Happy 70th Birthday Dad!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!

  When my mom turned 65, we made a book for her.  Each of my siblings/in laws designed a page.  Some were sappy and some were funny, but all were heartfelt.  She laughed and she cried while reading it...and so did we.  It was so special.  

A few weeks ago I was chatting with my brother Bill.  We came up with an idea for a birthday surprise for my dad.  After all, turning 70 is a big deal, right?!  I knew he was going to be in San Diego with us, so we decided we should throw together a video for him to watch there.  I volunteered to put it together.  A video producer I am not, but with imovie, it is pretty easy to  make something cool.  Plus it is really fun.  I only wish I had had more time to mess around with it.
Nonetheless, it turned out so nice.
We made my dad sit down at the table in the morning to watch his surprise.  He laughed uncontrollably and cried a lot of tears as well.  That is success in my book.  Here is the proof.

You can watch the video here.  There are some privacy settings so just email me for the password if you would like to watch.  (friends & family)

My parents have been out here in San Diego with us for the last week.  This is my dad's favorite coffee mug out here.  This just makes me laugh.  

 We've done a lot...of relaxing.  Cook outs, beach time, pool, walking in the park, playing cards, lounging in the back yard and chasing Mateo.

{playing at Pacific Beach}

Since my dad loves seafood,  we headed south of the border to Puerto Nuevo for lobster to celebrate his birthday.   We ate at Sandra's, a recommendation from Ernesto's cousin who lives in Tijuana.  It looked like my dream house from the outside.  White stucco, brick/stonework and large wood windows.  Oh and the gorgeous ficus trees outside. 

It wasn't on the water, which is why it is overlooked by most tourists, but the locals know this is where to come for the best food.  It was quite a bit more expensive than the other restaurants and since I have never had a bad lobster in Puerto Nuevo, I was skeptical of the higher prices.  

But I have two words for you.  

Snail.  Salad. 

Besides the typical menu of lobster, beans and tortillas,  Sandra's had creative dishes that aren't served at any of the other places.  This salad will be a regular item for me now whenever we go to Puerto Nuevo.  The snails were cut in thin slices, and paired with chopped tomatoes, avocado, onion and....wait for it.....blue cheese.  All that tossed in a vinegar dressing.  So unexpected and sooooooo delicious!  We ordered 6 lobsters which were steamed then finished off on the grill.  The.  Bomb.

Im glad our parents like hanging out together.  Also, Ernesto and I are extremely lucky that both of us love being around our in-laws.  They are a lot of fun!

We made the obligatory stroll around the shops in Puerto Nuevo.  

I wanted a bag of fruit with lime & chile.  My dad wanted to find a hat.

I tried to convince him to get this hat...I mean when in Rome, right?

 The Mexican for a day and the Mexican for life. 

Instead my dad treated himself to a birthday fedora.  He looked so cute in it......and so did Mateo.

 Afterward we stopped up the coast at Calafia and sat outside for a few drinks and the sunset.  Perfect!

We topped the night off with an interesting wait at the border.  It took us an hour and 10 minutes.  My parents were impressed by Ernesto's mom's driving in all the crazy traffic.  Due to a lane closing, we had to fight our way over a couple lanes to the checkpoint, and people are bumper to bumper as to not let any cutters in.  We were all entertained by these characters...

tijuana border crossing entertainment from Cindy Espinoza on Vimeo.

My dad said that he had a great birthday, and I believe him.  How could he not? It was a perfect day! I love you dad! Im so glad we got to spend your birthday together! 

Greetings from San Diego

Ahhh...If only we could live on this street [in Point Loma].  We have been in sunny San Diego for just over a week now and the weather has been surprisingly hot and humid.  Not like Atlanta, but unusual for here.  No one has air conditioning either, so it has been a bit uncomfortable. We are enjoying being outside anyway. Mateo is loving hanging out with his cousins Jimena and Juliana.  Juliana is 6 months older and and Jimena is 6 months younger.  The 2 older kids are very into kissing! 

So cute how she lovingly holds his cheeks.  They love playing in abuelas fountain in the back yard, watering plants, getting in and out of the wagon, throwing balls and cooling off in the pool/sprinkler.

