It’s been one hell (strike that) joy of a month…

Our blog has been on ice for just over one month now. While we thought we’d blog our hearts out, truth be told, everything changed once we landed in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

We were in Guatemala about six weeks and in that time we’ve been all consumed by the best life has to offer … family!

Three Generations

Mr. Q. was born in Guatemala and lived there the first three years of his life. His family in Guatemala is a close-knit unit of 100+ members. They are big and they are close. Laughable, but true. I am a part of the WhatsApp chat group receiving 100’s of messages a day to prove it.

I came to meet his beautiful family almost 13 years ago and they welcomed me then as they do now, with open arms, total love, and one hell of a good time.

While in Guatemala City over the last month we basked in all that is family time and togetherness. My husband’s grandmother (who we lovingly refer to as ‘Super Abuelita’) is the strongest nucleus of family I’ve ever known. Our large family willingly revolves around her and all submit to her every wish.

Her wishes often mean eating way more than your share. God forbid you reject a hardy meal. There’s lots of boozing too (she loves rum). Ultimately, and above all else, there’s lots and lots of love. It’s required to laugh and enjoy each other’s company, because that’s the best way to live!

Another pretty amazing Super Abuelita wish is to remember and celebrate ALL birthdays and I mean ALL birthdays. In fact, the month of Sept. was one huge birthday whirlwind and the best reason to drive all over town on random weeknights and usually while braving the infamous Guatemalan traffic. Almost every other day, we enjoyed celebrating some one’s birthday whether that was #60 for our amazing Uncle Rafa or sweet b-day #2 for his adorable grandson (my new best friend) Raulito. Birthdays are cause for such joy and bonding and we’re thrilled to have gotten a glimpse into the non-stop togetherness that comes with honoring every single family member’s big day.

Guatemala also included some of our favorite highlights year after year such as a trip to Paseo Cayalá for shopping and the Old City of Antigua. A town to bask in colonial history and surround yourself by scenic volcanoes. We also experienced new and exciting excursions such as an unforgettable trip to the Chapin Auto Safari and IRTRA theme parks of Reu and Patapa.