July 2016- Run, Bike, Swim…Tequila? | The Harris Family Blog

So, most years by July we have really hit our summer stride. Our ability to do absolutely nothing on any given day is at a peak, and we couldn’t love it more. Sure, we still have a few early mornings of swim team or Junior Team Tennis matches, but when it’s light outside by 5:15 a.m., it’s almost like lunchtime already. This applies to every member of our family but JP, who’s been literally running his ass off like a fat kid running for the dinner bell. More on that later…

First though, some examples of our activities. You’ve probably figured out by now that this blog serves a dual purpose. It’s a creative outlet for the writer in me, but also a 21st century photo album. I’m ashamed to say that I’ve even given up on a proper camera and take 100% of the pictures from my Samsung Galaxy. Jane would be disgusted.

Anywhoo….we spent many a hot, sunny morning doing this. It was our first year of Junior Team Tennis, and on more than one occasion I was scolded by the other “spectators” for my too-enthusiastic cheering. Apparently, you are not allowed to scoff at the opponent’s misfortune when they double fault. Even when they’re playing against your kid. Who knew?

And we spent many a hot, sunny afternoon doing this.

Funny story about the picture on the left of John and his harem. We were actually attendees at a neighborhood birthday party, and were the owners of the dance party barge. A little Kids Bop, a dozen youngsters, and Voila! Despite his sour look, John actually loved it.

And, we spent many an evening doing this….

Or this….

Moving on….

John’s big event was scheduled for the end of July, and as a matter of fate, happened to be in Boulder….a place he has publicly loathed, being the CSU fan that he is. Those of us who are wiser know what a fantastic city Boulder is, and I intended to make sure he knew the error of his ways. So, while he checked out the race course and got his registration bib, I took his children to Liberal Central to experience all that is Pearl Street. We got our faces painted by Bob Marley’s sister, and watched every street performer there was.

(Yes, that is a machete my kid is holding)

The big event finally arrived, and John was ready. He got to the Boulder Reservoir bright and early, anxious to jump in that cold water with 500 of his closest friends and get this over with. The kids and I slept in a bit, and instead left the hotel at 5:15 (WTH?!?) to be there for the start of the race. Well, strangely enough my recollection of the route to the Rez was foggy at best (damn you college beer drinking) and we arrived just in time to see him swimming away. And then we spent the next several hours people watching. I learned 2 very important things in those hours….#1 Triathlons are not a spectator sport. #2 I expected all of the participants to be in phenomenal physical shape…a true testament to the amount of exercise that is required to train for a triathlon. Instead, there were some bodies that should NEVER wear a tight wetsuit or spandex running gear. Oh my eyes!!!

John’s family and many of our friends were on hand to cheer him on. Let’s remember, this man is a former athlete, but had not engaged in much exercise for the previous decade. We were all intrigued and apprehensive, but mostly impressed.

We waited with bated breath to see if he would indeed emerge from the water….

He did, although looking a little green in the gills….

Finish line in sight. How hard could it be? Jackson’s in flip flops…:-)

Ahhhhhhh….sweet reward. He did it. That looks like a happy man to be reunited with his best friend Bud Light.

Guess what we did the next day as a reward for all of my hard work and training? We went to Mexico of course!! In a limo…with champagne….at 430 in the morning.

For the next 7 days, we did a lot of this.

And, a lot of this….

See? That Samsung Galaxy can take a decent picture. Any evidence to the contrary on this blog is the fault of the camera user.

My sweet, pretty girls. And, not to be left out, a picture of Jackson. What’s wrong with him, you ask? After too many margaritas, this was his attempt at raising one eyebrow. It cracked us up.

Speaking of margaritas and tequila, which one of us in this picture do you think has had too many? Yup, Habenero is fun and done.

Most of the next few pictures don’t need any explanation, witty repertoire, or discussion for that matter. As stated before, they are simply part of my digital photo album…this one titled “Cancun: 2016.”

There are exceptions to that rule however…..

One thing to keep in mind when you are traveling to an all-inclusive resort is that the food and drink are never quite as you imagine it will be. You mean I can eat whatever I want whenever the mood strikes? AND order endless cocktails from the bar? Uh….sure. Case in point…we managed to score a table for an “adults only” dinner at the resort’s Asian/Sushi restaurant. After endless meals eaten poolside or at the buffet, we were ready for some made-to-order rolls and wine that does not come from a tap…on a box.

So, my dedicated husband stood in line with the other peasants to get a table during the dinner rush. It must be delicious with that many people standing in line, right? Our waiter introduced himself, and tried hard to put an Asian spin on his name…Julio. Our hopes immediately deflated. But, we were hungry and thirsty, so we did what anyone does at a sushi restaurant….we ordered sake. Sake bombs to be precise. Julio had never heard of such a thing, but managed to bring a glass of sauvignon blanc and some chopsticks. We made it work.

Also, the following picture is a record of the amount of sunscreen I used on my family. Each and every one of them were emptied. I feel like there are even a couple missing from the picture….and yet we still came home looking “native.”

I also want to give a quick traveler’s review for those 10 people who read my blog, should they ever find themselves in Mexico with little kids. Our resort, Moon Palace, had an event the week we were there called Kidzania. It was probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever taken the kids to, and considering that John and I had RAGING hangovers, the fact that we spent 2 hours there says a lot. It’s basically a kid’s sized city, where they get a job, earn money, and spend money on pizza and alcohol. Just like adulthood. I kid, but it really was so very impressive. Jackson tried his hand at auto mechanics…in his flip flops and J. Crew shorts. Reese was a Civil Engineer…not a match. Malory’s favorite was the hospital, and especially the nursery. I think she may have tried to steal a baby, and was subsequently fired. The best picture is the last one of Reese and her earnings, which they gave you in cash or on a debit card. Reese promptly blew her whole paycheck on candy.

I fear for her future.

I do have to get up onto my soapbox for a quick minute and give kudos to the Mexican culture for their hospitality. Each and every one of the employees of this event were kind, engaged, and genuinely happy to be showing my kids a good time. I realize that I was staying in a resort village and this was their job. But, by and large, the people are gracious and hospitable. They are happy to help you and their manners are top notch, whether I am tipping them or not. Our country could use a little more of this. When was the last time that you took your kids to Elitch’s or fill-in-the-blank amusement park, where the disinterested teenager (or adult for that matter) wasn’t looking at their phone and completely ignoring you?

And, we want to build a wall to block these people why again???

One last story before I sign off. Remember the hangovers I mentioned in the previous paragraph? Well….tequila is good….sometimes. There’s nothing better than a pool lounge chair, a good book, several nice cold beers, and ten or twenty gargantuan shots of tequila. It was after the 17th one that John and I decided to compare the beauty of our feet. I’ll let you be the judge…mine are on the right.

WTH? U-G-L-Y!!!!