Trying to get all the little cousins to look at the camera at the same time is nearly impossible.  Would you believe that the craziest of all the little kids was the only one who looked when I snapped this?

Little Marcelo has been snoozing a lot in this new little bouncy seat that we picked up at Target once we got here.  This was a great purchase and will be coming back to Atlanta with us.  Its easily moved from room to room, to outside and to other people's houses.   

He has also had no problems with the 3 hour time change.  He actually started sleeping even longer.  He is up to 9-10 hours straight at night! yeah!  (He started sleeping through the night at 7 weeks!)
Mateo did not adjust as smoothly.  After 5 nights of waking up at 6 or 7am...Atlanta time...he is now on track again sleeping until 630am San Diego time.  whew!

We've made it to the beach twice so far.  After seeing the OB Noodle House on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, we chose Ocean Beach to hang out so we could eat lunch there.  Good choice!  The beach is really close to parking (as opposed to the long haul at Coronado) and this makes all the difference when you have 2 kids, bags, and an umbrella.  Once you set up camp though....it's pretty darn nice.  Oh! and the OB Noodle House was excellent.  Check it out!

[Pacific Beach Breastfeeding} 

We've had lots of carne asadas (cookouts) with family.  The biggest one at the Navarrada family reunion in Mexico a couple weeks ago.  You would not believe the amount of food.  It was there I saw the biggest bowl of guacamole in the world.   

It always feels like a vacation here.  It doesn't hurt that mis suegras have a resort-like back yard complete with posh furniture, lush tropical plants, and a gorgeous fountain surrounded by walls covered with creeping fig.  Food is all-inclusive and you never get sick of it [like at other all inclusive resorts].

Mateo is really taking advantage of the relaxed California lifestyle.  Outdoor living at it's best.

Ernestos cousins Pepe and Veronica have an awesome outdoor area with pool, hot tub, and a great view. It's perfect for hanging out and enjoying sunsets.  

Although that is not what entices us to their house.  Can you say shrimp ceviche and calamari cocktail? Ridiculous!!  Pepe is always cooking up something delicious and loves to share!  Ok, twist my arm, I'll eat it! (I guess I should mention that they are fun to be with too:)

Mateo was quite timid in the water, but after repeated teasing and persistence from his papi he is loving it.

Brace yourself....Im about to show you the cutest photo ever.

Yep, more of the kissing cousins.  Isn't this the most romantic pic? (albeit fuzzy)

Neto had to watch the first OSU football game at the Moondoggies (a sports bar in Pacific Beach where OSU fans go) Even though I am not a big sports fan, the bar had great energy.  The game started at 9am west coast time, and everyone was cheering and having a blast.
It made me want to get drunk.  wah wah:(
I had one IPA and half way into the glass - mission accomplished.  Ok, not really, but I did I feel a buzz. Ha! I am such a cheap date now.

We will probably be out here a couple more weeks, hopefully Atlanta will cool down by then.
My parents flew in Sunday night so I'll have more adventures and pictures to share...on the next post:)

Month Two {Marcelo's Monthly Photo}

Month 23 {Mateo's Monthly Photo}

** You can tell by Mateo's face that he is glad the monthly photo shoots are ending next month. Ha!

A few others that I snapped:

Surprise Ohio Trip

Even though my brother and his family were just in Atlanta visiting us, when my dad suggested we fly up and surprise my siblings for my niece's birthday party,  I thought it was a great idea.
We got on a Saturday morning flight ....in first class! yeah!  Mateo sat with his papi.  It was actually the first flight where he was interested in looking out the window on take-off and landing!

 Marcelo sat with mama, right behind the guys.  Yes I had the easier job, but hey this boy needs to go with the milk!  (Sorry mi amor, but he will also need me for the 4 hour flight to San Diego next week!)

 He was perfect boy on his inaugural flight!  The flight attendant brought his first set of wings!

 Ohio was a great escape weather wise.  It was 80 and sunny.  Not sticky like Atlanta. Just perfect for sitting outside, which is what we did for every meal at my parents.

 There was also a lot of napping and relaxing going on.

 I brought my new little portable bed for Marcelo.  My mom picked it up for me on Craigslist so we could take it to San Diego next week.  It worked like a charm, but Im afraid our little guy is not going to fit in this thing for long.  Oh well, it was only $10.  Good for a couple trips.

