July 7- Goodbye Crete

 Our last full day in Crete consisted of discovering PISTA PARK!!! These race cars were AMAZING. They weren't exactly slow and I may have spun out multiple times and still beat everyone. I was trying to check us into our flight while we were checking in for the race cars. Sometimes as a mother everyone thinks it's your responsibility to do everything. It's not. You're welcome.

Once we got all checked in and our flight confirmed, I was able to relax and enjoy racing in the heat. We were racing some Canadians and were probably going maybe 50 mph. Eli, Ella, Joe and I really loved it. We then went to the waterpark across the way. It was actually pretty nice!! Jody lost goggles in the lazy river, we did the zip line drop into a pool, and lots of slides! Me, Eli and Jody also crashed hard in the lawn to the sound of cicadas. The heat was hot. There was a steep white slide that Eli went on and it wasn't as bad as he thought. I will say that Greek waterparks feel a little less safe than American waterparks. But Eli was opposite, he liked the hills of Greece versus the metal stair towers at Wild Waters.

Our last meal in Crete was epic. Gorgeous trees, sunset, amazing food... Eli finally got a steak his last night in Crete. For some odd reason they were giving him pork steaks. Still delicious, he was just confused because it said steak and wasn't beef steak. He learned that if they didn't ask you what cooked temp you wanted then it would probably be pork. Our waiter gave me a big hug and was surprised when I the woman was paying... God bless Greek Men who think women are helpless. We ended the night with a little walk down to gelato, Dubai chocolate being the recent craze and slept soundly. 

The air BNB was really spacious and everyone was comfortable. It was centrally located and super convenient for walking. Would definitely stay there again. Do have to mention the bathroom Jody and I used. We had a little bathtub we sat down in with a hand held water spray. The jets didn't work so black dirt came out when you turned it on. AMERICAN PLUMBING FOR THE WIN.

July 6- Elafonisi Beach, The Most Beautiful Beach in the World

Yup. This is hands down the world's most beautiful beach. 

But first, how to get there! Wind your way down the windiest windy roads of hell behind slow moving giant tourist buses that are backing into you without stopping so you better move quick but there are cars behind you, so God blesses you with angelic grace and somehow you live. Mind you the kids are terrified of the wasps too so Nina is getting carsick in the back with no fresh air for 1 hour.

Once you get there it's a good mile walk to the beach. Once at the beach, all the chairs and umbrellas are taken because after all, this is the world's most beautiful beach, but fortunately there are bushes!! Jay and Rachel have a 6th sense about where shade will land and we take to water while they enjoy the sights. The sand was pink, but barely. The sand also was a perfect temperature and didn't burn your feet at all.

The water is stunning. It is the perfect temperature. The waves are extremely mild, if any. The people are so happy. The Italian men are pouncing around. The women are in thongs and butt cheeks are out. Honestly, where are they getting these swimsuits?? Asking for a friend.

We waded and swam and enjoyed the sun. There was a snack stand and we had great sandwiches and ice cream. It was such a glorious day. It was our matching wild animal print day. The kids were relaxed and happy. We were relaxed and happy. We are very blessed to have witness the world's most beautiful beach.

We headed home and enjoyed a date night with Jay and Rachel. The cicadas were loud and obnoxious and at one point I thought it was a dying bird. But again... THE FOOD. Another adventure and another amazing and fulfilling day.

Nina and Saul also had a date night- Greek Sushi!!! Surprise! It's not really sushi. But they still had a lovely time.

Maria hosted a sibling night and took everyone out to buy snacks. They enjoyed watching Alvin and the Chipmunks and had a life lesson on the importance of not fighting as siblings through the teachings of Alvin. They will always have that happy memory thanks to their wonderful sister. They went AWOL on snacks.