mOOners in Mexico

by Kris

Kids, kids, kids what would the world be like without their beautiful little faces, their boundless energy, their open minds and huge hearts? As a card carrying Grandma, I am attracted to kids and quite a few of them are attracted to me. And that's a good thing. This abuelita (little grandma) in the small Jalisco town of Amacueca, knows what I'm talking about. She is a walking party with her nieto, un globo (balloon) and a squeeze of hands.

We met our amiga especial, Guadalupe, at the pool in Roca Azul when she swam with her charming curly-haired nieta, Paola.

Fiestas are the heartbeat of Mexico and the estrellas (stars) of the show are the niños. This beauty has the best seat in the house with her papa.

This little caballero has his eyes on the parade ahead. Dad is checking his watch and (based upon a later encounter with him) is thinking, "Bueno, it's tequila time."

These gorgeous little ones enhanced a float in the most angelic way...

Two tuckered fiesta attendees share a bench in the Ajijic plaza.

One of my favorite kid encounters happened as we drove through the Lake Chapala village of Mezcala. This happy young'un was headed home with vegetable scraps for his family's animals. We returned a few weeks later to give him this printed photo but, unfortunately, couldn't locate him. Now we have an "Epson Picture Mate personal photo lab" and we can print and deliver a beautiful color photo on the spot. Instant gratification for me - happy kid with a special and personalized gift; a win win situation.

Another "drive-by shooting" was this adorable pair from the south shore of Lago de Chapala.

Photographing kids is an interactive activity. We ask first, if possible, and always show the pictures to the subjects. They love it! Evi shows these amazed niños their smiling faces on her camera. Thank God for digital cameras with big lcd screens.

Many photos speak for themselves; this one is titled, "Mine". We watched these two, obviously hermana y hermano, for five minutes. Every bumper car he hopped into she pushed him out of. Every one. Finally the ride started and he made a last second jump to a car of his own. He will be a survivor in the on-going big sister little brother struggle...

Niños are cute. Niños con perritos are cuter. During a visit con la familia Fernandez de El Molino, middle hija, Candi, was inseparable from Tai, the incredibly mellow pooch of amigos Dave y Sonia.

Watching las tres hermanas at play was fun and a good work-out! Yuri y Candi played so well together - they encouraged and helped each other. It was very non-competitive for a sibling activity! Artist, Karen, colors on the tea table in the background.

Playing, drawing, and a full tummy of her mama's pozole can wear out even a nine year old and Yuri takes a much deserved break.

Yuri's relaxing pose is the perfect segue to a siesta...

Luego,

mOOners