Epic Playdate Weekend!

This post is brought to you by The New Santa Fe from Hyundai. Click here for information on how to win a trip for four to Los Angeles to attend Hyundai's Epic Playdate Weekend!

Every Mom and Dad has heard of playdates but have you ever considered having a playdate just as a family? Hyundai has and they are celebrating in a big way! On April 27 from 9am-5pm  at the beach in Santa Barbara, California Hyundai is holding an Epic Playdate Weekend that you can win a trip to. Other families and Bloggers such as Dooce, Mighty Girl, Oh Happy Day, Oh Joy, Say Yes To Hoboken, Girls Gone Child (my fav!), BoingBoing, and How To Be A Dad are camping on the beach and hosting workshops for kids. Some of the fun planned so far includes an ice cream sundae bar, paint fight (which sounds completely awesome), a kids’ photography class and a hula-hooping workshop.
 A Mi Pancita reader can enter a sweepstakes to win a trip for four to this very cool weekend. Here are the details:Go to go to http://clvr.li/X4rpgE* for complete details and to enter. You must have a Pinterest account to enter and you must choose Clever Girls Collective when the form asks “How did you hear about us? This is an invite only event so it would be super special if a Mi Pancita reader won!
Even if you win the sweepstakes or don't want to wait until April I encourage you to plan your own playdate as a family and with other families. My family has mini sized or totally over the top playdates consistently and we always feel refreshed and reconnected afterward. There is no shortage of lakes, rivers and creeks in our area so in planning an Epic playdate for my family it would include all sorts of water activities. We would load up our tandem kayaks, plan for serious sunshine and fresh air. We would paddle (err Mr. and I would paddle, kids would enjoy the scenery) someone usually gets wet and we always have an adventure. We would play "I spy" the hawk, fish, pine cone (still fun with two toddlers) until our tummies started to grumble. Dads clad in toddler sized floaters would jump from rope swings into the clear water and we'd hold up score cards for the best belly flop. Later a bonfire with sparklers and toasted marshmallows and palomitas! We would search for Ursa Major amongst the star strewn sky. And finally a lantern lit walk back where the excitement of the day ignites our imagination with the slightest rustling of leaves. The playdate would include getting dirty, some sort of physical activity, lots of laughing as a family and would be most definitely epic.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Intention

I've come to this place countless times in the past few weeks only to leave it as I found it. No new post or pictures from me doesn't mean I have stopped writing them or capturing moments on film. I just haven't had the "need" to share them here. In one larger swoop things have changed for us, for the better. We moved back into our lovely Northern California home after a year living at the sunny beach. Mr. got a promotion and Joaquin started PreSchool. My house, my children, my family and beloved husband have captured my full attention. The natural beauty of my surroundings have me speechless. I am fulfilled to simply be. Taking it as it comes, embracing what I can, wading in the water and the surf of life. I'm happy. I do intend on writing here on occasion but with no regularity. My love for personal blogs still exist and I find myself reading my favorites almost everyday. I am still on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest if your looking to check in on us.
Chao!

Sunday's In My City

Nos fuimos a mi suegra en Montebello ayer, una ciudad junto al East Los Angeles. Un lugar cultural caliente en mi opinión! Ella llevó a los niños a un parque con juegos de agua. Joaquín le encantó.

My son dancing in his chonies and making the locals uncomfortable. 

Portero Heights Park

Montebello, CA

Linking to

Sunday's In My City

Potato Salad Memories

I spoon the last of my moms potato salad onto a plate for lunch and a text comes in from my brother. He says he had a great time and his sunburn is just about gone. I smile. I slice apples for the kids and catch a glimpse of the ice chest just outside the door. "must remember to take that to the garage." I walk past the guest room, the bed still needing to be made, air mattress to be folded and put away. Later maybe. It's warm on the patio, hot even and all I want to do is sit in the warm sun and close my eyes. I do. JQ quickly joins me, squeezing his little body next to mine in the chair. We say nothing. I smell his hair and rub my feet together. Stella plays on her bike a few feet away. A piece of purple crepe paper confetti stuck to the front tire. Her legs too short to use the pedals she pushes herself along chatting and singing to herself. Joaquin is up and on his bike too. They exchange chatter, brother and sister and I smile because I can't understand what they are saying. They laugh and head off together. The sun burns my shoulders and the birds sing. The water from the fountain seems loud against the quiet in the yard. I try and picture all the faces and sounds that filled this space just a few days before and it seems unreal. Like a dream. Then the quiet is gone. Stella at my side requesting help with her shoes and I am up.

