Vale of two cities

Oh what a lovely Easter weekend we had, hope everyones was too. On good Friday we traveled to Mexicali to celebrate with my mom's side of the family. Mexicali holds a dear spot in my heart because as a little girl I spent many summers there playing with my cousins, eating raspados, and having a great time. I was so excited to show Kevin the city but we ended up celebrating at my aunts little rural casita just outside of Mexicali so he didn't exactly get to see the city...next time..It was still a great celebration with tons of food, there was ceviche tostadas, breaded fish, chiles rellenos, rice, beans, salads, lots of salsas, capirotada (I'm sorry that most of you have not had this, but I will briefly try to explain it, its a casserole type of dessert that consists of bread softened with piloncillo (sugar) and cinnamon, then fruit is added in layers..bananas, apples, dried plums, followed by raisins, nuts and cheese, its then put in the oven for 40 minutes where it all melts together. what comes out can be compared to a bread pudding only a more delicious Mexican version) DELICIOUSNESS!

The second part of our Easter weekend was celebrated with Kevin's family in Tustin..oh man, more delicious food...spaghetti with meatballs, the green thing, onion and potato caserole, rice casserole, and lots of yummy and oh so decadent desserts, dirt, lemon poppy cake, ice cream, chocolate banana bread (YUUUUUM) AHHHH, I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH WE ATE THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!!

I love that Vale (and her parents) get to be a part of such diverse families! I also loooove that Mexicans celebrate holidays early so we'll always be able to attend both families dinners. yeahy.. well, here are some of the pictures taken on Good Friday in Mexicali and also from Easter Sunday celebrated in Tustin. Enjoy!




the guys all played soccer

while their daughters cheered them on..

Vale's crew of cousins (the kids of my cousins so I guess they are second cousins)..there are about 10 cousins missing from this picture....back when we were this age, we would put on dancing and singing shows for the parents, there are videos..cringe..I think it's time to bring back that tradition!

She found one!!!Egg hunting at auntie Joann's house..

look who is back in the US of A..its uncle Max (in the background)! Vale's titas and cousins from daddy's side....

hahahaha...little jellybean toes

The last time she encountered the green stuff, she didn't know what to do with it, but several months later she knows just where it goes



my little lady is up from her morning nap so mami is signing off xxooxo

three day extravaganza

who knew these new parents would be doing so much partying..first was Christmas eve, at my parents house in San Diego





followed by Christmas day dinner at Joanne's house in Tustin





and last but not least was Kevin's b-day celebration.





three days of family, friends, food, fun and lots of super cool gifts for Valentina some honorable mentions include....a peter rabbit dish set, an all natural chewing giraffe, an Andre 3000 children's CD, the BOB drink holder, a bunting thingy for a cold outting, a sweet new years eve outfit, cheetah leg warmers, a federal reserve savings bond, gift certificates, and an array of adorable outfits....score Vale! so much fun but phew wee, I'm tired :)