HALF GANGSTER

Pete and I are back from our trip. We spent a couple of days in San Diego at this hotel. It was almost exclusively older, retired couples which is why I will refer to it as "the old folks home". We really enjoyed it though, it was quirky and comfortable. Mostly it was nice to be just the two of us. We never took a honeymoon and have had maybe two or three nights without kids in the last almost seven years. We spent a lot of time in Old Town, mostly because it was right at the transit center but it was also really fun and interesting. We did a lot of walking. On Tuesday we took the railway to Tijuana. We walked the hell out of that place. I was determined to find this market. After a great amount of walking we finally headed into this shop. Not only did I find some great things, but the owner and his wife were so friendly. We stayed and chatted with them for quite awhile and he gave us a great map and told exactly how to get to the market. His wife and I talked about our favorite saints and reminded me so much of my Grandma. I left there with a couple of treasures but my favorite is this picture of Anima Sola, who will now go over my fireplace. I think she is beautiful although this picture is not great.
Following that we headed over to the market to collect some treats for the kids. Pete wisely chose these for the boys and we have been watching puppet shows ever since. I am hoping Oscar will use this to annoy his friend who lives down the street. His father is Latin and when he learned Oscars middle name was Valenzuela he asked Oscar if he was Latin also. Oscar advised him that his mother is half Mexican. The boy turned to me and replied"no offense, all the Mexicans I know are either gangsters or drug dealers." Yeah, but does your culture have these puppets?
We also brought back some classics. Lucky rabbit foot,sugar skulls, candy cigarettes. Hans was stoked on the Mexican paper.

Olive got a ring.
I am happy with my "skells".

And we got some great Halloween decorations. All in all a much needed break and fun,fun,fun. I have to thank Tara and Kim for taking the kids and the dog, respectively. I really appreciate it and it was nice to know that they were so well cared for. Now, onto the rest of Pete's vacation. I will post a list tomorrow!!