Guys, we went to Mexico this week!
How did that happen?!
Bahahaha!
I’m still unsure how we made it happen, but I am SO GLAD WE DID!!! Our little family had the BEST time!! It really made me stop and think that Andrew and I should really stop and seize the moment more often. We’re such planners, so Type-A that we’re probably missing out on a ton of family fun because we’re so routine and schedule oriented. We need to be more spontaneous. I’m going to write that down. And schedule it on my calendar. And plan it. 😉
Speaking of planning…you know I plan my blog posts in advance and well…I looked at my blog calendar (which yes, I take a picture of with my phone before I leave for any vacation because I’M SUCH A PLANNER! Agh!) and realized I had no time to squeeze in a Mexico vacation recap unless I did it today instead of Friday Favorites…so, I’m currently sitting on board my American Airlines flight heading home from Cancun writing this post for tomorrow. I hope you enjoy the sponateous post as as much as I enjoyed the spontaneous trip.
A HUGE, HUGE, HUGE shout out to Clare here at Mix and Match Travel Agency who is our Mexican vacation expert. Clare and her family have visited Mexico 6 times over the last 12 months and have stayed at 12 different resort properties. When I called her last week and said my family of six wanted to go to Mexico in a matter of days, she had the perfect trip planned for us in a matter of minutes. I have THE BEST TEAM in the entire world that not only can hold down the fort when I leave, but who can send me on my way too 😉 .
Happy Friday, friends! Enjoy Mexico…
On Sunday morning, we got up, got dressed and were out the door to fly from Dallas to Cancun. I wore that new romper I love and my turquoise hoops 🙂 .
A quick trip later (one of the beauties of living in Dallas is that we’re smack in the middle of everything and can get almost anywhere in 3 hours or less!)…we were in Mexico!
Last month, when we were in Mexico with Tab and Erika, we love, love, loved Grand Velas so much that we knew we wanted to go back there with the kids buuuut since we were being fun and spontaneous, we decided to tack an extra day on at the beginning and check out Planet Hollywood’s resort!
Four happy kiddos at Planet Hollywood!
Please note, Madeley couldn’t wait to take off her bow and put on her hat. Like seriously, it happened so fast. Bahahaha!
Our room accommodations were perfect at Planet Hollywood! We had two connecting rooms with swim up pools.
The whole vibe was fun!
Since we had two rooms, we had both of those turf areas (perfect for early morning yoga!) and the two swim up pools connected.
It took my kids zero time to find the main pools though 🙂 .
Awwwww! I love this pic!
After we left the pool area, we walked over the bridge and to the beach!
Planet Hollywood had a BEAUTIFUL beach! There were zero rocks, the sand was super soft…I was so pleased with their beach area! If you don’t know, during the summer months, you can find a lot of red seaweed on the beaches, but we knew that heading in and honestly, it didn’t bother us at all.
We went back to our room to get ready for dinner, but of course, they had to swim in the swim up pool a bit too 😉 .
I had just ordered this dress from Amazon, and it arrived just in time! That plus my Amazon clutch and I was ready to go! We ate dinner and went to bed way past our bedtimes.
The next morning, I went around and took these pics of the resort before all the people showed up…
Now, I want to be transparent but also I hate ever being negative…so I hate stuff like this, buuuuuut I do think this resort is known for their pools, lazy river, slides and amazing kid areas, but unfortunately, my kids didn’t love those areas at all because there were SO MANY ADULTS (who appeared to have been drinking…I don’t know that for a fact, but let’s just assume they had been) taking over the kids area. For a resort that’s known to be great for kids, I didn’t see very many. It was super odd to me that it was mostly all adults at the “kids” areas. As a whole, the resort felt VERY big and VERY crowded and not family-friendly. Agh! I hate being negative about things, but the next morning after being there a bit, my kids asked if we could go ahead and go to Grand Velas earlier in the day, so the amazing Clare got us a quicker transfer and we headed to our next resort mid-day.
But first, check out my cute flip-flops from Old Navy 😉 ,
I’m so glad we went to Planet Hollywood, and we did have fun, but as a mom first (and blogger/travel agent second), I just didn’t think it was as family-friendly (at least the two days we were there!) that I had hoped it would be.
The drive from Planet Hollywood to Grand Velas took about two hours, but we were so excited to arrive…
…it’s a shame this trip was last minute or else I would have ordered us all matching swimsuits too…
…a month later and this picture STILL makes me laugh out loud!
