It's All Over But for the Cryin'...

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I feel like I should be wailing the old Hank Williams tune, "It's All But Over For the Crying"...

Coming home is never easy; even when you miss home. It was a fabulous trip overall & perhaps one of our best trips ever. This little blog of mine has offered me a chance to chronicle our trips, share adventures and in the future allow our kids the opportunity to read all we did over the years travel-wise to Mexico and other destinations including Disney World last year (see other trips if you wish to read!).

OUR LAST FEW DAYS IN PARADISE

Thursday was a great day; lunch at the end of town, and a long walk along the beach. We gals enjoyed our last dinner out being serenaded by a mariachi group, and I surprised Sue with a birthday song from the staff, and she had to wear a sombrero and they brought out the Mexican flag for her (her birthday is July 29th)! What a fun night eating and dancing! Wonderful memories that I will never have to dust off to remember.

Friday morning we were up early, and we saw the ladies off at 7:30 to the airport. Our flight was later, so we had a few hours to get our final packing done and a last few errands taken care of.

The airport was packed. Long lines for United Airlines, and all flights going to the States (Chicago, Houston, Neward) were all in the same line which felt like it was out the door. It was nuts. Our luggage was taken to the front of the line so we didn't have to haul it, and Martha waited with it. About an hour into our wait, I called Martha over and asked her what the empty line for United was, right next to her. So she goes to ask, and is talking for a bit, and then comes over to tell me for a relatively reasonable fee, the four of us could skip the line up by paying for a pre-board fee, and we could pre-board and get settled with the kids. The next thing the rep mentions is, for a bit more, we could fly first class which would mean we skip the line, fly first class and all sit together. HMMMMM, well, given they had 4 seats left they wanted to unload, we got it for dirt cheap compared to what first class normally goes for. So we did it! My first time in first class. I felt like Jed Clampett (from the old TV series the Beverly Hillbillies) getting to ride in first class! Yeehaw.

We were in the last row of first class which is row 4 with a total of 16 people in first class. The big seats, the extra leg room, the extra space, the free in-flight movies, the personal attentive service. WOW. And they brought a glass of wine to me before the plane took off. I love that they use real wine glasses and drink glasses. Before they brought our meal, they brought out hot cloths to wipe our hands. We had our own bathroom too. It was one of the most comfortable flights I've ever taken, and the only one that I didn't want to rush to off. Let's just say I wanted my money's worth! Marth enjoyed a fresh salad with shrimp and a mushroom leek soup. Complimentary mixed nuts were served too. I had a cheese/deli plate with smoked almonds, smoked gouda cheese, crackers, grapes, salami, popcorn, and a biscotti bar. Kids enjoyed a southwest chicken on a ciabatta baguette. I may never get to do this again, so I felt like a queen for 3 hours.

We landed in Chicago, and this leg of the trip wasn't as much fun. Talk about a big busy airport. I felt like a field mouse scurrying along in a big city. We had to take a train to the other terminal, and it was walk walk walk, then show our passports continuous times. Talk about tiring. The only good thing that came out of the flight from Chicago to Ottawa was that Rory and I got preferred seating without paying extra. I had just asked if they could move me so I could sit with one of my children and the next thing I am peeking into first class in row 7! So we again had lots of space all to ourselves.

I am so glad to get home...the unpacking I am not thrilled about, but seeing Al & Lara is great. Al had a beautiful bouquet of roses waiting for me and a lovely card. He never forgets our first date/anniversary.

Word on the street has it there's a birthday party/pool party for me today. Yes I do know about it; I had to be convinced to have it. See reasons below. However, how lucky am I to have people working so hard behind the scenes (Manon & John, Cindy, Al, Blaine) to put on a party for little old me. (I didn't want a surprise party; too much pressure on family & friends to keep it on the low down while being away on vacation that long. Also, I really do't like to be in the center of all this type of stuff).

Thanks to everyone who's gone to so much trouble for me. I am usually the one who hosts the parties not the one being celebrated. (I find this all nerve wracking but so appreciate everyone's efforts.) Blaine & the helium story was rather funny but at his poor expense. (love ya Blainey).

So signing off from one of our best summer trips to Playa ever with both family & friends (how did 4 weeks go by so fast?) See you again hopefully sooner than later!

PS included are professional pictures taken of our day trip to Xel Ha Waterpark (yes...that is an actual toucan with Jadie!) Jadie is SO photogenic!

And...a few extra photos of our last few days.

Sal gal and the gang

xoxoxo

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Comments

[Debbie Hennig]

Hi Sally, Wow, that was some month you spent in Mexico!!! I am so jealous and loved reading all your blogs daily!!! So after the stay in the villa, Luna, and private home in Playa Car, what would you say is your favorite accommodations.

[Playagal]

All over but the cryin'
Hi Debbie, all of the accommodations offered something unique and special. The house on Isla Mujeres was perfect for us; it offered peace & quiet, private pool & ocean views. It would be good for us to 6 people. New & fully equipped. The house in Playacar is fabulous; could not find ONE thing to complain about. Sleeps 12 comfortably but can accommodate up to 18 with pull out couches in the two dens. And Luna as always perfectly situated feet to both the ocean and 5th avenue. I love Luna because it's like a second home. And yes an amazing month!! Best trip ever. Feel free to email me if you want more info [e-mail]