The Archibald Family

Playa de Carmen, Mexico
In April we got to go on a kid free Vacation. We had a blast. There was a lot of warm sun, loads and loads of food and beverages, lots of relaxation, beautiful sites to see, and a lot of lovin'! Not that kind of lovin' although there was plenty of that. I am talking about lovin' the great company. We went with our friends the Rich's. Although the Stevensons couldn't make it (Stupid Responsible DA Lance). Even though we always felt we were missing the Stevensons, we still managed to have a blast. I mean who wouldn't in a place like this....


Wes and I on the beach at our Hotel.

The Rich's were the ones who planned this all. We have talked about doing a big trip like this for years now and finally Coby got it all planned out. Thanks again! Oh, and next year we will just tie the Stevensons up and throw them in the car. Although I don't think we will have to fight them too hard.

We stayed at an all-inclusive resort called the Riu. We actually booked rooms at the Riu that was across the street from the beach but got upgraded to the Riu that was actually right on the beach. You know with all the food we ate who would want to walk more. It was great.

Coby and Tiff before Dinner one night. This was at the Asian restaurant on our resort. It was probably our favorite one. The shusi was great. Who knew Mexicans can make great shusi. We loved the dessert they served here. Fried Ice Cream with a blueberry sauce drizzled over it. Yummy!!!

The First place we visited was Tulum. There are ancient Myan ruins that look a lot like cities that are described in the Book of Mormon.



We had a great LDS tour guide by the name of Moroni. It is a belief that Tulum could be part of the Book of Mormon history. He explained that the Book of Mormon was actually translated before Tulum was ever discovered. Or any of the stone wall cities that were described in the Book. Tulum was under water for some period there were places you could see sea shells embedded into the rocks. What is awesome, is that there are lots of buildings still standing. So doesn't the Book of Mormon have to be true. It told about these cities before any one even knew they existed!

In this picture of a temple there are three doors and over the doors are engravings of caricatures. Above the first is a man standing up right to represent god. The second door was a man facing down to represent the "descending God" Christ. The third door is empty to represent the Holy Spirit.

In this picture you can see what is believed to be a Sacrificing alter. Moroni also showed us a picture of a small hole in the temple that on one day only a year the light will shine through it. That day is April 6th. The spring equinox, but also the day the Church was organized. Also is believed to be Christ's birthday and when he was resurrected. Pretty awesome. We were here on April 11th. We missed it by 5 days.

This is overlooking the ocean from the ruins. In the distance you can see the waves braking that is the second largest reef in the world. Along the shore line there is one small opening in the reef and that is in direct line of the temple. So the boats would know where to cross the reef and not wreck.



We could not resist getting our feet wet.

It was a red flag day the whole time we were there which meant we could play in the water, but we had to stay close to the shore. The ocean was not great to me. However, it did make for some great body surfing waves.

Here is Coby body surfing. Wes loved it too. All Tiff and I could seem to do was get knock over by every wave that came are way. One day the current was so bad Wes and Tiff were suck into the Ocean while just standing on the edge of the water.

We tried a little scuba diving in the pool since the ocean was off limits. Coby is certified to dive but Wes is not so he thought he would at least try it. I was just taking pictures and was talked into trying it as well. Wes caught on right away. I however freaked out when I would put my head in and breath to fast. Eventually I got it and liked it too. Wes wants to try to get certified before our next trip.

One day we went to a cenonte. They are these natural pools of water. You think it is just a plain old pond but then you put on the snorkel and it is like another world under the surface. It was like a rain forest with under water caves and green formations; it was beautiful.

We did a little cliff jumping. It really was a lot higher than it looks. But apparently not high enough for are adventure lover Coby who decided to climb the tree and jump in.



I was totally scared and totally screamed like a girl all the way down.

By the way I have a hidden talent. I can cross only one eye. Look close, only my left eye is crossed. I can do it with my right one too.



Tiffany makes this look HOT!!! If anyone needs a goggle model I know who could do the job great.




5th street in downtown Playa.

Isn't this building cool I love it.

On Sunday we went to a local Sacrament meeting. Surprisingly there are two wards in Playa. It was nice to go to church Easter Sunday in Mexico. Although I did not understand a word it was a great testimony meeting. You could feel there testimonies through the language barrier. I could not stop crying for some reason. I was really missing my kids. We met a few family's from the states. It is so nice to see that the church is the same no matter were you go. When we entered the church I suddenly felt home, safe and with family. Even though I knew no one I felt like I knew everyone. If that makes any since. I even saw my father in law. Well, not really but there was a counselor to the bishop that was his Mexican twin. Honestly I could not quit looking at him. His mannerisms, the was he spoke, everything reminded me of him. He even had dimples just like Brad. It was so cool.

We did some shopping and strolling along the shops. Here is me and Wes bartering with the vendor. I had a hard time with it at first but I feel I got the hang of it.

We also spent a lot of our time right here playing on the beach and soaking in the sun. Here is Wes and Coby playing a little catch.

I got in on the action. Well at least I tried. But this is where I spent more time.....

In fact this is were me and Tiff spent most of our time. We talked and talked and talked some more. Wes and Coby stayed up a little, they wanted to be in the shade. Or so they say, did I mention it was a topless beach??? No worries most of the topless women really shouldn't have been.

I did have a lot of fun shooting some really awesome scenery. Here is a little more pictures of the beautiful places we saw. If you haven't had enough you can see all of our trip here.

Look close at this picture you can see a face.

The beach at our resort

The pool

Coby took this picture isn't so awesome!!!

As you can see it was a great vacation. I loved spending time with the Rich's.