Again, we had two connecting rooms which worked out perfectly for the six of us…
…and then each room had a great balcony too with a gorgeous view…
…GORGEOUS!
We made our dinner reservations late on this night so that we had time to swim and then see their Neon Show. How sweet is this picture? I swear they look alike, right? Their smiles are the same 🙂 .
We had a fantastic view of the Neon Show from our balcony. It was about an hour long, and we loved it!
On the balcony watching the show.
After the show, we went to dinner and then bed. It was a really full but GREAT day!
One minute you’re in you’re super cute and cozy shorts and sweatshirt…
…and the next, you’re in your workout romper heading to the gym with Andrew.
I rarely ever workout with Andrew on vacation, but I did twice on this trip. He didn’t make me cry, so I consider it a win ;). (Kidding…he’s really nice…just intense…and very 8ish…;) ).
Getting ready for the day, and I spotted Mades in her pj top, swim bottoms and Kensington’s wedges. Ha!
The two biggest questions I received while I was gone were about my romper and this bikini top. I still love my romper so much! I think it’s sold out, but this one is the exact same style and brand, just a different print. I also love this swim top, but it’s only available now in this style…you can still find my my pearl necklace and my beach bag (an Amazon find!).
Other than being on a cruise ship, this was our kids first time to go on an all-inclusive vacation…they loved every minute of it. Those four were always at the bar getting fruity drinks!
Well, this might have to be my Christmas card photo this year. Bahaha! We look happy and tan!
Not a bad place to read a book (my book review is THIS MONDAY!!).
How sweet is this pic? I found it on my phone. Kensington was playing around with the filters. Love this.
We snapped this pic walking from our COVID test to lunch! At this resort, they do the testing on site, so it was super easy. When we checked in, the concierge lined it up for us.
Sweet girl and a gorgeous view.
These four played together the entire week. It was really sweet to watch.
On both Tuesday and Wednesday, we rented the resort’s Skibobs for a bit. They were so much fun! We laughed and laughed and laughed the entire time we rode on them.
Sweet Madeley Moo watching until it was her turn to ride.
We cleaned up later that night and headed off to another delicious dinner!
Same dress and earrings from our last trip to Mexico. Who knew I would wear it there twice?!
Ashby and Madeley always bring markers and coloring books to dinner. We don’t even suggest it any more, they just always grab it on the way out the door. This makes dinnertime extra fun for them!
Another gorgeous night at Grand Velas!
The next morning, we were up and ready to enjoy our last day! My Beach Sleep Repeat tank is from Old Navy.
She wanted to borrow mommy’s hat at breakfast 🙂 .
I wore this coverup in Hawaii and last week, I had so many people ask me about it. Isn’t it cute?! I wore it both a ton last year and this year too.
Another day, another daiquiri!
So much sunshine!
It was another fun day by the pool!
And then that night, we got cleaned up again for our last dinner in Mexico (I still love my romper and bag so much! Both Amazon finds!)
I am so thankful that we threw caution to the wind, acted spontaneous and went on this vacation. It was the perfect amount of sunshine, pool time, good food time and family time that the Shull six needed. We will for sure head back to Mexico as a family in the future!
That’s it for this week! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I’ll see you back here on Monday for BOOK DAY!!! xo
Lovely says
This sounds and looks like a fun trip! I’m glad you could travel, and these pictures are amazing!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Lauren says
The trip looks amazing, happy you guys had fun!! Any chance you could link Andrew’s swimsuit for us from your “Christmas card” pic? I love how bright it is!
Mix and Match Mama says
The brand is Chubbies! He buys them online at their site!
Elspeth says
That looks sooo fun and relaxing! So glad you all got away for a while!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Erika Slaughterw says
Oh my goodness! Love! Love! Love this post!! I love your spontaneous selves but next time take me with you! That Christmas card pic is adorable! And the Grand Velas never disappoints! So glad you had a great week! We missed you guys!
Kelly Nagy says
You’re making me want to book this trip like right now!!! Can you share with Madeley’s navy striped cover up is from? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Old Navy but it’s from last year!
Mary says
So fun?can you link your printed dress in the picture from the balcony watching the neon show please?
