Familia
By far the best thing about being back stateside is the close proximity I now have to the crazy bunch of people I'm related to. Now, whenever I want to see them (which is 100% of the time), all I have to do is either walk down the hall or drive for 2 minutes. This is the ideal situation for someone who hasn't driven faster than 45mph in 2 years and significantly beats a 15 hour plane ride.
While any old Tuesday is a great excuse in our book to get together, eat and drink, this weekend we had a legitimate one - the Twins' Birthday!
The calm before the Salcedo storm...
It was such a gorgeous afternoon we couldn't resist barbecuing and moving the party outside.
(My Mama aptly named the photo below 'Under the Tustin Sun' hehe)
My mom and I got to work tidying the house while Greggo prepped the grill. Nevs had the very important job of standing sentry at the door and making sure no little bunnies got past him...
Caitlin was the first to arrive and therefore got a special treat. Some She would argue she was deserving regardless ;) The girl likes her whiskey and Greggo pulled out the good stuff...
Next was Olivia who wowed the crowd with a new little fluff!!
Nevi sniffed her out and gave his approval...
Drinks were passed around and nibbles put out, so that we could all settle in and do what we do best: chat!
I got a little slack for my shoe choice (a Salcedo in flats? Made of rubber? At a party?!), but I'm standing by it. Ina Garten is one of my idols and her number one tip for hosting parties has nothing to do with what's going on in the kitchen. She says to make her guests feel comfortable and relax in her home, she spends the evening in slippers. How cute is that?! I've never met a Salcedo who needed help getting comfortable at a party, but miracles do happen and it's best to be prepared...
I think I've already talked about it a thousand times on my blog, but dining alfresco remains one of my FAVORITE things to do and it was an absolutely perfect day for it...
The last little sister arrived...
And since her Mama was the second half of the reason we're partying, it was time to pass around the champers...!
CHEERS!
As the wine levels dipped, so did the sun, and pretty soon it was time to put (more) food on the table.
Greggo and some of the boys grilled up the meat, fish, and veggies...
Which is actually the great thing about barbecues... Most of the heavy lifting is done by the men. I had prepped a little salad earlier and all that was left to do now was toast up some croutons!
Which Abuelita and Caitlin did not find as thrilling as I did...
¡A comer!
The three sissies :) :) :)
Just about the only time you can get this crowd orderly and organized is when we have to line up for food...
Abuelita decided she couldn't wait any longer to sing and eat cake so it was decided...
Happy Birthday little twinners!!
No cake for Nevs, but he did eat my hair which is its own kind of treat...
After everyone had been sent off with kisses, squeezes, and leftovers, we were left happy hearts, full bellies, and two sleepy little pups; coincidentally the exact perscription for a good night's sleep!
Goodnight little fluff!
