Mateo's Garbage Truck Birthday!

We had a cute little party for Mateo on his birthday.  And then flew to San Diego the next morning.   My computer was on the fritz while we were out there, (still isn't quite right) and so all the party pictures were trapped.
No.  More.

How is this little guy three already? He is such a character.  Makes me want to pull my hair out laugh every single day.  He is talking up a storm.  It blew up just one month before his birthday and just as we suspected...he will not stop!

We planned a little party with our neighbors and friends.  Of course it had to be a garbage truck birthday party, because this boy is OBSESSED!  Garbage trucks and trash cans are by far the most popular toys.  (and have been for almost a year!)  He can entertain himself hours.
That part is great.  What is not so great is that playing with said garbage trucks means there has to be trash.   And there's lots of it.  Here is a sampling.

At some point in the day (everyday!) this it is scattered all over my floor.
Sometimes I have to laugh at the things I will find in his trash cans/trucks.  Stuff laying around the house.  Can't leave any magazines around that I want to read, because this will be torn up.   A box of tissues doesn't last too long, and food isn't off limits either.  If it's small and lost, check in the garbage trucks.
Back to the party!
I made a little "MATEO" bunting and re-used the "Feliz Cumpleaños" bunting from his first birthday party.  Balloons.

Papi made a cute garbage truck out of construction paper.


Ernesto said he would take care of the food, and that he did.  He ordered tamales from a lady who makes them out of her home and they were delicious!!  We just had to take care of the salsas, beans... and the cake!  I baked a chocolate box cake with homemade  buttercream frosting.  Ernesto drew a simple little design with....you guessed it...a garbage truck!

He was so excited to blow out his candles.  We lit candles for a week so he could practice blowing them out.  Needless to say, he is pretty good at it.

He got a race car, a remote control monster truck, puzzles, and more!  

His favorite present though?  You guessed it......

 

Of course we kept the piñata tradition alive and bought a huge star from the Mexican store near us.

This guy is a great swinger.  We are going to have to put him in little league soon! 

All the kids gave it a smack or two and finally it BURST!

Honestly, the piñata was sorta chafa looking, but the kids didn't notice.  It was filled with candy which is all they care about.

We layed blankets out on the grass weeds and brought the toy baskets out to encourage the kids to stay outside with the adults. 
The party was a success!  The only bad/sad part was that it was the last time to enjoy the company of my wonderful neighbors - the Canias.   Beth and I became so close over the past couple years, I am seriously sad without her.
 

They packed up and moved to New York when we were in San Diego. We have spent the last two years stay-at-home parenting together and I can't tell you what a sanity-saver it is to have another mom with kids your age just outside your door.  They lived just 5 houses down and their house is for sale. They can never be replaced.  Best.  Neighbors.  Ever!  I wish them success (of course!) but Im [not so] secretly hoping they move back to Atlanta. 

16 Months {Marcelo's Monthly Photo}

Craigslist calling Atlantans!!

I think the best way to welcome myself back to the ATL is by doing a little craigslist stalking and I couldn't resist sharing with you the things I don't have room for....I hope one of you do. 

You can't go wrong with these classic cane/chrome italian chairs. I'm sure you can get them down from the $225 they are asking for all six. 

I love this vintage wood/faux bamboo dining set although what I really want are just the chairs. $275. Again, work out a deal. 

Set of seven mid century Thayer Coggins dining chairs for $275- that's a good price!

Mid century high boy for $200

Although a horrible pic, this mid century long dresser looks like its in great condition and it's only $150

This cool mid century floor lamp is only $40

Beautiful mid century desk $75- whaaaa? Great price.  Maybe the top is laminate?  

Love love loving this beautiful mint condition mid century sofa....if only it was not white. $375 is great for a like-new sofa, but I would still try to offer less.

Look at the pattern too. Ugh! My mind is racing...maybe I could put covers on the cushions to child-proof for a few years., ha!

Really cute  charcoal gray loveseat for $250 - I think it's new, but def has that clean lined mid century look. 

These two Hollywood Regency club chairs are cute and if the gray velvet is in good condition these would be a steal for $125

Beautiful Broyhill dining table with six chairs.  Polish this up and change the fabric on the chairs. Simple and $300. Done and done! 

If these two night stands/tables aren't really red as shown in the pic, I would be interested.  If they are red? Paint!  Love the square simple lines and the huge brass hardware is icing on the cake.  Both for  $225. 

This set of 6 vintage Thonet Cantilever chairs is pretty awesome and for $300 a good deal.  I would prefer them with a wood table as opposed the glass one they are pictured with...

What do you think? Do any of these strike your fancy?

I am making room for one think I found a few days ago while still in San Diego.  It's a huge wood dining table on a brass base.  I am going to pick it up tomorrow and I can't wait to shine that brass up until it sparkles! 

It will fit  my [6] dining chairs around it, so I am pretty happy.  I have been using my $60 stand-in dining table for a couple years now (also from Craigslist) and while it has been functional, it never was my style.  

I'll share pics as soon as it's in place. 

San Diego Part II

 

I
This was the kids first time to Sea World and they LOVED it!  They lasted until 430p (with no nap)

More playing in the sand....this time at Pacific Beach

 A little day trip to San Clemente
Eating seafood at Fisherman's [restaurant on the pier]




Primos at play (Mateo shared his favorite garbage truck videos with Julian y Jimena)

At the beach in Del Mar.....
This guy is not afraid of water or sand....covered head to toe.
Tio Tavo has a Go Pro camera and a drone he attaches it to and flies with a remote control.  It's crazy cool.  Needless to say the boys were fascinated with his helicoptero.  Mateo was all up in his business asking questions and wanting to fly it.

Day trip to Julian in the mountains for apples....Carmel and pie! Mmmmmm
It was a great 2.5 weeks spent with family.  We got home last night at midnight, after flying through LA of all places.  Those darn San Diego flights are tough.  The kids got to bed so late and still woke up at 8 am!?  Whaaaa?  So much for the time change.
Ernesto will be starting to install Christmas lights next week already.  It's time to get back to work again! So crazy how fast this year has gone.  We are looking forward to a great season and getting back out to San Diego when we finish up:)