Back to His Roots

Last week we had the opportunity to go to Mesa, Arizona to visit family. My sister and Cecilio's sister live there so it's double the fun. As always we had a blast. We went to attend Emma and Chelsea's high school graduation (they are my sister's daughter and step daughter) and to visit Lily and Mike, (Cecilio's sister and brother-in-law), who were expecting their baby any day. It was a very fulfilling visit. We had so much fun getting to see family and spend time with them.

The trip went off to a great start. Below is a picture of Enlai Keanu Rodriguez, Lily and Mike's healthy baby boy. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. He was born the same day we arrived. What a treat! We couldn't have asked for more. Lily and Mike asked us to go to the hospital right away so we could see him. I never thought I'd go visit someone who had just had a baby at 12 midnight but they were very anxious to share in their joy. He was very alert and excited to meet us.

He's about 30 minutes old in these pictures. He was so alert!

On Friday we decided to go back for a more formal visit. Mom and baby were doing great! I was just amazed at how alert Enlai was. I guess that's what happens when you don't use any drugs during labor. Lily decided to have her baby all natural. I don't think many people do that these days anymore. Way to go Lily!!

Proud Parents. What a beautiful family.

Proud Grandparents.

Meeting his favorite uncle, sorry Lupe.

"Would you like some raisins?" Danny offering Enlai a treat.

Roaming the halls of the hospital he was born in also.

That evening we attended Emma and Chelsea's graduation. Now, not to be mean guys but the graduation was brutal. It was for about 40 students and ended up being two hours long!!!!!!!!!!! Not to mention we couldn't hear anything in the back. It was well worth seeing our nieces graduate though. We're so proud of you guys.

Here's Emma.....

...and Chelsea.

The whole gang. Smile guys!

Lily, Mike and baby come home. A little tired but who isn't after they've had a baby? Now, the real work begins.

On Saturday there was a pool party hosted in honor of Emma and Chelsea graduating. The weather was perfect for the occasion..................hot!!

Ahhhh, me and my sis.

Emma and Alex

Precious.

Emma, 6 months pregnant.

That evening we stayed with my sister. Here are some random pictures we took.

Here's Ayla, playing us some tunes.

Ayla and Daniel got along so well. She kept referreing to him as "Baby Daniel". It was so cute. She'd say, "Baby Daniel do you want to play?"

Here's Hannah being silly as usual.

The kid's a natural.

Mr. Rico Suave himself. (My nephew, Oscar.)

Blessing Day

I'm not sure how she did it but Lily decided to get Enlai blessed on Sunday. She must of been so exhausted but you couldn't tell it from these pictures. Being there for the blessing was truly a special experience.

While we were in Arizona Danny developed a horrible diaper rash. We bought him some underwear so he could air out so to speak. We couldn't resist taking some pictures of him in his first pair of deacon garments.





Here are some more pictures of us just spending time with family.

Ahhh, our nephews Devan and Dorian. They look so cute when their not fighting.

Soon the time came for us to pack up our bags and return to good old El Paso, Texas. Everytime I go to Arizona, I find it harder and harder to leave. I'm just in love with it and have so many fond memories there. Hopefully we'll be returning soon.

"I'll be back."