Mexico 2017

Immediately after checking in we were digging in our suitcase and changing from our heavy winter attire into swimming wear.

It's the best feeling when I first arrive to our destination because all I can think is that the next few days revolve around doing whatever I want to do.

I didn't take any pictures with my camera when we first arrived because it was a long travel day and my body's battery was on low.
I had no desire to take pictures if I'm to be honest. We just roamed and took in the fact that this was our home for the next few days.

Our first full day was spent exploring the resort, snorkeling, eating and drinking all the things. We did not venture far from the resort at all. Everyday we were there, (minus one day when we actually woke up earlier than Colleen & crew!) Colleen would wake up super early and reserve seats for all of us that way we were in close proximity to the pool/pool bar and beach. It was nice to hang out by and in the pool, go to the beach and walk over to the other Riu resort which was right next door.

It was spring break when we went and we immediately noticed that the Riu next door seemed more of the party hotel. The college kids were having a blast and it reminded me of my own spring break past. It was such a simple and carefree time.

They had a soap sud party and at first I was not sure if it was appropriate for Nadiyah but a few minutes into it you saw everyone was just having good fun. Great music, fun staff who pulled Nadiyah to dance with them and balloons that I have no idea where they came from. The soap sud machine was just blasting and beach balls being thrown every which way!

The Riu next door to our resort had an outdoor buffet and we were in and out so much! Nadiyah loved the fresh fruit and soft serve ice-cream. I was obsessed with their yellow rice with green peppers and onions. I can't even tell you how much of it I ate.

After a full day of sun, fun and relaxation we headed back to our rooms to get ready for dinner.

We stopped the first staff member we saw to take a picture of the three of us and received the best pictures! Usually whenever I stop a person and ask for them to take a picture and look at it afterwards, the picture is always as expected. Blurry and not in focus. This time, I could not believe it and said thank you which felt like a thousand times. Not sure which one to frame.

We had dinner at Steakhouse. Yes, Steakhouse. Such a clever name for a restaurant, ha. I ordered cerviche, shrimp & chicken kebab and lobster tail. I know I keep raving about the food but it's because it was so good. I've done all inclusive before this, Aruba and Cancun, and the resorts did not nail food the way the Riu did. I looked forward to eating the entire trip. I thought with all the food I consumed, I would gain a ton of weight but with all the moving about and swimming, I gained only one pound!

After a long dinner we sang along to an Elvis impersonator and had way too many laughs. Sean's mom is obsessed with Elvis so Nadiyah face-timed her grandmother the entire time that way she could watch it too.

Nadiyah doesn't usually smile with teeth so I was pretty thrilled to have caught the moment on the left.

This trip truly ranks in my top 3!