San Diego: Part II

It hasn't been all beach this trip.  (part 1 here)

We also went to Mexico a couple times. DUH!!  Even after all these years of visiting San Diego every year, I just can't get over the fact that you can drive to there for lunch...yes we did. 

We made it to a great restaurant recommended by Ernesto's cousin and it was AWE.SOME.

Besides having cute little props for the kids, the food did. not. suck.

This little mexican-a knows how to dress for any occasion.  Mexico?  How about an embroidered dress [from Mexico]?

Ernesto's brother Tavo planned a family day out.  It was a sooooooo fun!  He actually did some research on kid friendly restaurants and he did gooood! Right behind our 2 "family style" tables was a fenced in kids area equip with toys.  

We were able to relax, enjoy a few beers and indulge in adult conversations.  We didn't stop there.  The party continued at a beer garden close by (but I forget the name?!?) where the kids continued to have fun running around. 

On the walk there we passed this wall o' succulents that was magnificent.  #dreamgarden

Baby girl had no problem keeping up with her older primos. She was up and down up and down.

Usually Im not a fan of the fish eye lens on people, but this came out really cool!

We love being in San Diego for 4th of July.  Im not sure how many times we have seen the parade on Coronado, but it never gets old.  In fact, since we had kids, it is even better.  (although biking there -as we used to do before kids-was way cooler)

Yep, we were there early!

Definitely not usual for us, but we were meeting friends:)

Although the first time hanging out, our kids acted like old friends.  Isn't that funny how kids can just jump into playing right after meeting??

Beaches are just conducive to playing!

....and let's not forget napping in the sun!

Thanks to these three long-time buddies, we enjoyed a nice family beach party!

It's all about "fun" and finding something to explore when we are out here.  (although sitting at home with family also happens quite a bit, and that is pretty great as well!)

These guys have never missed an ice cream truck passing. 

For the first time in....EVER...we organized a "girls night out!"  I can't believe we had never done this before!  SO FUN!!!

We started at a cute place called The Goldfinch in Mission Hills.  Drinks, many delicious apps and photos.

We made our way to Little Italy, but ultimately only took a picture [with a GORGEOUS succulent wall]

and ended up at Mr. J's.  Drinks and a beautiful sunset on a rooftop?  Yesssssssssss.

We had so much fun!  A lot of laughs and NO INTERRUPTIONS.  Moms out there know this is GOLD!

The day before leaving Ernesto was golfing.  I realized we had not yet gone to Torrey Pines and that made me sad.  I packed up 3 kids myself and we started on the trail.  Man it was beautiful.....

BUT I should have parked waaaaaaay closer without a stroller.   We never made it down to the water. Everyone was tired and whiny = not fun. So I pulled the plug.  I tried. Wha-whaaaaaa.

After 5 weeks in San Diego, you KNOW I racked up quite a succulent collection.  

How did I transport all of them.  Well, in a diaper box, of course. 

Also could not leave without taking this piece of history.

Ernesto's parents are going to be starting some construction in a few months and you never know what plants may not make it through.  Ernesto and I planted this cactus probably 12-15 years ago??
It was just a couple feet high (if that!) and now its huge! I cut that bad boy with a kitchen knife and it was  the cherry on top of my carry-on bag of plants.

My three little bronzed Summer blondies patiently waiting to get on the plane.  (yeah right!) 

TWENTY ONE MONTHS {Paloma's Monthly Photo}

Oh my baby girl ..eres tan BONITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

Your hair is getting so long.  Up, down or straight out of bed, I am loving your blondie locks!  It is fine and seems to tangle easily in the back, just like mama's.  I'm sorry.  Luckily, your skin soaks in the Summer like a true mexi-CAN-a, like your papi.  (#bronzedbeauty)

You are so outgoing.  That smile, your laugh.  Im so in love. You make friends with everyone.  Kissing on command and out of the blue too.

You are napping like a champ and still breastfeeding a few times a day.  I really don't think you neeeeed it anymore, but by golly you love that leche, and I have to admit I still enjoy our quiet time together....so why not?  In my head, there is a hard cut off of chi-chi at two years old, but I never like to set things in stone.

You are talking up a storm.  Your vocabulary amazes me!  Talking in sentences even.
I want to eat you up you are so cute...and I do everyday, those cheeks are sooooooo kissable.
Te quiero mucho mi bonita, chiquita, muñeca, mamacita.
tu mami 

Marcelo Turns FOUR!

Marcelo got kind of lucky this year with his birthday. I mean this Georgia boy had a BEACH birthday party.  And because his birthday was on a Wednesday, we held it the Saturday before his actual birthday.  Well, then what?? Were we going to just sit around that day and pretend it's not his birthday because we already celebrated it??  Yeah right! 

TWO Celebrations!!

The beach party was a no-brainer.  Get all the cousins together to play at the beach all day! 

Of course getting a good spot on the beach on a Saturday in the Summer means going a liiiiiiittle bit early. 

Perfect location. Right in-between the playground and the water. 

Even after our LAST MINUTE invitations, we had a nice little crowd to celebrate!

We packed a table, chairs, blankets and a few decorations for the tent.  
Food wise, we played the easy card with pizza, fresh fruit and veges, and a buy-it-off-the-shelf Minions cake from Ralphs!
It was perfect!  The birthday boy was so happy!

On his actual birthday, the following Wednesday, the boys woke up early to a couple presents on the table.

Mateo had already negotiated his job as "assistant unwrapper" the night before.  

"Marcelo can I help you open your presents?" Big brother asked.

Marcelo said  "Sur"

Shocker!  More Imaginext on the wish list.  The morning flew by, the boys occupied with the new spoils. 

We wanted to do something fun and different to celebrate the day.  And the San Diego County Fair was up and running in Del Mar.  Done and done.

We caught a western cowboys skit and they were fascinated!  

Guns were blasting and questions flying.  "Mami is that a real gun? Are they bad guys?" Although a little uneasy, Marcelo wanted to be up close with these villains. 

Also, very random, we witnessed a turkey race.  Whaaaaaa??

When we arrived back to abuela's, all the cousins and neighbors were waiting for us, ready to celebrate!  Again with the store bought cupcakes. 

My beautiful boy!  FOUR and looking so BIG.....and stylish in his new Vans!  (thanks Alex!)

I forgot to include in his "likes" above: CUTTING HAIR!  UGH!  No, I didn't cut his bangs that short. Please.  Still, is it me or is he just super cute even with the uneven hack job??