Monday, October 21, 2013

Viva Mexico

Hola coma estas! We are back from our seven day Mexico fiesta and still trying to come back down to reality. I was telling my husband that I had no idea how I was going to sum up this vacation in one blog post. There are stories upon stories. Memories upon memories. Moments upon moments. And because I blog, you probably aren't surprised that I now have over 4,500 photos on my phone. That is not an exaggeration. 

So, instead of lots and lots of writing that most of you will not likely read, I figured I would just show you a few of the hundreds of photos we took on four different cameras. You know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

On the days I am trying to throw some sort of pity party, I will pull up this post to remind myself of this moment in time, when the only worries we had were that the days were going by too quickly. 

Let me back up for a moment, over a year ago, my husband came home dancing the Macarena through our front door saying he and a buddy bought a fishing trip to Manzanillo, Mexico in an auction. I thought this trip would never come to fruition because we had to reschedule a few times due to everyone's schedules. But, low and behold, it finally rolled around and it was hands down one of the best times I have ever had. It's a sleepy little town, not commercialized in the slightest, surprisingly authentic, holy amazing views with the friendliest locals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in Mexico.

I am starting with my favorite photo captured. I have always wanted to ride a horse, on the beach with a boy. I can't speak for all of you ladies, but I am pretty positive that this might possibly be every little girl's fairytale dream. Yes, it was hot. Yes, I was a sweaty mess. Yes, my booty hurt like heck the next day. BUT, yes, it was just as magical as I imagined it to be.


This was the house we stayed at, Casa Dos Palapas. These were the views that we woke up and went to bed to. I literally thought I was dreaming when we drove up. For one week, we all took turns pretending that one of us owned the place. It was a floating castle in the sky, or at least it was to me.
 

I miss this dynamic duo already. Hector and Modi, I know you are not reading this, but you gems are two people I will NEVER forget! Your hard work, sincerity, generosity and mind blowing skills were appreciated by us all. Thank you for contributing to all of our weight gain, cleaning up after us and making a house feel like a home for a week. Modi, your hugs and forehead kisses melted my heart and the tears as we were leaving were real. I hope that we will someday hug again. 

This is just a small piece of Modi & Hector pie...these people blew our minds. Breakfast, lunch and dinner pretty much looked like this every single day.

Then there was the pool. We pretty much spent the first two days right here. It was hard to venture out and explore when this was your backyard.

My friend and I got a last minute wild hair and decided we were going to hop on a jet ski and cruise the sea...just the two of us. Oh, Lord, I really wish I had a video of this adventure. It's one we laughed about the entire vacation....that's all I am going to say.

Below was the second best part of the trip. You will have to keep reading for the best part. The fishing was insane. We woke up before the sun came up, watched it rise on the water, cracked open a beer before most of the world was having breakfast and let the good times roll. We were on a mission to catch Rooster fish. I was quickly informed by my husband that these fish are hard to catch and ones that are sought after by many. They are even more brilliant in color in person and put up a tough fight. We did eat them at dinner and they are more like a steak than your typical saltwater fish. There were three proud wives and three studly husbands that found a honey hole. For the record, this girl right here went fishing for 5+ hours three days in a row. Never in a million years did I think I would be typing that sentence. It was worth every single second.

After our three day fishing binge, it was time for some adventure. We snorkeled over a ship that was wrecked in 1959 due to a hurricane. I am not going to lie, I was a little uneasy jumping into the dark ocean. Jaws left some scars on my heart, but I sucked up my fears and went for it. It was a whole other world down there. Holding a live starfish and touching a blowfish with my bare hands was surreal. I wanted more time with these sea creatures. I am kicking myself for not buying a waterproof phone case or camera. Shame on me.

Next up for the next day, horseback riding. I haven't been on a horse since I was in elementary school, but White Lightening and I hit it off from the get go. We were two peas in a pod and had a connection, or so I would like to think. He listened to my words more so than my movements to his reign. The boys weren't so thrilled about this genius idea that the girls conjured up, but at the end of the ride, all three of them were glad they listened to us. Trotting along the ocean side on a horse with my prince, stopping for a Mexican beverage and laughing hysterically the entire time was another highlight on my life's reel.

Witnessing God's magnificent paintings in the sky morning and evening were just icing on the cake. Ross and I have more sunrise and sunset photos on our cameras than anything else. These real time images are the kind that will stop your heart and everything else in your presence. I have seen some spectacular skies in my days, but these just got scooted to the top of the list.

