A Visit to Santa Cruz

Uncle Usiel (Uncle Usi to the girls) and Auntie Carolina invited us to one of their dance shows and they were so kind to let us stay at their apartment in Santa Cruz.

We had such a great time! We arrived in the late afternoon on Saturday, September 12, and we all went for lunch at a great Taqueria in downtown Santa Cruz. It was delicious and fun spending time with them.

We decided to take the girls to the Boardwalk for some fun and games. They got on a ride each and then it was off to the beach for some fun in the sun and waves. It was such a beautiful day. The weather was perfect.

Later that evening we all went to see their show in Watsonville. They are in the dance company Xochipilli, a Mexican Dance Company. It was a beautiful show! The girls were amazed at all the costumes and they were so excited to see their Aunt and Uncle on stage. It was a very entertaining show and the girls did well although at about 9 pm, Enrique had to take Lola outside. She couldn't sit much longer.

Afterward, we met Usiel and Carolina out front and the girls were smitten with their uncle. Uncle Usi this and Uncle Usi that. Eden was dancing all over the place and even tore her shoe. Lola kept following Usiel everywhere. It was very charming.

We decided to go for dinner. It was 11 pm! Lola fell asleep during dinner and Eden was enjoying her visit with friends and family.

The next morning we woke to donuts and bagels, coffee and juice. Caro's brother and wife stayed overnight as well, too. It was so enjoyable sitting around the table chatting and laughing and hearing their stories. We took a stroll down a creek path near their home that leads right to the Ocean. The ocean was incredible! The pounding of the waves, the spray of the salty sea water on the rocks, the surfers on the waves; it was all a sight to see. We walked to this tiny lighthouse and watched the surfers and caught a glimpse of the Sea Lions as well.

Later we enjoyed a quick barbeque and it was off for home again.

We had such a fantastic time! The girls can't wait to do it again, and neither can we.