Secret Birthday Surprise

 For the twins' 10th birthday the dads surprised them with a secret trip.

After dinner on Friday (the night before their birthday) the twins were told to shower and dress in clothing not pajamas afterwards. Right before bedtime they were told to put on their shoes and get in the car. They had many questions about the change in routine, but the dads simply smiled and told them to follow instructions and they would not answer any questions. Their first clue to what was happening was the airport! Their second was their boarding pass which said they were flying to Burbank. Luckily they had no idea what or where Burbank was.

 

Once in Burbank Navi began to piece it together when he heard the announcement welcoming travelers to the "Bob Hope Hollywood Burbank Airport." Outside waiting for the car that would take themto their hotel, they had a definite clue, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter advertisement. But the dads would still not confirm anything. It wasn't until they go to their hotel at Universal Studios Hollywood that they put it all together.They were able to see the themepark from their room window.

The next morning, being their birthday, they went down for breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Before being seated they were asked how old they were (kids menu cut off is at 10), the kids answered "9", but DaddyQuique was quick to remind them that today they were no longer 9.  Ada started her meal with a doughnut with sprinkles (very reminiscent of the ones in the Simpson cartoons).

As a surprise the waiter brought them a cake with a candle. This was unexpected and they both looked at us confused, but were assured they can eat cake for breakfast.

Ada and Navi have asked for years about going to Universal Studios Hollywood to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. They made it! Sadly the forecast called for rain the entire day.

But that did not stop these two from enjoying themselves. They were on cloud nine.

As a surprise UncleBrad joined in the birthday festivities! They were able to do the Harry Potter ride twice in a row.

Being big Simpson fans, and having no idea that the theme park had a Simpsons section, they were overjoyed. At Moe's Tavern they ordered up some Flaming Moes.

The rain did not let up, but it was a blessing in disguise because the lines to the attractions were small. The plan was to do all the rides in one day. Even the studio tour was great in the rain.

Many of the rides required special glasses for 3-D experiences. Some rides they loved more than others.

For lunch the twins chose to eat the Krusty Burger (the restaurant featured in the Simpsons). They were having so much fun eating in the themed restaurant because the Simpsons is their ultimate favorite television program.

Because it was their birthday, at Ada's request, they went back to the Harry Potter world for a Butterbeer. Things were pricey, but she really wanted to try it and was the only one of the group who enjoyed it.

The twins had so much fun at Universal Studios. What a great 10th birthday.

For their birthday dinner they headed to the Hard Rock Cafe, for more burgers. This time it was a table for 7! UncleBrad was their first surprise guest and then DaddyQuique's college friend James, whom they know as Poodle, joined them for dinner. For dessert, since they had cake in the morning, they enjoyed sundaes.

This was a all a great quick weekend get away that they will not forget.

But right before heading back to the hotel, UncleBrad treated the twins to a final doughnut. Cheers and...

Happy Birthday!

Zihuatanejo - Part 3

A few final pictures from the twins' vacation. At Isla Ixtapa the twins love getting their pineapple drink with all the works.

Navi and Ada did a great job of watching out for their cousin Marky. They all did well together on this trip.

Even when the twins would go out to the deeper part of the water, Marky was very content playing on his own on the surf. Or he actually used his Spanish to make lots of new friends and played with them for hours.

The Malecon is under renovations and looking great so far. It was a nice walk going into to town for dinner.

Scuba diving.

And chasing the fish.

 The dads have always said that swim classes were one of the best investments ever.

 A little Italian underwater.

And finally this fish photo-bombing an underwater selfie.

Zihuatanejo - Part 2

As usual when in Zihuat the Lopezjoneses head to Playa Las Gatas for a day at the beach, snorkling and diving for the dads.

By this time Abue and Abuelito joined in on the fun. They took an overnight bus from Moroleon to Zihuat.

It wasn't all fun, there was some work that needed to get done. Lucky for them they were rewarded with a few pesos to spend at the abarrotes.

But there was still plenty of fun on the beach...

And in the pool.

One of Ada's favorite things to do was pet the neighborhood cats she would find on the walk to town.

Zihuatanejo - Part 1

On a early Friday morning Ada and Navi left their house at 5:00am and headed to the airport.

On to their annual Zihuatanejo trip!

With a layover in Los Angeles they met up with a familiar fave on the plane, Marky. Once in Zihuat and checked into the hotel Ada and Navi showed their cousin around the property, which they know very well. Of course the pool was the main focal point - and the slide.

Somehow Navi allowed for this great picture, with a genuine smile.

Marky was very excited to be out of the country for the first time, his second time on a plane.

The typical days start with breakfast on the beach, a dip in the pool, then spend the entire day at the beach.

And lunch on the beach of course. One last dip in the pool, off to dinner and repeat the next morning.

Roadtrip to Wine Country

The twins and a few of their friends headed to Sonoma for a birthday party.

Everyone was happy to arrive and stretch out their legs and run around.

 Their classmate George was having a nerf-war themed birthday party.

And these two were very happy to play.

George's party was a lot of fun and the second part to it was just starting. Navi was invited to the second part which was a sleepover for the boys.

So Ada and her dads took a car to their hotel for the night where they began with a game of checkers in the lobby, with sparkling wine and cider for Ada.

She had such a great time with her dads. Ate some great food and enjoyed a warm fire in her room.

A New Year, 2019!

 For most of their winter break the twins spent their time in Salinas where they celebrated the New Year. Upon their return Nonna was eager to see them so she joined them in an outing downtown.

 After a hot dog lunch Navi decided to take the foil from his hot dog and make a boat which he floated on the fountain right outside.

 Afterwards they all went bowling. Nonna said it has been a while since she bowled and remembered that she needed a lot of practice.

 With a couple days before school resumed Ada and Navi learned how to crochet from DaddyQuique.

 They also got a break from the rain that week and were able to take a walk around the neighborhood.

 Where Ada got some European drinking hot chocolate.

Ada even managed to squeeze in a play date the day before school began.

Assemblea

 The twins' class hosted their Friday assemblea at school. Navi presented his topic well with his group.

Ada, as shy as she is, presented her part loud and clear and in great Italian.