Some Relaxing Times
Emma playing ball in the Zócalo.
Ben"jamón" (Ben-ham in Spanish) as Tio Tavo (Uncle Tavo) calls him - playing together.
Abuela Chagua swinging Ben in the hammok.
Emma found the gata!
We got to go out on a date once or twice while the kids were sleeping. Here we were shoe shopping for us, but we ended up coming back with shoes for Emma :P
Carnaval
Day 2 in Veracruz was the beginning of this huge parade to kick off the annual Carnaval - much like Mardi Gras, but more family-oriented (from what I saw, at least). This was also the first day we noticed Emma was not herself. Poor thing had an ear infection and we're dragging her all around town. Everybody was so excited to go to the parade I didn't want to be a party pooper and insist on putting the kids to bed instead. So, we went - and it was truly a disaster.
Papi and Ben waiting for a taxi to take us downtown.
Emma and Abuela Chagua waiting for the taxi, too.
Emma was so exhausted she passed out in Emmanuel's arms - despite the noise from the crowds.
One of the best-looking floats I saw.
Another cool float.
The disaster was this. We were sitting in bleachers. We got there last because we couldn't find a taxi to take all of us, and the lady in charge sold our seats. She managed to squeeze us in the entrance to the bleachers on the bottom row because she felt bad for selling our tickets. It was the highest traffic area of the whole set of bleachers because it was the entrance. Once the parade got going and it got dark out, people started getting really rude. They were standing up so no one could see, they were leaving and then coming back, and they took no notice to the 3 kids that were with us. The latter part is what ticked me off the most. So every time somebody decided to go get a drink, we all had to get up or move completely to make room for them to get out. Then once the parade started, those who didn't have tickets or seats tried to squeeze in the entrance without being noticed. This made our space go from very little to nothing at all. I put up with it for about 30 minutes for my in-laws sake's. Then I went ballistic. First, this mid-30's guy kept pushing up behind me. Then this flock of teenagers almost trampled Emma. I stood up, told my in-laws we had to leave NOW, and pushed through the crowd with Emma in my arms yelling "move!" and telling the lady in charge, "I can't believe we PAID for this!". I am still trying to figure out what happened to me haha. I really lost my cool. I think it was in part a claustrophobic reaction. And I was appalled by the way those people weren't taking any notice to our little ones and how Emma almost got hurt by one of them. Oh, and it was wicked late and I was worried about Emma's ear and getting her to bed. So, I made a scene, I pulled a "Dale Numbers", but it was worth it. I think my in-laws like me more because of it haha. At least they know now that I have a strong opinion once provoked, regardless of the language and I'm not some weird mute gringa.
Let's party!
The kids did super our first night traveling. Emma slept through the night and was actually excited to be in the hotel. When we arrived in Veracruz, the whole family was buzzing with excitement. Not only had we just arrived, but it was the event of the year for the Garrido's - Emmanuel's Dad's birthday party.
The birthday man - 76 years old! Can you believe he still goes to work in the hot sun everyday?
And his lovely wife...she made that cake.
He was pretty happy to meet Ben. Too bad my babies are so heavy he can't carry them long...
A birthday dance :)
We had to get there first.
I don't know why we're still trying to be adventurous now that we have 2 kids, but we decided to drive to the border, cross, stay in a hotel overnight, and fly the next morning from Reynosa to Veracruz.
Almost to the border! Getting a little nervous at this point...the news in Reynosa is pretty scary.
You know you're in Mexico when...
There are military tanks with armed men all around the Mexico side of the border...pretty creepy. Reynosa is like the armpit of Mexico, really.
Sweet Emma and Papi watching our airplane ride arrive. She was so excited!
How could I resist a few diaper shots?! I mean look at those rolls! Ben is 3 and a half months and is weighing in at around 16 lbs. He's officially discovered his hands and 12 hours of sleep at night! I am in heaven. Love you, Ben!