Linking to Just Write

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

I've been thinking, feeling and doing a lot these past few days, weeks. It just hasn't been here, on the internet and on this blog. I have wanted to write a post and share a few things. It just hasn't happened. I guess you could say I've disconnected a bit. J and S keep me busy in a good way. My Mr.'s attentions more appealing in the evening. Sitting down to the computer not so much. My garden has doubled in size and has me excited for what's to come as the days get longer and hotter. Maybe it's the time of year that has me away from the indoors and my computer, and I'm not complaining.  Today we are in the yard as usual. All three meals will probably be eaten out here. In fact I'm typing this from a blanket in the grass. Watching my naked babes munch on wedges of sandia, there little bodies still wet from the pool. I'm thinking of my family and friends hundreds of miles away. The green lush of my parents yard and a new baby girl that fell asleep in my arms. I'm watching my babies grow into children more independent and expressive. My sweet girls curls lighten in the sun making her dark eyes seem even darker. My loving boy tells me stories and I listen, truly intrigued by his creativity and innocence. I'm looking forward to more walks with my Mr. and to making new friends in new places. To learning and creating, to watching my children grow and to loving and celebrating this little family of ours.

photo by Lindsay Maria Smith

Linking to Just Write

It's Your Birthday!

So let's keep celebrating! Here are a few images from this weekend. We spent it in Long Beach and Los Angeles. We visited the Aquarium Of The Pacific with familia, spoiled ourselves with a couple nights at the Westin and dinner and drinks out (Thank you Abuelita Teresa!). The kiddos loved the heated pool and seeing there cousins! Then it was off to a baseball game (Stella's first not counting the many she attended in my belly).

 Tonight we are celebrating again. Love you so much Henry!

Flying Alone

My Mr. is driving us to the airport to pick up my niece. She is going to spend a week with us here in (not so) sunny Southern California. She wants to go to the beach and just check things out and we plan to deliver (so listen up rain clouds!) The kiddos are completely excited so much that they both promptly passed out after five minutes on the highway. I have a few things planned but mostly want her to experience the area, the ocean, the little surfing town we love so much and hang with her cousins. I vividly remember spending a week or so as a young girl with my Aunt in Arizona. My first flight alone, my first time knee boarding on a lake, my first Orangina! Seriously these are the things I remember! Spending a week with my Aunt, the artist. Her telling me the names of the wild flowers along the highway and taking me to the Grand Canyon. Going for walks in the woods behind her house and learning about Native American art. Now, my niece who is also an artist will be spending a week with me! I wonder where the week will take us.

Happy Day Joaquin!

Three years ago today I had the most life changing experience of my life. One that I am still completely in awe of as well as proud. Now I get to watch this beautiful boy grow and add to my life even more. 

For his "Happy Day" we decided to surprise Joaquin with a train ride and party. Luckily, the Fillmore & Western Train Co. offers a weekend scenic train ride. So with a car full of Joaquin's primos, tia & GiGi & PopBee we headed out for the 4 hour excursion. I'm pretty sure they all loved every bit.

When we returned to the house Joaquin's Abuelita had decorated it top to bottom with balloons, streamers, a pinata and a house full of guests. Pozole and a Thomas Train Cake waiting for him as well. Una verdadera fiesta Mexicana!!

Happy Birthday Joaquin!

We love you more than we can say(or write).

Linking up with Unknown Mami for Sunday's In My City

Mariposas

I'm sitting outside in head to toe summer attire watching my two sweet babes play, run and giggle together. Stella just finished eating a fist full of mud and Joaquin is stripping down to run through the mister I set up. Life is good. I am doing my very best to see things with fresh eyes. To appreciate the beauty and opportunity in my everyday life. I must admit that since our move I have struggled to embrace our new surroundings, all the time missing what was right in front of me. My precious, healthy, happy family. The past few weekends the four of us have set out on small adventures. A hike in Rancho Potrero where we saw rabbits, horses and birds and views of the ocean not far in the distance. A visit to The Conejo Valley Botanical Garden for another walk along a creek and this past weekend The Coronado Butterfly Preserve. Seeing the monarch's again reminded me of a road trip Mr. and I took in Mexico. We had seen the butterflies there too in the hills of Michoacan. These outings have been good for my sole. Seeing the butterflies fluttering in the filtered sunlight and clinging to the eucalyptus leaves calmed me and strangely reassured me of the wonder that still exists. In my day to day it is my in the sparkling eyes of my two sweet babes. It is in my Mr.'s smile every evening when he returns home. It is in my inspirations and dreams.

