After being off-track for a week I realized that this was going to be my last good break until September and I really should do something (besides watching tv). So I booked myself a one-way ticket to California. It turned out to be a really good time.
Me and my bros, Tony and Matt after getting yet another family picture taken. This time they were professionally done so hopefully we won't have to do it again any time soon...
My cousin Emily lent me her beach cruiser to do some beach cruising. Riding a one-speed was quite an interesting experience, especially when I didn't know how to brake...
What would be a California trip without some Grandma hopping. Here I am ditching church to visit my Grandma Diaz. She lives a couple of blocks away from the church so I like to walk up there after sacrament mtg. Yes, I was a little sunburned in this pic and Yes, my eyes are closed but my Grandma looks so cute...
I also got to spend some time with my cousin Andrew who recently returned home from his mission. This is his mission bobble head they had displayed in the church instead of a plaque. Genius...
I went with my cousin Emily and her two daughters Kaiah and Marley to spend a day in downtown L.A. Here we are eating churros on Olvera Street. Emily told the girls we were eating churros for lunch and if they were good we could have tacos for dessert. Sounded good to me...
Here is Marley and Kaiah with their new friend on Olvera Street. Notice Kaiah's new mexi-dress she bought with her allowance and notice what she is holding (that will be in a post to come)...
Just kidding. But I did get to ride with the Albertson's Team (aka Sara and her family) on the MS bike ride in Logan last weekend. It was a super fun ride and by far the easiest one I have done (small hills and only 40 miles). Although I was not the winner I did bring home quite the collection of water bottles and a nifty tote bag that I claimed as prizes.
I got them from an illegal turtle vendor in downtown L.A. somewhere in between Olvera St. and Chinatown. Hence the ethnic names. My intent was to take them to school as class pets but I like them so much I want them to live with me. The first night we spent apart I was missing them and mentioned to Mandy that "they were my heart" and she said "No they're not". But now you can see for yourselves how cute they are.
In the spirit of "being green" we decided to recycle the Welcome Home Banner...
My cousin Emily lent me her beach cruiser to do some beach cruising. Riding a one-speed was quite an interesting experience, especially when I didn't know how to brake...
What would be a California trip without some Grandma hopping. Here I am ditching church to visit my Grandma Diaz. She lives a couple of blocks away from the church so I like to walk up there after sacrament mtg. Yes, I was a little sunburned in this pic and Yes, my eyes are closed but my Grandma looks so cute...
I also got to spend some time with my cousin Andrew who recently returned home from his mission. This is his mission bobble head they had displayed in the church instead of a plaque. Genius...
I went with my cousin Emily and her two daughters Kaiah and Marley to spend a day in downtown L.A. Here we are eating churros on Olvera Street. Emily told the girls we were eating churros for lunch and if they were good we could have tacos for dessert. Sounded good to me...
Here is Marley and Kaiah with their new friend on Olvera Street. Notice Kaiah's new mexi-dress she bought with her allowance and notice what she is holding (that will be in a post to come)...
At first we thought we might be able to ride the full 100 miles but as the day wore on we opted for the 72 mile route. Good thing too, by mile 70 I was pretty much dead. Luckily I survived with only a few mishaps. First being attacked by a bunch on balloons from an open house sign on the road and Second losing half of my lips on a celebratory popsicle at the end of the ride.
Esmeralda and I decided that next year we are going to try out for the Latin Heritage Dancers. They were fantastic...
The highlight of course was the Mariachi. My favorite part of the fiesta is when they do what I call "Mexican Idol". People from the audience can come on stage and sing a song with the Mariachi band and then we vote for the best singer. It is fantastic. People are so passionate while singing but the best was when they asked for a gringo participant. It was something else. Here we are with "the band"...
Leslie, mariachi, Esmeralda, Stephanie, mariachi, me, mariachi & mariachi
