Mexico Part 40: Mexico City Chapultepec Zoo

Later we found the sign that said, don't feed the squirrels.

My cousin Eduardo spent a lot of time with us and my kids LOVED him. 

We only spent one day at the zoo and we really could have taken two days.  It was beautiful.  Sadly we missed the gorilla and we heard he is a sight to see.  Next time.

Mexico Part 39: Mexico City Zocalo

They've uncovered some ruins in the downtown area where they are now carefully excavating.  

Mexico Part 38: Mexico City

In November my dad flew into Mexico City for my grandmother's 20 year anniversary for being deceased.  And so, the kids and I flew into Mexico City to meet up with my dad and finally see my cousins, aunts and uncles, that I hadn't seen in over 10 years.  It was great to be with them.  They were nice enough to let us stay with them.  We were only there 6 days but they were six long days without Matthew.  I decided I didn't think I would do that again.  It is one thing when you visit grandparents in their home, but a completely different experience when you are with extended family.  We weren't prepared for the cold weather either.  My dad warned me that it would be cold, but when I checked the weather it wasn't too different from Guadalajara's but the elevation difference made a huge difference.  I learned my lesson.  Listen to the man who knows the place better than I do!  I am the oldest of all the grandchildren on my dad's side of the family, so my cousins are a lot younger than me.  In fact, one of them is Eva's age!

My Tia Jovita 

Eva sitting next to my cousin, Melisa

View from my aunts and uncles homes.  Check out the smog!

My cousin Zianja

My dad eating one of the best elotes I have ever had.  This kind of corn is the same that the aztecs used.  

We saw and did a lot of awesome things.  We were able to see Teochitlan.  I had always driven by them because my aunt's husband has a brother just past them but had never actually been to them.  I didn't think my kids would be able to handle the hike all the way to the top, but they surprised me.  They did awesome.  We went to Chapultepec, one of the best zoos I have ever been to.  And it's free!  We checked out the Basilica de Guadalupe.  Any good Mexican, Catholic knows what the place is.  We also went to the Zocalo.  And the rest of the time hung out with the fam.

Mexico Part 37: Guachimontones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you wikipedia:
Los Guachimontones is a prehispanic archaeological site near the Mexican town of Teuchitlán in the state of Jalisco about an hour west of Guadalajara. It is the major site of the so-called Teuchitlan tradition,^[1]a complex society that existed from as early as 300 BCE until perhaps 900 CE.  
The dominant features at los Guachimontones are circular stepped pyramids in the middle of circular building complexes. The 60-foot tall pyramid at Circle 2 has 13 high steps leading to an upper level, which was then topped with another 4 high steps. A post hole was located at the very highest level, most likely for Volador ceremonies.  The pyramids may also have supported small temples.

Mexico Part 36: Guadalajara Zoo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico Part 35: UAG Wives Club Trunk or Treat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Again this year Halloween came and went with the Guadalajara Wives Club Trunk or Treat event.  The kids always love it.  And I look forward to it every year.  Eva wanted to be Ariel again, which we scored our costumes thanks to Costco in Oregon putting their Halloween stuff out in August, and Elijah wanted to be mymerman.  By the time Halloween hit, Elijah's costume had been loved thoroughly   Cutest little superhero, I've ever seen!