What I didn't have is a portable bathtub, but you know the kitchen sink is a great substitute.  

Eleanor's birthday party was wonderful.  We snuck in the back yard and everyone was so surprised to see us.  Barbie even cried (crybaby crybaby) and it made me feel so good.  You know I love surprises!!
The lucky little birthday girl wanted a rainbow Hello Kitty party and that is exactly what she got.  Barbie is a great party planner and always goes the extra mile to make a party special.  It's all in the details.

The cousins got another full day of fun on Monday.  It is just so cute watching them play. 

 Of course there was a lot of grandma and grandpa time too.

These sure are some lucky grandkids!

So glad we made the trip!  It was a little trial run for the San Diego flight next week.  If this is any indication, it will be a breeze....ha!

The Arnold's Visit Atlanta!

I had wanted Bill & Barbie to come so badly.  We had had so much fun last summer when they were here.  You know, it's not too often that we get visitors.  This was actually the main reason we had another baby...so people would come visit us!** (people other than my parents, who are monthly visitors at the Casa Espinoza...we love having!!) 

But they had so much going on.  Barbie is a teacher and didn't have much time left before starting back to school.  My brother Tim was in Ohio one weekend and the next weekend our niece Kelli was graduating from OSU.  That week in between was the only time they were free.  I told them not to worry, we would get up to Ohio soon enough.   

I was really surprised when my brother Bill called to tell me his family was actually driving to Atlanta to visit us.  

He:  Puckwaa, I've got some bad news....

Me:  It's ok Puckwaa, I know you guys are busy, and it's a way to drive for just 3 days. 

He:  I cut myself shaving this morning.

Me:  Haha

He:  We will see you in Atlanta this Tuesday!

Me:  Yeah!!!!!!

We had such a great time, our two families of four.

(Barbie-I had to use this picture because your butt really balances out our elbows on the other side.  Plus this was the best picture of all of our faces:) 

We had three full days to plan and the first one was raining all day.  There was a lot of this...

Relaxing in pj's.  Ok, these guys did not relax at all. They were playing, running and getting into things all day.  And, truth be told it was really just me that stayed in my pj's all day...but, come on,  when this is your job, it makes sense to stay as comfy as possible, doesn't it?

In the afternoon the pouring rain turned into a drizzle so we walked down to the corner coffee shop for an ice cream cone and then let the kids wear themselves out at the playground. 

The next day was a zoo outing, which, fortunately for us is only a 10 minutes walk down the street. 

So. Easy.  The kids had a great time with the animals, but especially riding the train and carousel. Mateo and Luke were both passed out in the strollers (see top left pic) 5 minutes into our walk home. 

This Summer Atlanta opened the Skyview Ferris Wheel in Centennial Park downtown. The wheel is almost 20 stories high with 42 gondolas that  hold up to 6 people.  Of course we had 8 people which was fine since the kids are small. 

 I would say it is definitely a "must do" in Atlanta.

It was awesome being up so high.  Even with the  walls being glass, the kids weren't scared. I have to admit, it did make my stomach feel weird (in a good roller coaster kind of way), but what a view!

*Having a baby really does bring people to YOU.  We had visitors for the first 5 weeks of Marcelo's life (spaced out of course!) and it was wonderful.  Thanks to everyone who made the trip/drive!  Just missing one more sibling visit to make it complete.  When are you coming Tim & Michelle??

**Barbie is a "super-mom" so I like being around her in hopes she teaches me a few things. She studied childhood development and teaches family consumer science, so she always has great ideas for kids and adults alike.  On this trip she taught me how to read my food labels.  Duh! We have already cut out the high fructose corn syrup, but why was I not buying natural peanut butter/ all fruit jelly? I eat that all the time. And why would I not make pancakes from scratch? We don't eat them often, but they are so easy to make and don't have anything hydrogenated in it! Done! I have eaten a half a jar of the "new" peanut butter by myself this week and I feel a lot more healthy! ha.  Seriously though, these are little things that add up. We don't eat a lot of processed foods, but I am going to make sure the ones we do eat will be healthy ones.  Price be damned!

We also witnessed her handle a full on child breakdown at bedtime...perfectly calm.   She's my idol! Thanks for the good example Barbie!