Here are a couple of our favorite moments from Mexico:

My favorite moment of the trip is sadly not documented with a single picture. Isn’t that the way it goes?? Steve was out on the Sea-doo with some of our kids, when they saw some dolphins. He came back to the shore and traded the kids for me and with me driving we went in search of the same dolphins. To our surprise, we found them and there were far more than Steve originally thought – there was a large school. We rode right into the middle of the school and rode along as they swam beside and underneath us. Each time they jumped out of the water, Steve strained to touch one of them. I’m pretty sure he was calculating how he could jump off the Sea-doo and ride one. We were in awe and knew some of the kids would love the moment as well – we went back to shore, grabbed kids and went back to find the dolphins. The second time was just as impactful as the first time. Magical is the best way to describe the feeling.

In my opinion – the weekend was full of favorite moments. And it’s clear from our kid’s responses, they felt the same way.

Steve’s favorite moment was also the dolphins. His second favorite moment is really a series of moments. Every night, on the balcony, watching the sun go down. It’s not enough to see a pretty 5 minute sunset – no, Steve enjoyed the 1 hour sunset, usually with a kid sitting on his lap having a thought provoking conversation with those around him. It was the best place to be.

Hallie’s favorite moment was out on the Sea-doo sandwiched between her parents – as we marveled at the dolphins together (you can tell that the dolphins had a big impact considering it was the top moment for three of us!).  She couldn’t believe her eyes. She squealed each time another one jumped out next to us. When we told her it was time to ride back in so someone else could ride with the dolphins, she was not ready. We could’ve been there all day and she still wouldn’t have been ready. Her second favorite moment was walking the beach collecting treasures.

Hunter’s favorite moment was the ATV rides – a kid’s version with only one gear. He went out for the first time and was really reluctant. They rode just a few yards down the road before he slowed and eventually stopped. He was done. He wanted to go back home. We took that as he didn’t enjoy it. The next morning, he asked to go ride again. I was a little surprised. This time he went equally slow, but went much longer with Steve trailing behind him. He decided he like the ATVs and it became his highlight. Fishing in the ocean came in a close second.

Bennett’s favorite moment was getting his shark tooth necklace. As we walked through the market, he wanted everything his eyes landed on. If it had the Green Bay Packer symbol – he wanted it. Bracelet, ceramic plate, poncho. After he made “100% Sure” he wanted an item, he changed his mind. He was all over the place in his decision. Until he saw Hunter’s shark tooth necklace – then he really made his decision – he had to have a shark tooth necklace.

His second favorite moment was going to church on Sunday. Bennett and his two buddies are in a spanish program at school and they’re learning a lot and they were all so excited to go to Mexico so they could talk spanish. We went to church in a small building with a small congregation with tile floors. When they started speaking, Bennett leaned over to me and asked what language they were speaking! Oddly enough the meeting didn’t consist of words he had learned: numbers, letters, shapes and colors. And still – he said it was one of his favorite moments.

Cannon’s favorite moment was spending time with his little friend. He waited patiently for her to wake up in the morning. He ate breakfast alongside her. He played next to the pool as she swam for hours (he was not about to get in – his hatred for water runs deep!) They scared the seagulls together. They raided the kitchen for snacks at all hours of the day together. They were best buddies and her name still comes up in every prayer he gives!

We feel pretty lucky to have these families as friends and neighbors. 15 kids ages 11 and under can be a little hectic – but they’re the best of friends and it’s fun to watch them grow up together. And trips to the beach are hard to beat.