Spring Break 2024: Isla Mujeres, Mexico

2024 was the best Spring Break! It was out first international trip AND Samantha was able to join us (sadly, duty called Mitchell away).  We flew to Cancun, Mexico, took a taxi to the pier and then took a water taxi to the tiny island of Isla Mujeres, the eastern most part of Mexico. With Sam's impending deployment, this trip was the last time we were together for fun. 

The island was a geographic dichotomy, with one side being jagged rocks and cliff faces and the other side being some of the most pristine beaches in the world.  It is just a little over five miles long and less than a mile wide. We spent the first day at Punta Sur where the ocean crashed right over the walking path. Unlike Angel's Landing - there are no chains to hold on to here! It was a little wild and slightly dangerous as we dodged big waves splashing over the path. 

We traveled by foot or by golf cart everywhere. We found a cantina on the south side of the island called,  El Borracho Burro, or, The Drunk Donkey.  The food and the drinks were amazing. The tacos and adult beverages with fresh fruit were amazing. The live music was great. They played in the shade of a sun screen and trees making the sun a little less intense. They played Pink Floyd, Jefferson Airplane, even Frankie Valie - "Grease is the word..."  But what happened next was beyond anything we could have imagined...

We saw him on the side of the stage and could not help noticing that he looked a lot like Michael Jackson. He seemed to be lurking. Then the band stopped playing and he got into costume.  He went on stage with a CD player. At first we thought he was going to sing over MJ's songs. Oh no. Not that. Instead, he danced to the King of Pop's music. At first we thought he was young but as he got closer we could clearly see that this guy was in his 50s. At least.  And he looked like a very scary version of the dead pop star.  We nicknamed him Miguel Jackson and he was the highlight of the trip.

Isla Mujeres does not have mega resorts like Cancun. In fact there are no brand name chains anywhere on the island. This adds to the charm. We stayed in Mitchell's grandmother's villa. A place she owns and rents out like Vrbo or AirBnB. A full kitchen allowed Sam to teach the boys how to make guacamole. The veranda gave us an amazing view of the ocean.  The entire island was vibrant with color. Everywhere.  There were gorgeous murals on many of the walls, or just entire buildings in bold, beautiful hues.  

Without a doubt, chartering a sailboat for sailing, snorkeling, and sightseeing was the best excursion of the trip. We motored to the south of the island. Grant looked every bit the intense sailor that would make his mother proud, while I just held the wheel and looked good.  Samantha was a natural.

I loved this trip with the five us. I know these opportunities are few and far between.  These people are my tribe and I love them so.

March of the Penguins

It was a week for the penguin suit!  

Lisa is always able to find a gem of a deal.  She found a formalwear warehouse that sold gently used tuxedos and gowns for a third of the price of renting one! She bought a nice black tuxedo for TJ for his prom and I was so intrigued by the idea that we went back the next week and bought one for me!  Although I have the option to wear my military uniform for a formal event, I am trying to distance myself from that persona. A $100 tuxedo was a great idea.

On Saturday, Lisa and dressed up for the Inaugural MMIA Gala. Lisa crushed it in her black dress (and Texas hair) and I wore my new grey tux. I tried the suit with a red bow tie but I looked like Pee Wee Herman. Once I did the voice, Lisa gave me hard No. <Laughs like Pee Wee, "Ha, ha, ha.">

Six days later I was in another tuxedo for my brother's wedding in Florida! The rental company initially dropped the ball by giving the suit to another customer named Brown but recovered by emergency FEDEXing another one in less than 16 hours. Thankfully, the remeasured me and suit I picked up fit better than the one I would have gotten. 

Twenty fours after Andy's wedding we had driven back up I-95 to home to see TJ and his friends get dressed for their first prom.  Coming straight from a Track Meet, TJ got ready at Zach's house with Jack and Owen. All of the parents were patiently waiting downstairs until TJ called out to me for help with his cufflinks.  It was then I looked at all of the boys and realized none of them had their cufflinks or buttons on...because no one had ever showed them! 

After a little help they got it figured out and came down looking their best for pictures by the pond before heading to dinner and Marbles Museum for their prom.  No dates, this is 2024. Everyone goes with friends and very few couples go together. However, I did ask TJ if he was going with a girl next year and he replied, "that's the plan."

Looking good in the neighborhood!