Cantrells in Cozumel

Ethan and I just returned from 6 days in Cozumel...ahhhh.  It was beautiful.  We celebrated our 10 year anniversary as well as my Masters graduation

We had been to a resort in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico last year with Heather and Chad and so our expectations were for it to be similar.   Although this time we were there almost twice as long, by ourselves, and I wasn't pregnant.

We had a forever delay on top of an already long layover from Kansas City to Dallas but finally got into Cozumel late afternoon on Saturday.   The resort was beautiful - Park Royal Cozumel.  It sat right along the ocean front, near a pier so we were able to see the cruise ships sail in and dock all day.  The staff was wonderful and pretty accommodating. The food on the resort was "okay", we found ourselves wanting something simply amazing that you would want to go back for more but it wasn't very flavorful either and not much variety.  But, we managed to be stuffed every time we left the restaurant.

Our First day...pre-burn...standing on the balcony

The Resort's Beach

The first full day we spent it mostly in the pools. There were 2 infinity pools and a beach but we didn't really get into the ocean water but once. We did snorkel for a bit there at the beach but apparently we were there at the wrong time and didn't see much.  We also forgot to put on sunscreen, and reapply frequently....which meant major sunburn.  

One evening we went out on the Jean Lafitte Pirate Dinner Cruise.  It was a lot of fun - not what we expected, probably better though. We would definitely do it again sometime.

Prates aboard the ship

The crew we ate dinner with on the pirate ship (Lobster & Steak for E, Chicken & Steak for me)

Another day we rented a Jeep to tour the whole island. This, too, was a great way to spend time in Cozumel.   The island itself is only 33 miles around and if you drove straight around it would take about an hour.  We left around noon and got back by dinner,  stopping frequently and checking out side spots.
    

At the far southern tip of the island is an ecological park which is protected so sea turtles can nest at night. We drove the Jeep back in the there and saw a crocodile and got to climb an up into an old lighthouse (150+ steep steps up, ugh).   Beautiful sight to see.

Standing alongside the ocean, near the lighthouse.

view from atop the lighthouse
150+ steep stairs high

Ethan with the "Last Mayan"
at a Mayan sacrifice ruin

Then we found a beach side restaurant and had guacamole and beef nachos (YUM).

The rest of the stay was definitely full of just relaxing. I managed to read TWO books (not sure when i last finished a one book, let alone two!) and get a good tan.  It was a great time to spend with Ethan and have a little getaway.

This was our last day, as we were leaving the resort. 

The girls on the other hand, spent the week at our house with Grandma Diddle.  According to Hayden they were silly a LOT (no surprises there). Sounds like it rained for most of the time we were gone but they still had fun.  I'm sure mom was exhausted, I know the girls were.

Hay was super excited to see us back and chatted non stop, also not getting very far away from me.  Abbie on the other hand...when she first saw us the next morning it took her a good 20 minutes to realize who I was (awe) and to come to me.  She remembered Ethan right away though! Once she got used to me again, it was like nothing had changed and she was content to check in and run off as usual.

Great trip...glad to be back.  Until next time, here's a few more random pics.

Balcony view of the ocean - 5 floors up