OEM #1: Veracruz

Operation Experience Mexico (OEM) is our attempt to suck the life out of our remaining days here in this beautiful country. So far, OEM has included a monsterous road trip, visiting Veracruz, Palenque, San Cristobol de las Casas, San Juan Chamula, Oaxaca, Puebla, San Miguel de Allende, Atotonilco, Queretaro, Mexico City. The trip was fun, but the “road” part of it, not so much. The kids inherited my weak stomach and vomit was to be had everywhere.
On that lovely note, let the pictures begin:
The kids had been begging to go to the beach, so for their week off for Dia de los Muertos, our first stop was Veracruz.
View of the main square from our hotel room.

A hurricane was hitting the Yucatan when we were there, so it was a tad windy.

Proud members of the NRA:

Fort San Juan de Ulua. It was a fort, presidential palace, armory, and prison.

Much of the fort was made from coral reef.

The prison was considered the worst in the country since the cells were so humid: see stalactites/stalagmites:

The beach was short-lived since it was so windy.

Party bus. We were told the bus wouldn't leave until there were more people. So the kids and I did a recruiting dance...and surprisingly, it worked.

Temple of Veracruz:

The funny thing about this dress is that David bought it for Claire the day before. How do they grow so quickly?