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! That’s actually a romper! I forgot about that one! The brand is Ramy Brooke!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Love the spontaneity of your trip! I’m sure it thrilled your kids that y’all went last minute 🙂 Cannot wait for Monday!!!!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Kristin says
Shay – your little fam is so cute! The spontaneous stuff is my favorite even though my husband and I are also type A and suck at it? Have a great weekend ?
Dawn Timmons says
How wonderful! Your pictures are beautiful and so is your family!
Sheaffer Sims says
What a great tip!!!! Everything was beautiful and it’s obvious you had an amazing time!
Christina Adamson says
Please share the filter/app that Kensington used in the selfie she took! Love it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Isn’t it cool?! It’s just a filter on the “portrait” setting on your phone. When you take an iPhone pic in portrait mode, you can scroll over and find filters like this one!
Taylor says
She is smiling like Andrew… And you posted a picture of Ashby the other day and she looked so much like Kensington to me. The power of family!! It makes my heart smile. : )
Mix and Match Mama says
Mine too!!!!!!
Kelly says
How fun! So sorry that PH wasn’t so great but that swim up pool was something else:). Love how much fun you guys have together making such wonderful memories for your family:).
Alison says
Wow! How fun! Thanks for sharing all about your fun trip. I need to try to be more spontaneous too. 😉 Have a wonderful weekend!
Jessie says
Ok that’s it! My husband has been dying to take our kids to Mexico. I’ve been too nervous. Your trip looks amazing. I’m call you!!
Mix and Match Mama says
We’d love that!
Cindi says
What a beautiful family vacation! I have a random question: Do you always wear your wedding rings when you travel? When planning our trip to Italy, we were advised to wear inexpensive jewelry and leave our fine jewelry at home. Since you’re an avid traveler and travel agent, can you share your thoughts?
Mix and Match Mama says
I do…but I’m also married to an insurance agent, so even thought I’d HATE to have my jewelry stolen, I do know it’s covered. There are some places I wouldn’t wear it, but for the most part, I do.
Carrie says
We are ready for a Mexico trip but my husband is so worried one of the kids will randomly test positive and we won’t be able to leave. What steps are in place if that happens?
Mix and Match Mama says
Well it depends on what type of travel protection you have added to your vacation. We had one that would cover our expenses should any of us test positive. That’s a very important question to ask when booking!
Susie H. says
Thanks for sharing! I’ve always wanted to stay at the Grand Velas. I’m curious about the food situation at All-Inclusives right now. Do they have the huge buffet breakfasts and lunches open? Did you feel comfortable with the set-up and the precautions taken?
Mix and Match Mama says
I felt great about it at Grand Velas! They have a buffet but everything is served to you. You just walk through and order what you want and they’ll plate it for you. We also worry about food allergies over here (gluten) and they did a remarkable job with that too!
Mary Helen says
Such a fun vacation! Did y’all go to the beach while at GV? Just wondering what that was like….
Mix and Match Mama says
We did! They have great beach service down there too!
Sarah Langley says
May have to plan this trip soon, we miss
cruises…. Where to you store/pack all your jewelry when you travel?
Mix and Match Mama says
I’ve shared my jewelry organizer from Amazon before but need to share it again!
Kristen says
Andrew and Madeley really do have the same smile!!! Thanks for sharing about your trip 🙂
Joanne says
What a fabulous last minute trip!
Mindy Tierney says
Oh this vacation is exactly what my family of 3 needs. We just took our first trip in 2 years last week and nothing went right. We came home and don’t feel relaxed or refreshed. It was a driving trip to a few cities. We are not city people! My husbands hesitation is leaving the county still. How do I contact your people for some ideas within the US. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Our agency offers services only for Walt Disney World, Hawaii and Alaska inside the US. We’d love to help you with any of those though! You can email me at mixandmatchtravelagency@yahoo.com or visit our website!
SS says
Some of the best trips are the quick ones. Hubby will call do you want to go so and so for the weekend or next week. He is usually such a planner as well. But those trips are some of the most fun. Even though you run around packing like a wild person. He called one Friday we are leaving in like 4 hours…nothing like pack for a family in like 4 hours. LOL!!!
Happy Last Weekend in June!!!
Tracy says
Can you share more about meals and entertainment for an all-inclusive resort like this? Did you leave the resort and explore the area or is there enough to do on property? What are the dining options – are there more casual things that you don’t have to dress up for? What did you do for breakfast & lunch? Are snacks available throughout the day/evening for kids (or hungry grown ups)? Was there a show each night (the one you shared looks cool!)? Does this resort offer transportation to/from airport? Are tips included? So many questions!
