Maya the Mexican

Dad and I went to Mexico to be with Thomas and Jenn and their family when they blessed Maya Susanna. It was so good to see them and the kids, and they seemed glad to see us too. When we drove up to the house, there was a hand made sign taped to their wall that said "Did you miss us?" "Oh yes!" We both said at once. I took too many pictures, of course, to include in the monthly blog, so I want to blog them now, even though I will include one or two at the end of the month as well.
We brought gifts from some of their aunts and cousins, as well as from us, so they were extra glad to see us!
































Maya seemed happy to see us too.















Kirtlyn finally has her sister!























We took a drive on Sunday afternoon to the basilica in Zapopan (where Thomas and Jenn live). It is actually the 3rd most important cathedral in Mexico. There were vendors set up for three streets all around it, Mayan and Aztec snake dancers doing their thing, citizens buying and watching. It was truly a feast for the eyes. I only took a picture in passing, from the car, so you don't see the excitement of it, but Thomas took some video. I think it is probably too long to upload, though.

A "Parking Nazi" or "Parking druggie" as we called them in Portugal. He would find places to park and then you pay him for letting you park there.








We ate at some very good Mexican restaurants while we were there. This one was tacos al pastor...yummy!




This one was owned by an African man (Angola, which speaks Portuguese), who lives in Mexico, speaks perfect English and has an Italian restaurant. A very interesting man.












Sunday was Maya's blessing day. Thomas blessed her in their ward...in Spanish...and gave her a beautiful blessing. I know, because he translated it later and gave it to Jenn, who showed it to us. The whole ward was so thrilled about this little anglo baby who was really and truly a Mexican.










































Thomas was saying "You've taken enough pictures, Mom!"



















While we were there, Mexico was gearing up for their bicentennial independence day celebration of September 16. They start early...we heard fireworks every evening and every morning and at various times during the day. There were Mexican memorabilia stands on every corner, so Thomas bought some things for his kids so they could get into the spirit of the fiesta.

On our last day, Dad and Jenn and Thomas (I stayed home to babysit) took Maya to the capitol to be fingerprinted and certified as an official citizen of Mexico.

Although, I must say, it didn't seem to make her very happy!