Thanks JDiver. Looked around many of the neighborhoods you mentioned and ended up renting a 5b/3ba house for the whole family in Oaxtepec a few blocks from Lomas de Cocoyoc from Airbnb. It was located on a hillside which gave a great view of all the fireworks going off on NYE. We were pretty well situated with food, drink and games so didn't venture out much - just enjoyed the pool and a lot of family time. Great views of the 17,800ft el Popo volcano.

We did go to Six Flags waterpark early on NYE which was fantastic timing because the park was virtually empty and lines were no more than 10 minutes for all the rides; we got to do each one at least 3 times. I suspect that would not be possible on a normal day. TIP: purchase tickets online in advance and save more than 50% OR, they often offer a special discount for bringing in either an unopened or empty 300ml coca cola product with top. The online offer was not valid the day of NYE so we walked to the OXXO across the street, purchased $9us of cokes, brought them back to the ticket office and saved $54us on tickets for the family.

Although the temperature was about 26C/80F we were quite surprised to experience snow falling from the sky, black snow at that! At first I thought it was from el Popo but it was not actively spewing any ash. Turns out it is ash from the burning of sugar cane crops. a fun talking point for the children in our family.

One thing I am learning about Airbnb - the host was very nice but the website is very much like a dating app - the place is not as good-looking in person as its photos on the website. Look at photos very carefully and expect things to be not less than they appear. But that was okay - it was good to be out of the relative "cold" of Toluca and in the warmth of Cuernavaca for 5 days with family and I always bring a bit more patience and a lowered expectation of quality when traveling away from a major western metro/suburban area. Its the time with family that counts most.

We will definitely be going back - beautiful countryside and not far from Mexico (City).