Cinco de Mayo Birthday and Mothers Day Weekend!

Even though Ernesto said he didn't want anything special for his birthday, I know better than that. Besides, it's cinco de mayo and that alone is reason for a fiesta! I had to throw something together quickly, but luckily we have the best neighbors/friends in the world, and they are always available for a good time!!

Good food always keeps our friends coming back too. And the food was muuuuuy rica (if I do say so myself!) Tomatillo pork, roasted in the crockpot all day, served with a hot habanero salsa, guacamole, served on fresh corn tortillas...and of coarse, beans.

Besides providing delicious food, the hostesses needs to set the tone.....

I have had this dress for years, and although it is not "authentic" it is still reminiscent of Mexico. My baby girl, on the other hand, is a true mexi-cana and wears dresses Straight Outta Mexico! This beauty was a gift from her abuela.

She is such and indecisive dresser. At first she thought she would wear this yellow number,

but then remembered she had the pink dress and it was perfect for the occasion. Ridiculous! (I KNOW!)

I did my usual sombrero round-up of the attendees...a good turn out considering the last minute invites.

I didn't quite have 44(!) candles, but oh well. These boys have got a LOT of hot air for 14 or 44 candles.

Yes sirree, that was one delicious cakey cake! Chocolate ginger with a bourbon sauce!

Thank you very much Martha Stewart!

The day started bright and early, because the kids were so excited that there were presents waiting to be opened!

Papi got a Bucky-Bucks Atlanta coffee mug, a "Rep Your Hood" Grant Park T-shirt, some dri-fit underwear for his Tough Mudder race (2 days after his birthday) and [the coolest gift] a wood nose glasses holder.

I know, totally random.

He didn't think he needed one of these.....until he saw it. How cute is that? We all agreed that that was the perfect gift for papi because he is always looking for his glasses. Now lets see if he puts them on the nose!

After presents, the next order of business was the pinata. Anything candy related is top priority in our house.

The taco pinata (found in Target) was perfect for our non-theme, taco dinner birthday party. And the taco shirts? Well, those just could not be passed up (also at Target).

We thought a great birthday could be spent on the Beltline. It actually was a little bit chilly, but ended being great. We always park at Krog St and make our way down to Piedmont Park. The Ponce City Market is a great place of course to stop for a snacky snack.
How about some South African dried spiced meats (from beef to specialty jerky meats like elk, venison, and ostrich) from Biltong Bar. So. Delicious!

Mateo was riding his bike on this trip

Due to the chilly and windy day, the birthday boy decided a kite was in order. (Purchased off the Beltline at Richards Variety)

They got it pretty high and were running all over the grass. Can you see it to the right just above the trees below?

The birthday boy said he had a nice day and I believe him.

Outside Paris on Ponce

One day late, but guess who made it for Nesters birthday weekend?!

Bruno!!!

And tio Brrrian!!!!

While Ernesto was out tearing apart his body in the Tough Mudder (an 11 mile race of obstacle courses) Saturday morning, we took Bruno to the Piedmont Dog Park.

Papi was pretty worn out when he got home that afternoon, but said it was a blast and that I should do it with him next time! I would be game, why not!? Look at the cool souvenier you get when you complete it! (along with a sore body!)

Mothers day started with the farmers market of course, and our old neighbors and good friends (hello Canias!) were in town. The kids, even though they had not seen each other in a year and a half, jumped right in and had a great time running around together.

I can't believe we didn't even snap a picture together! (UGH, what were we thinking BETH!?)

I am sooooooo wishing that they will move back to Atlanta!

I am one grateful mama this year! Three beautiful kids?! How did I get so lucky? The happiness I feel everyday with my family outweighs the headaches from these guys (also daily)! All you mamas out there know what Im talking about! Plus I am totally a "glass half FULL" kind of girl, so I tend to focus on the good stuff. Viva Cindy!!

 

And this little lady? Well, as of yet, she can do no wrong.

Also, is my nose really that big? I don't feel like it is, but some angles of me in pictures and I am taken aback! Narizona!

Ernesto took the boys to the Braves that day with our friends Floyd and Richard. We had made plans to go with them a week before, but then at the last [hot and sweaty] minute I thought, maybe I need a few hours away for Mothers Day. Of course, after I went to a couple stores and was driving around I felt like I missed my family and that I should be with them. UGH! The mommy guilt is REAL!

The kids made me cute little cards for Mother's Day.

While Ernesto gave me a sweet card and flowers from the kids. All a day later. Because Ernesto likes to do things differently. Not by Hallmark's timeline. (I'll remember that on Fathers Day. Ha!)

Seriously though, sweet cards win in my book. A blue pot is always nice too:)