Our Mexico vacation ~ Day 4

The fourth day had the theme of snorkeling. We started at Yal-Ku and
enjoyed being with almost everyone in the family at one point or another.

The gorgeous lagoon and a fabulous picture of Nate that I believe my father-in-law took.

Next up was out to the ocean to a coral reef to see turtles, sting ray and eels. And for
yours truly to learn that the terrible episode I had in Costa Rica, when I became so sick
while snorkeling, wasn't just an isolated incident. We'll leave it at that, but oh the fun.

 

The view from the balcony of where our little family was staying.

We ended up going to dinner that night at the same place as Jacob's younger brother (the one that lives
in the same town in Utah as we do) and his family. We seriously love these guys and had a great night.

And if you can't tell by now, I end each day with sunset photos.
Because well, sunsets. Especially sunsets in Mexico.

Our Mexico vacation ~ Day 3

Our third day began early as we joined a few of the other families with older kids at a one-of-a-kind
park called Xplor. We rode almost a dozen ziplines, explored cenotes, went down a coupe of water
slides and really had an amazing time. The whole setting was in the middle of the jungle and it was
something else. We aren't people that love places like Disneyland (that sentence may earn me a lot
of death glares) or amusement parks, so we wondered about the whole day here. But I can safely
say, it was the favorite (or near the top of the list) for several of our kids. And all I took was a
single picture as we went in, because I wanted to just focus on the fun. It was a good decision.

More time in the pool. More cuteness and flipping and flopping.

Cousins playing Spikeball on the beach.

That evening, we went for ice cream and I took another picture of our kids
that I love. Much more realistic and like our usual selves. I'm a fan.

And Annie took another photo of these cute, old people

So much beauty surrounding us everywhere.

Our Mexico vacation ~ Day 2

One very gorgeous morning.

Matt and Jacob spent some time kayaking and snorkeling in the ocean behind the homes we were
staying in. I'm sad I didn't get a picture of both of them, but I really love this picture of my Matthew.

 

Lots and lots and lots of swim time, every single day. Each condo had its own pool,
so there was a whole lot of pool hopping with the grandkids. And pool flipping, clearly.

This incredible trip was a gift to all of us from my overly kind in-laws. So, so generous. And a part
of it was that they arranged a professional photographer to take pictures of all 49 of us. These two
photos above are of just a little of the crazy that happened during a lot of waiting. It was fantastic.

This picture was another result of waiting. Annie took it for us
and I love it so. And the man next to me a whole lot more.

And a photo I took of my six chicklets. Love, love, love this picture something ridiculous.

A beautiful picture Jacob captured to end a really wonderful day two.

Our Mexico vacation ~ Day 1

Our trip began with meeting a whole lot of other Allens at the airport near our home
and a whole lot of excitement. (Note: this picture is still missing several people
who were there that morning, one family from Utah who had a different flight and
two other families coming from the Midwest. We were a large group to be sure.)

And when we finally arrived, we took a bit of a detour to sign up for an adventure we planned
to take a few days into the trip. Our little family had dinner nearby, before heading to the condos
we were staying at all together, and this was our view. It was such a fun way to begin the trip.
The incredible food, the two men serenading those of us at the restaurant and just being with
the seven people I love most in this world. A fabulous start to a tremendous vacation.

So very needed

I don't know who is doing the rain dance, but please don't stop. Ever.

 

I'm just so happy. And so very grateful.

HMTC

Things are becoming so very real. This afternoon, a package arrived for our Hermana Allen. An MTC in a box you could say.

For those who might not know, the MTC is the missionary training center. When someone makes a choice to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the first few weeks of their mission is spent at the MTC. There they learn different and beautiful ways of sharing about God's love for His children, the Savior's great gift of the atonement, the plan of happiness that tells us why we are here, where we came from, where we are going, and how we can all be together with our families, not just for this life, but for eternity. If the missionary is called to share these life-changing truths in another language, they spend some extra time at the training center, learning as much of that language as they can before they officially arrive where the Savior has called them to serve.

Our Annie won't have the chance to attend the Mexico MTC, as her call originally stated. They're trying to be extra careful with this world-wide virus and that is a good thing. Instead, she will join her classes and meetings from the Mexico MTC by zoom video from our house here in Utah. Our home is about to become a missionary training center. And while the holy importance of that makes me feel less than worthy, it also feels sacred and like a privilege. I believe God will allow His Spirit to be in our home stronger than it has ever been, if we make the choices we need to to support our girl and allow heaven's blessings to pour into our home.

Along with the box today, there was a note that said that Annie's missionary tags would be arriving in a week or two. I'm grateful they didn't come today. Because while I couldn't be more excited for the adventure that lies ahead for all of us, specifically our girl, I will miss her with a fierceness that I don't know how to describe in words. And to me, a missionary tag is hugely significant and means it is time to begin.

Being a set apart, full-time representative of Jesus Christ is what our Annie desires most in her life right now. And she is almost there.

I'm just so deeply proud of her.

Glorious

We are home.
 Eight days, forty-nine people, one beautiful country and
more adventures than we could ever count. It was glorious.

Pictures to come. As always.

Missing Mexico already.

(But also ridiculously excited to sleep in my marvelously comfortable bed.)

Sewing class

This darling love took a sewing class from our cute neighbor last week and to say she loved
it would be a huge understatement. And this elephant she made, along with the last-minute
peanut she decided to sew in addition, is about the cutest thing ever. Just like our Gracie girl.

My privilege

My favorite ordinance to participate in at the temple is the sealing ordinance. To help those of

God's children who have passed on, to have the blessing and option of being sealed to and always

with their family members throughout eternity, is beautiful and good and such a light-filled privilege.

I know God doesn't need our help in His work, considering Who He is and what He is capable of,

but I'm so grateful He allows us the honor of assisting Him in spite of that. Next to my joy and

responsibilities as a wife and mother, it is the greatest thing I do with my time. I just really,

really love the temple. It is starting to feel normal to be there again and I'm so very grateful.

Lake Powell ~ Friday edition