Neither of us had ever ridden before, but once we got over it...we were fearsome!

I also spent New Year's Eve in Isla with the family. One of the traditions here in Mexico for New Years is to wear red underwear...so, when in Rome...

In the evening (after our tradition Pizza Supper) we went to the main square where the party was. They had a stage set up, concert going, and lots of food being sold! The real party though seemed to be in the streets. As we wandered around we saw families dancing and eating together. Children throwing confetti and shouting "Happy New Year". And piñatas being smashed.

Once again...everyone else went to bed before Dylan and I...so we partied until the wee hours! It probably didn't help that he drank 3 cups of super-potent coffee and was completely buzzed!!

This time with the family was so wonderful, and I'm sure I could post a gazillion more pictures! But, I think I'll stop there. I said good-bye to Jason, Irene, Dylan and Aryn on Jan. 3 and headed back to Guadalajara.

Along with the happiness and fun that this Christmas really was about, there was also some sadness. We received news that my Grandma died on Dec. 23rd, after a significant amount of struggle. In so many ways this is happy news as her pain has now ended, and she has gone to join other loved ones...including my Grandpa who died before I was even born! My Grandma (Jessie Plett) was an amazing woman, from whom I've learned so much...especially how to love, to laugh and enjoy life, and to work hard and constantly seek ways to serve others.

We weren't able to go home and be together with the family for the funeral, but I am thankful that I was able to say good-bye before I left to come here to Mexico.

I wish you all a very wonderful New Year ahead!!