So, I said earlier that I was going to get to the best part of the trip. Well, I am almost there. But I needed to say that the last two pics were of us "dressed" the entire time during our stay. Our friends got married on the beach Wednesday night (I didn't post the ceremony because I wasn't sure they wanted that showcased here on my blog). Anyway, it was such a sacred and special moment on the beach. Tears were flowing and hearts were full. It was also fun to actually put on some make up, straighten my hair and have the opportunity for a photo op with this handsome guy of mine. 

So, in case you are still wondering what the best part of the adventure was, it was spending it with my best friend in the whole entire world. A man that has seen me through thick and thin...good times and bad. He is one person that no matter where I am at, I know I will have the time of my life.

And that my friends, is all she wrote. Thank you God, Ross, Mexico, friends, both old and new, for a trip that I honestly wish you were all there for. We made our mark and hope to one day return to do it all over again. If you have any questions about where we stayed, what we did or travel information, please do not hesitate to comment below or shoot me an email. I would love to share more details. It is a place that I highly suggest as a destination if you are looking to fish, relax and make memories. 


Shanna

57 comments:

Kathrin@shopschoolsleep said...

wow sounds like an amazing time and the house you stayed in looks like a dream!! you look so pretty in all your pics and yes I have always wanted to ride a horse on the beach...why is that such a romantic idea?! lol!!

Unknown said...

What a glorious vacation! Thanks for sharing these pics with us!

Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

Oh my goodness Shanna! It looks like you had the MOST amazing time. And THOSE FISH...ginormous! I've been to Cabo & Puerto Vallarta several times but my next trip to Mexico is going to have to be Manzanillo! Loved all of your stories girl!

XOXO, Jenn
The Stylish Housewife

Anonymous said...

What an amazing vacation! Those fish are incredible!

MorganizewithMe said...

So glad you had such a wonderful time, that sounds like a beautiful week all around, yay for memories!!!

Unknown said...

this looks awesome, Shanna!! lucky girl.

Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) said...

This look like a dream, great photos. Welcome back!

TaraMixandMatch said...

This truly looks like the trip of a life time...I'm so happy to hear you had a blast! Welcome back friend :)

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

WOW! Trip of a lifetime for sure!!!!! It was such fun following on instagram, but I loved seeing everything on the blog too! Gorgeous pictures!

Ashley said...

What wonderful getaway, Shanna!!! So glad you were able to go. That house...ahhhh!!!! Everything is amazing.

Unknown said...

WHAT FUN! I think I liked every photo on instagram and seeing them larger just makes me like them more! So glad you had an amazing trip!
xo

Kimberly said...

Awww, welcome back! It looks like you had so much fun & those sunsets are absolutely breathtaking!! Hope you are feeling re-energized & relaxed :)

www.pennypincherfashion.com

Annie said...

Shanna! That seriously looks and sounds like the best trip ever. What an amazing hotel, what gorgeous scenery, such fun times...thanks for sharing lady...now you have me craving a beach vacation :) Glad to have you back to blogging!

Annie
The Other Side of Gray

Whitney Ellen said...

Holy moly, I thought I was jealous seeing all of your Instagram photos and then you had to go and post this amazingness. So, so beautiful and that last picture just melts every inch of my heart. LOVE!

Alyssa said...

Holy. Cow. This looks like the vacation of a lifetime–the beach! That food! THAT HOUSE! You are one lucky lady, I hope you enjoyed every minute of it!

Unknown said...

OMG I am so jealous! I'm so glad you had such a great time and um, could you guys be any cuter?! You can see how in love you are and it melts my heart <3

The Pink Growl said...

these pics are AMAZING!

Anonymous said...

Great pics! Makes me want to go back to Mexico. Glad you had such a great time

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

What a fabulous vacation! Can't say I would have enjoyed the fishing part, though. :) I love your smile in every single picture you're in. Your happiness is evident. What a blessing to experience such an amazing adventure with your hubby!!

Helene said...

this is just amazing. i'm so glad you had such a wonderful time!! and so sweet that you made friends with hector and modi!! now i want to take a vacation...

Ashley said...

These pictures are absolutely beautiful!! I am glad you had a great time, I have always loved Mexico!! I can't believe how big the fish were that you guys caught, unbelievable!!! :)

xo,
Sincerely Miss Ash

TheTinyHeart said...

Looks like such an amazing vacay! These photos make me want to go back to Mexico, stat!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

Always Maylee said...

This sounds and looks like it was such an amazing trip! The photos are beautiful, the views were amazing, and you seem like you had the best time! Yay!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Anonymous said...

Shanna, this looks like a fantastic vacation!! Makes me wanna take a break asap..
http://willfullyelegant.wordpress.com

Tammy Jo said...