Mix and Match Mama says
We stayed on property the entire time and never left. The meals were amazing and the resort had like 5 or 6 restaurants to pick from. We dined at their Mexican, Italian and Asian restaurants (not buffet, full service). The food is amazing! The entertainment was outdoors (COVID perhaps?) each evening and we saw both the Neon Show (sort of their small version of a Cirque de Soleil) and then they had another similar show on another night that we caught too.
Jen says
Looks like a blast! Can you share where Madeley’s hat is from (the one she wanted to ditch the bow for?).
Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought it at a flea market like four years ago! She is obsessed with it still!
Aimee says
The picture of you and Andrew in your black dress. Your hair looks braided twice? Any chance we can get a full pic of it or how you did it? It’s super cute
Cindy says
I personally find Cancun to be full of partiers. It is always noisy and full of people that like to drink. Cabo seems to be filled with more mature adults & families and lots of resorts offer children only and adult only pools. How was the beach at Grand Velas? What was the food like at an all inclusive? Selection, quality?
Mix and Match Mama says
It was so amazing that we’ve been now twice in four weeks 🙂 . We have zero complaints about Grand Velas, it was fabulous! They do have a location in Cabo too, but many people told us they prefer the Cancun location over the Cabo one. I need to go there and see for myself!
Shan says
Which Grand Velas location would you suggest for adults and teens?
Mix and Match Mama says
The one where we were right there about 30 minutes from the Cancun airport!!
Bobbie says
Looks like an amazing trip! Chuckling to myself wondering if anyone else recognized your resort as the one that the couples went to on the Netflix show “Love is Blind”.
Ashley says
Can you share link for your bright swim top from your Christmas card photo? I’ve been on the hunt for something similar. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
That style is sold out but the other style (same fabric and straps, different cut) is linked in the post!
Nicole says
What’s the beach like at the Grand Velas like?
Mix and Match Mama says
I thought it was great! My kids enjoyed playing there too! The seaweed was really under control there. They were working so hard each day to remove it!
Carly says
Loved this review Shay! But I am still excited to hear where you’re main summer trip is planned! Always a fun surprise!
Mix and Match Mama says
Agh! It was rescheduled for next year (insert my sobs). We are going to go somewhere fun, but the vacation we’ve been planning for two years is happening next year.
Kate L. says
Love it! I’ve stayed at that resort but prefer the resorts in Tulum ☀️
Did you say your tan was real or do you still use those tanning wipes to get color?
Mix and Match Mama says
I stopped using tanning products at the beginning of May. It’s real now!
Kimberly Taylor says
Don’t you worry about skin cancer, after already having issues from that? I would think that would be enough to stop anyone from damaging their skin further.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m not really a worrier by nature, but I stay on top of my skin like nobody’s business with skin checks and regular appointments with the derm. At this point, he doesn’t seemed concerned about any damage from the sun. The spots I had removed were caused from tanning beds which was something super stupid I did between the ages of 18 and 22.
Traci Anderson says
Which resort specifically do you recommend for a middle aged couple with no kids? ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Grand Velas 🙂 !
Clare Butler says
You are without a doubt – my all time favorite client, hahaha! So glad to see ya’ll had so much fun!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Bahahaha! I find that hard to believe 😉 .
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Ooohh look at you guys being all spontaneous! ? I love it!! Looks like the perfect trip, friends!! I can’t wait to go back to Mexico! ☀️
That Inspired Chick
Jess says
Hi Shay! What brand are Kensington’s brown wedges?
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re from Target! Aren’t they cute? They were from spring break, so I’m not sure if they’re still in stock or not?
sarah wall says
Where is the cute straw hat from? Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s Halogen from Nordstrom but sold out.
Adrienne N says
Can you show us how you do your braided styles in the dinner pictures? I love those kind of hairstyles for summer!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh it’s really easy!! I can totally show that!
Claudia says
Are covid tests required upon leaving Mexico?
Mix and Match Mama says
To enter the US, yes!
Liz says
I’m so curious how that works. Does the resort do it? Do you do it at the airport? We are headed to Mexico in February and the rules may change by then but I have been wondering about that! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Right now, almost all of the resorts do it for you (no fee). Many of the resorts do it right there on their property while some others do shuttle you to a second location. Grand Velas does it right there on site, so it was very convenient.
