Fiesta

Last Saturday afternoon, Daniel invited me to join him at his cousin's daughter's 1st birthday party. He said I just HAD to experience a Mexican birthday party. I enjoy learning about other cultures and I LOVE Mexican food, so I agreed to go.

Daniel said it started at 4:00, but then told me not to get there before 4:30. Good to know. He explained later that "it's a Mexican thing" and it is considered rude if you arrive on time, even to a wedding!

We actually arrived closer to 5:00, and they were still setting everything up. In the backyard, they had a bouncy house for the kids and several tables set up with balloons and baby angel figurines. There was a keg in the corner of the yard, and after another hour or so, they set up the food: chicken mole, some pork dish, rice and beans. There were also fresh corn tortillas and salsa. When I reached for the salsa, Daniel's aunt asked quickly in Spanish if I like spicy food. (She was concerned about me.) Daniel translated for me, and I told her "Me gusta!" Almost everyone was speaking strictly Spanish, so I got to practice my few phrases. Daniel kept chuckling at how "cute" my accent is.

The birthday girl was dressed all in white and looked like a little princess. Of course, at one year, she could care less about all the fuss going on around her.

I left around 7:00, but Daniel said the party would continue late into the night. It was very laid back, and everyone was very welcoming. I asked Daniel to join me as I host my family for Thanksgiving, so I can return the favor and show him a traditional American holiday.