We just got home this past Thursday after coming back from Mexico for a week and then spending a few days at my parents’ while Israel had New in Ministry meetings in Lansing. We went on a vacation with Israel’s parents to Cancun from Israel’s birthday (Feb. 26) until the day after Imanuel’s birthday (Mar. 4). (We didn’t have Internet or phone access so we weren’t able to wish Kelly a happy birthday on the 2nd!) It was the first vacation (not including visiting family/friends) that we had taken as a family and it was our first international one too. A new law was passed stating that from January 2007, babies would need to have a passport to travel internationally (-Thanks, Melinda for the tip!!!) so thankfully we got Imanuel his passport on time so we could actually go! The weather was beautiful, the view was breath-taking, and the time spent was very relaxing…except for when Imanuel got sick. It’s a long story, so I won’t go into any more details. The food there was great. Fruit there was particularly delicious. It was a nice time…but we are also very glad to be home. We’re realizing that when you have a baby, there’s no place like home!
Anyhow, here are some pics from our memorable trip. The best part was that Imanuel was able to spend so much time with “La La” (Abuela), and “Ito” (Abuelito)!
the view of the ocean from our hotel balcony
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hanging out with Abuelo
walking along the beach
taking a swim in the swimming pool! IA’s first!
Imanuel loved splashing in the water the most.
— Our Trip to Tulum & Xel-Ha —
Mayan Ruins (and can you spot the camouflaged iguana?)
Iguanas were all over Cancun!
getting Sabbath rest at the beach
eating yummy mangoes! another IA first and he loved them!
Abuelo shaved his mustache just so it wouldn’t scratch Imanuel’s face when he gave him kisses. That was very sweet. 
— Imanuel’s Birthday! —
after one of many sunscreen applications…he’s ready to go swimming!
brunch at the poolside
right after he smeared his birthday flan
his first taste of flan!
and he did not like it! he actually gagged.
taking a swim with Abuelo
a picture on the balcony
Ramos men in the hotel lobby
Imanuel’s Abuelo and Abuela!
“Thank you for making my birthday so memorable!”