Linking up with Just Write

Over Too Soon

I woke yesterday morning in my own home after spending almost two weeks with my parents in Northern California. Always incredibly gracious they decked out the guest house for us to stay in and have our own private space. Going so far as to stock it with our favorite wines, toiletries and late night munchies, (Chamomile tea for Mr. and hot coco and HOMEMADE marsh mellows for the kiddos!) mom even made a little bed for my pug dogs, which by the way... THEY LOVED!

Joaquin and Stella ate sweets daily, stayed up past bedtime, played and visited with family. Stella discovered the doggy door and used it as often as she could get away with it. Like brother like sister I guess! Joaquin sang Jingle Bells over and over and over... And fell asleep at dinner TWICE.

We had meals with family and friends. Talking long after dinner had been eaten and the wine bottles empty. The time went by much quicker than I had expected. In fact time in general seems to be passing so quickly.

It was a lovely holiday and beginning of a new year for us and hopefully for all of you as well. Linking to What I Love Wednesdays

Insta-Christmas

We are officially on holiday with family & friends.

There will be lots of food, wine, conversation & celebration in the next two weeks. I am looking forward to every.single.bit of it.

Merry Christmas & Feliz Navidad!

Linking to Life Rearranged for InstaFriday!

Una Cosa Muy Sencilla

Late evening, Downtown Chico, Ca.

As Mr. and I toted the kiddos on our bikes through the neighborhoods near our home I noticed something I hadn't before. Seeping from kitchen windows in the late evening as we rode past the smell of dinner reached our noses. Familiar aromas like grilled chicken and curry, a spicy marinara perhaps and garlic something or other. And some unfamiliar but equally pleasing smells that almost had me knocking on doors to inquire. As we rode I imagined families, empty-nesters and a woman with say,... five cats all settling in and enjoying their tasty creations.

This evening as I type I am thinking of a meal I shared with my Mr. and his grandparents years ago. It was after I had completed some college courses in Guadalajara and Mr. and I were on a road trip. His Abuelita Matilde made us breakfast outside in her garden. An egg, tortilla and Atole. I watched her make the tortillas from masa and fry the egg on the outdoor grill with a dash of salt. She spoke to my Mr. as she prepared the food as she had probably done a million times before. Chatting with her own husband, children or grandchildren, pressing the masa flat and tossing the salt on the grill. For me, It is a memory I hold dear and think of often. It is one of my "happy thoughts" as simple as it may seem.

Last week Matilde was involved in an accident and has suffered devastating injuries. Much of Mr.'s familia is with her in Mexico hoping for the best. We too are hoping for the best so many miles away...

Stella's 1st Birthday & Independence!

While we are still recovering from the past few days, TODAY is very special. Stella turns 1 year old today! We celebrated over the weekend with familia, swimming, food and a whole lot of fun as well as celebrating Independence Day. The little ones had a blast with almost all of their cousins (a rare occasion!). Stella was in such a cheerful mood all day and even well into the night...regular party girl this one! As it was her 1st birthday we kept it mellow with just family,...much like Joaquin's 1st. Still with just family it adds up to more than 20 people! Needless to say we did not quite make it to watch fireworks last night but heard them from our cozy beds. Her are a few pictures of the festivities and more to come ...!

Support

I have been a bit under the weather these past few days. UGH! Cold, Flu whatever it is, it isn't pretty on me, okay. I once heard someone say "you can not get sick as a Mom". There are no sick days, sick leave, someone to share your desk work etc. And, unless you have an amazing support system that statement is true, you muscle through, right? Even with family, friends to help, how often do we simply not ask them? Not to burden them? I have something to say. ASK THEM!

I for one have an amazing support system of family in the city that we live. And as badly as I want to live next to the beach I am so completely over the moon thankful that we live close to family right now. Having small ones away from people you trust and confide in is something I cannot imagine doing and for those that have, my heart goes out to you.

