Nine Days in Sayulita: Family, Laughter, and Adventure
We just came back from nine days in Sayulita, Mexico, where my kids were born and where we lived until Milo was 4 1/2, and I can honestly say it was one of our best family trips ever. I had been wanting to take the kids back to visit their dad, and it turned into the perfect way to end the summer together.
The Passport Adventure
The trip actually started before we left for Mexico, with an unexpected challenge: Milo’s passport was about to expire, and I didn’t realize it until right before we left. Cue a crash course in emergency passport renewal.
Twice in two days, Milo and I rode my bike to the train station, took the train to San Francisco, and biked to the passport agency. Stressful? Yes. But also exciting. By the time we actually boarded the plane, it already felt like we’d accomplished something huge.
Twice in two days, Milo and I rode my bike to the train station, took the train to San Francisco, and biked to the passport agency. Stressful? Yes. But also exciting. By the time we actually boarded the plane, it already felt like we’d accomplished something huge.
Sweet Reunion at the Airport
The plane ride itself was an adventure — the boys loved having screen time in the sky — but the most precious part came after we landed. Max pushed the suitcase through the airport calling, “Where’s Dad? Where’s Dad?”
The moment they saw each other, Carlos crouched down. Max paused just for a beat to take in his dad’s face from all the video calls, and then went in for a huge hug. There were definitely tears.
The moment they saw each other, Carlos crouched down. Max paused just for a beat to take in his dad’s face from all the video calls, and then went in for a huge hug. There were definitely tears.
Straight to the Beach
We had promised Milo we’d go straight to the beach once we arrived. So after a big grocery run for the week’s supplies, we headed right down to the sand. We made it just as the sun was setting, and Milo dove into the warm waves like he was coming home.
From that moment, the week unfolded into a rhythm I wish I could bottle: waking up to roosters crowing, walks to the beach or around town to get tacos, naps after long adventures, and evenings full of laughter.
Old Toys, New Joy
One of the sweetest surprises: when the boys walked into the house, they discovered that Carlos had brought at least 30 of Milo’s old toy trucks and construction vehicles we’d left behind. Every morning, they woke up, padded out into the living room, and immediately grabbed a truck. Different toys meant hours of fresh play.
Eggs, Wrestling, and Chango
Milo also discovered something new: he loves the way his dad makes scrambled eggs. This kid hasn’t touched eggs since we moved to the U.S., but in Mexico he ate them nearly every day. He told me, “Mom, I want you to make Mexican eggs like Dad always.”
And every evening, the house was filled with screams of joy, laughter, and the sounds of “Chango!” (Spanish for “monkey”) — the wild game of wrestling, pillow fights, tickling, and giggling the boys played with their dad on the bed.
For me, it was bliss: I got to sit nearby working on KnitFreedom and listen to their joy filling the house.
And every evening, the house was filled with screams of joy, laughter, and the sounds of “Chango!” (Spanish for “monkey”) — the wild game of wrestling, pillow fights, tickling, and giggling the boys played with their dad on the bed.
For me, it was bliss: I got to sit nearby working on KnitFreedom and listen to their joy filling the house.
Parenting Together
We also had the gift of time to practice parenting together. Carlos started learning the Nurtured Heart Approach, and the boys even put him in “reset” when he broke a rule (like talking with his mouth full). It was a beautiful, positive consistency we all shared.
Small but Big Milestones
Max also made progress in his potty training, announcing proudly, “Mom, put a diaper on me, I’m gonna go poop.” His idea, his way, and it worked.
And because we didn’t have a crib, he began putting himself down for nap: after a morning of adventures, he’d climb onto the bed and fall asleep without a fuss. Independence blooming right before my eyes.
And because we didn’t have a crib, he began putting himself down for nap: after a morning of adventures, he’d climb onto the bed and fall asleep without a fuss. Independence blooming right before my eyes.
Adventures Beyond the Beach
We ventured out, too. One day we visited Carlos’s family ranch, where he’s growing pineapple for harvest. We swam in a cold, refreshing river (and collected our fair share of mosquito bites), and the kids took turns eating a huge ripe mango knocked down fresh from a tree.
Another day we drove through the jungle to find cocos de aceite — little orange coconuts you peel with your teeth to eat the sweet flesh.
And of course, we indulged in our favorite local foods: tacos al pastor, paletas y aquas de fruta (fresh fruit drinks and popsicles), and chicken mole and machaca (eggs with dried beef) from a beloved local spot called Naty’s.
And of course, we indulged in our favorite local foods: tacos al pastor, paletas y aquas de fruta (fresh fruit drinks and popsicles), and chicken mole and machaca (eggs with dried beef) from a beloved local spot called Naty’s.
A Birthday to Remember
One of the most special parts of the trip was celebrating Milo’s sixth birthday with his abuela. She’s a cake maker by trade, and she created the cake of his dreams. Milo chose rainbows all around, a giant Sonic the Hedgehog topper, and sprinkled colored balls on top by himself.
In classic Mexican tradition, after the candles and song, the birthday child takes a big bite out of the cake. Milo dove in, face first, laughing.
We brought the cake home afterward, and each morning the kids delighted in tossing crumbs out to the chickens, watching them run to snatch the pieces.
Grateful for Time Together
We cooked, we talked, we laughed. We enjoyed hot coffee in the mornings and cool air-conditioning at night. And listened to the roosters crow while watching our kids grow and blossom in a place that feels like home.
It was, in every way, a trip full of life: joyful, cooperative, adventurous, and deeply, deeply good.
More Moments from Mexico
Here are a few more snapshots that didn’t make it into the main story but capture the heart of our trip—sun-soaked beaches, quiet walks, joyful play, and everyday adventures that made the time so special.
✨ I’d love to hear from you!
Have you ever taken your kids (or grandkids) on a trip that felt both fun and restorative? Or maybe you’ve found yourself learning unexpected lessons about family rhythms while traveling? Share your stories in the in the comments – I always love reading your reflections and connecting with you there. 💙
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