Looks amazing!!!!

rebeccalately said...

Shanna, I am so glad you had an amazing trip!! Thank you for sharing your photos with us :)

Anonymous said...

OMG this trip looks AMAZING!!! I want to move into that house right now!! So glad you had a great time!

Unknown said...

Wow! Looks like you went to a paradise! x

http://lovelifelovefashion.be

Unknown said...

So glad you had such a great time getting to do things you always dreamed of and spending time with your husband! I know just how valuable that time really is.

Pictures are gorgeous too!

Katie said...

what a great trip!! i want to go there!!! glad you guys had such a great time!

Kate at Green Fashionista said...

What an amazing trip, that house is GORGEOUS! Love that there was a swim up bar at a private home!

P.S. I read every word, great review! :)

Kayla Peveler said...

WHAT! A! TRIP!!! Oh my word, I can't even describe my jealousy. I cannot wait to get to the beach!! SO happy you and Ross had a blast and the way you described your trip...ah, so great.

Lindsay Erin said...

Gorgeous pictures! Glad you got to relax and have some special time with your man.

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

What a beautiful post! I loved seeing your photos and hearing all about your experiences. It sounds like it was truly magical!

Sarah said...

Such beautiful photos! So glad you guys had such a great time!!

Unknown said...

Shanna, this sounds and Looks like paradise vacation. What a great fish catch, wow. and you and your hubby make such a great couple :-)

ani
www.fleurani.blogspot.de

Anonymous said...

so gorgeous! love your pics
xxo
jamie
www.candystilettos.com

Bri said...

Simply paradise!! All these pictures are great girly! So glad you guys had an amazing time!!

Unknown said...

Looks like such an amazing trip!!!!! Glad you had a good time! Making me want to plan a vacation!!!!!!

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

The picture of you all vacationed up leaning on the boat as a group is really phenomenal. I cherish those photos I have of my friends and I. Total framer!

I love the last shot too.

What a fabulous trip - the house and food look amazing, the adventures and fishing glorious, happiness and sun and water amazing. I'm so glad you had a wonderful time!

Lindsay said...

So glad you had a great time. The pictures are beautiful!

Nikki said...

Looks like you had an amazing time! I am super jealous!

Nikki
thefashionablewife.com

Courtney said...

Shanna this looks so amazing! You captured it beautifully too--gorgeous pictures!

Rachel said...

So jealous! I'm glad you had a wonderful time and I would like you to share some of your tan with me :)

Erin LFF said...

GORGEOUS pics, and so so so much fun was had, I can just tell! :) We honeymooned in Mexico a couple years ago and I can't wait to get back again someday!

Unknown said...

Looooooovve. What an amazing place!!! And I love most what you said about your man. :) Can you send me the deets on the place you stayed when you have a chance? Thanks mama! XO

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

Ohhh wow Shanna it looks like you had an amazing vacation! I love that first horse photo, and the one of you and the horse! And the jet ski photo and the hotel and the pool... Sigh! I will live vicariously though this post until my next vacation!

Jeans and a Teacup said...

Oh. MY. GOSH. This trip looked amazing! Wow Wow Wow!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup

susan jakovina said...

Welcome back!!!
And THAT is the way to do Mexico. xo

Tiffany said...

Those romantical pictures of you two just warm my little cold heart :-)

What an AMAZING amazing place! Adding it to the potential honeymoon spots!

Ashleigh said...

I love that blue stone necklace! It's so beautiful.
You look like you had a blast.
Congrats!
-Ash
www.thestylizedwannabe.com

FitTravelerAJ said...

You and your hubby are beyond cute! Glad you had a nice vacation, I hope coming back to reality wasn't painful. And you are a CHAMP for going fishing for 3 entire days. I wouldn't have gone for 1!

-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com

Erica said...

looks like you had an amazing time! Your pics are incredible

Stesha said...

What an amazing time you two had! That first picture and the last picture melts my heart. I miss you both! Love you!

xxS

Sarah said...

SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!

im looking at the house website and rates right now! i am confused, it goes by suites??? obviously more expensive the more suites you have, but does that mean you share the house with strangers if only 1-3 people were going?! how many guests did you have... 6?! 6 guests = 3 suites = $6700 but does that mean you had to share with others to fill the house up or how does that all work?!
thanks girl!

im so glad you got to find a time that worked and go! what an amazing trip to win via an auction - those fish are incredible!!

Unknown said...

Shanna, we are going here June 7. After reading your blog, we are so excited!!!!

Unknown said...

Shanna, we are going here June 7. After reading your blog, we are so excited!!!!

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