It truly takes a village y'all!

Thank you to GiGi these past couple of days and to my Mr. You have been an amazing help. From JQ, Stella and I, We love you and are so very lucky to have you.

Simple Things & Big Developments

Lately we have slowed down and simplified the day to day. No pressure or rushing, taking things as they come and being spontaneous. It suits us and our little family at the moment. Suddenly the days are warm and loooong. We have been enjoying picnic style meals outside and leisurely evening walks. JQ loves to walk the pugs, although they typically end up walking him. And Stella starts smiling and cooing as soon as i get the baby pack out. We are happy, the babes, Mr. And I.
At two years and four months Joaquin is talking lots and eating little. He blurts out a new word or phase daily and is really trying to communicate which I do my best to encourage in both English and Spanish (esto viene de una gringa). He is a very playful, affectionate, charismatic and imaginative little guy. He fell asleep in my arms this afternoon, my 30+ pound baby boy. I sat soaking it up until my legs started to fall asleep!... Then moved him to his bed.
Miss Stella is crawling and standing on her own. She pulls her self up to standing, smiles and sings and waves her arms about then slowly squats down an plops on the ground. Again and again. She has started to walk with help (while holding my hands). She sings and talks the entire time, mi chica habladora! At almost eleven months she is still breastfeeding and co-sleeping. She will probably sleep with us for a while longer although I am ready to stop nursing when she turns one. I am in no hurry for either JQ or Stella to grow up.

Pascua

Happy Easter

Mid-March & A Baby!

So it is raining again... nothing new there. Aside from the weather though things have been a bit brighter around here.

Most exciting, I became an Aunt for the seventh time!! Enter baby "C". Isn't he beautiful! He has a full head of red hair! Mom & baby are home and well. Members of our family take turns making and delivering dinner for my sister and her husband for a week or so. It has become a tradition of sorts when new babies arrive. Our turn is tomorrow!

My cousin became a commissioned officer in the Navy! Congratulations and Thank You for all that you do!

I planted seeds for our summer garden. I love gardening and being outside in the yard. Although I planted mostly flowers for the kiddos to enjoy I have BIG plans for tomatoes and herbs.

My Brother-In-Law was recognized in the local paper for rescuing someone from the ocean. It is something he does everyday, so brave and strong. We are so proud of you! With the effects of the Tsunami hitting the west coast of California marine rescue swimmers (and many, many others) were working around the clock.

photo credit

JQ, Little Miss and I went on a bit of a longer walk near the end of last week. I mistakenly thought that JQ was ready to trek a bit further. Needless to say I ended up packing both babes on the way back. Phew! Who needs a trainer when you have two kiddos! (and yes JQ is splashing in the puddles in this picture. Clothes can be washed people!!!)

The forecast is all rain this week so we are busying indoors. The two little ones are interacting more and more and keeping me on my toes as always. I am learning from them, mostly patience and how to just enjoy the moment, and the happy simplicity that is our daily life. My Mr. and I are planning another wine tasting trip this spring but may keep it local. Also it looks like between family and friends it will be a summer full of weddings. I can not wait to sink my toes in the sand and dance!!

Three Wineries

A sunny Calistoga weekend was just what we needed, and mother nature (& our pocket book) delivered! The trip was in part to celebrate my cousins impending marriage & wedding in Alaska this May. With a large group & plenty of family along we decided to take the kiddos. Yes, yes I know...but it all worked out perfectly! After all, the little ones can be better behaved than some grown wine drinkers, right?! We hired a car and visited three wineries including one of my favorites, Tres Sabores. A small, woman owned and operated, organic winery where you taste the wine outside, next to the vines!

Our next trip this summer can not come too soon, although it will be with a much smaller group and no little ones. Salud!

Stella's Name Suprise

Although we did not know it at the time, Stella is a family name. Rhoda Stella was my Great, Great Grandmothers name on my mothers side. Wasn't she beautiful!

 As a mother. So sweet that they are holding hands...

Here she is holding my Grandmother.

holding hands again...

This last photo is of my Great Grandparents and my Grandmother Ruthie as an infant. I have been looking through Grams photo albums and am so thankful for every single one of the photos they contain.
Love you Gram. So Much!