February 1: Lori trained last summer and fall to run the Pasadena half marathon. Unfortunately, she didn’t run that morning due to the fires and poor air quality. She made up for that by running the Huntington Beach half marathon. The parents, Adrian and I went to cheer her on, but missed her (and she missed us) at mile 4 and at the finish line on PCH. Sigh. Our “¡Sí se puede!” and “Lori rocks!” signs were appreciated, but not always correctly pronounced. I heard “sí me puedo,” “sí ses puedes,” “sí se puedo” and other aberrations. To be fair, lots of people were able to correctly pronounce the phrase.
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I had no problem with piñatas as a kid. I was happy to swing a bat or a stick at one in hopes of getting some candy (if I was lucky and not trampled by my older, bigger cousins).

Exhibit 1: First birthday party, 1981

Exhibit 2: Danny’s 4th birthday party, 1982

Exhibit 3: Christmas Eve festivities, 1982

About the above photo from Lori & Danny’s party, César says: “you guys look like the Mexican OC. El Oh-Sí (ta güeno).”

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Danny and I before a singing competition, 1986

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Dad and Grandpa Bartolo, July 23, 1977

I scanned dozens of old photos while hanging out at my parent’s house. I really like this one of my dad and Grandpa on my parents’ wedding day. I meant to include it along with a post about Grandpa’s death on December 28, 1996, but writing the post felt too personal and something felt wrong. I should write about his life. Sadly, I don’t feel like I know enough about his or Grandma’s life. But that’s what research is for.

Enjoy the rest of the much more recent pictures.
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