Amy says
Hi Shay: You may not post this comment but I do appreciate your candid eval of the Planet Hollywood resort. While I understand that you don’t want to be negative, being truthful about the experience, service, family friendly environment etc. makes me value your opinion even more. Everything isn’t always perfect even if we would like for it to be. Have a great day. I enjoy the photos of your family. AMY
Brooke says
Clare planned a Mexico trip for our family next month. I can’t wait!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! Thank YOU! I hope you have the best time!!!!
Susan McKain says
I love the pic of you and the kids in the pool. Adorable!
Alison T. says
Can you guys adopt me, too?! 😉 Looks like it was the perfect little trip for your crew. I love all the travel memories your family gets to make together! So very special.
Sarah says
Hi Shay! Any chance you could put together a post on traveling with a kiddo with celiac? My four-year-old was recently diagnosed and even the thought of traveling to my parents house three hours away is stressing me out right now. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ohhhhh! First of all, I’m sorry. That’s super hard especially at FOUR! I was very, very, very over-whelmed when we had to first start eliminated gluten, but now, I feel like it’s much easier for us to spot it and also to spot gf items on menus. I will jot that down as a post idea though!!
Donna James says
What a great trip! Clare planned our Mexico trip 2 years ago and it was fabulous. I’ve been hesitant to go back, but you’ve convinced me it’s time! Thanks for your honest opinion about the PH stay. It’s never fun to be disappointed on a trip, but glad the rest of the trip made up for it!
Julie says
How fun! We just got back from a family vacay to Aruba. Another island to check our, it was great!
Noelle says
Thank you for this post Shay! My husband and I went with our sons to Grand Velas back in 2017. Food was incredible- staff was amazing and the grounds are stunning!! It for sure is a luxury resort and one we saved to go to for awhile but it was worth it! Honestly would love go back!
Would love to see Cabo- what are some great hotels there you recommend?!!?
Mix and Match Mama says
You need to reach out to Clare! She can give you the scoop based on what you guys are looking for!
Traci Anderson says
I have so many questions but will limit myself to two. My husband and I are both 50 and we’re planning to leave our teenage kids at home for a week in Mexico at planet Hollywood. We are not drinkers. Would you recommend your other hotel over that? And is planet Hollywood not all include??
Mix and Match Mama says
Planet Hollywood is an all-inclusive as well. My honest opinion is that I think you would much prefer Grand Velas especially if you don’t drink and it’s just the two of you going.
Bryanna says
What a fun, spontaneous trip! I’m curious how it goes with eating out, either at home or elsewhere for your daughter. Does she know what does/doesn’t have gluten?
Mix and Match Mama says
She has been doing a FANTASTIC job identifying not just ingredients but how things could be cross contaminated. I thought Grand Velas did an excellent job removing gluten down to the fact that when we ate at their Asian restaurant, they brought us out the bottle of g-free soy sauce to show us (without us asking them to) and then said our entire meal was gf and not just her portion (which is even better!).
Lauren B. says
We’ve been to Grand Velas Riviera Maya and loved our stay! Can anyone on your team speak to Grand Velas Cabo? We’d like to take a trip in November and am eyeing that resort, but would love a first hand account. Great pics!
Mix and Match Mama says
Clare could totally give you input about that one too!
Kacy M says
Your braided updo in your selfie with Andrew is sooo cute!!
Jen says
Shay! Your hair looks so cute in that braided hairstyle – will you show us what you did? It’s hard to tell from the one angle. (It’s the photo where Andrew has on a yellow shirt and you are a TINY bit sunburned. 😀 )
Mix and Match Mama says
I need to make a video! It’s super easy!!!
Pamela says
I appreciate knowing whether a resort is family friendly or not. We would be so disappointed to find no families in the kid areas. Which Grand Velas resort do you like?
Mix and Match Mama says
The one right outside Cancun is the one we’ve been to now twice and loved it!
Tabitha says
Oh my husband and I were in Mexico last week too! The weather was perfect!! ☀️?? Loved seeing your pictures ☺️ Glad you guys had a great trip!! Thanks for sharing!!
Abby says
Hi! We are headed to the beach soon and I am looking at the Amazon Sandfree Beach Blanket you mentioned trying out on this trip. How did it work? Would you recommend it??
Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I thought it was WAY better than using a beach towel!