This weekend was Viva Chicago & we had a pretty good time seeing jarocho bands from Wisconsin & California that came just to play in the event. Emiliano played with Fandanguero & the band along with their "wives" (that includes me!) got V.I.P. passes for free food, which I'm always up for! In the evening, there was a big son jarocho jam session under the Cloud Gate, also known as "The Bean" (you can see why from the picture). I was there for a while watching the guys play & pretty girls dance with their long skirts, but honestly, the Bean is so intimidating in person, I started feeling nervous being under it, so I went for a walk with Ada around Millennium Park. As the night grew darker & the colorful lights of downtown shined all around us, I found myself at one point just soaking in the moment of being surrounded by so many people gathering in one area to enjoy some good music & laughter.
Sunday was another eventful day. I made a date with Ada & in the day, we headed to the Garfield Park Conservatory for an awesome family activity they have on this day every couple weeks called the Family Make-n-Take.
This Sunday we made dolls from corn husks! I love going there because it's one of the few places that's free admission & the activity only asks for $1.00 donation!
At first, Ada was a bit hesitant. She knew we were going to make dolls, but the Conservatory has a scavenger hunt for kids, and when we got there, she took a checklist from the front desk & asked if we could look for the plants. I led her to the activity section & agreed to make the dolls first & then look at the beautiful greenery around us.
Ashely, the teacher, was really nice, helpful & calm considering the table was non-stop full with kids & parents really into doll-making. I had a lot of fun. It's been a while I learn to do a craft & I took my time picking fabric for my doll & getting her dressed. I hate to admit I'm a perfectionist at times, but I found the picky in me trying to make a neat doll. Ada had the idea of adding a bonnet to the dolls, which I loved. I let her choose her own fabric & she decided to give her doll to Nina, a special person in our lives (Nina loved the handmade gift very much)! Ashley complimented our dolls & asked to take our picture.
As I promised Ada, afterwards we went to check out some interesting plants, including the sensitive plant! We found these beautiful flowers that reminded Ada & me of a Georgia O'Keeffe painting. I find it so wonderful that Ada knows O'Keeffe (from school) & we're able to connect with these things. Do you agree?
(Ada asked for this picture to be taken.)
I had an awesome date with Ada! We need to do this more often.
Oh, & at night, what did we do you ask? Oh, not much, just went to a fall fiesta at RICK BAYLESS' HOUSE!!! Fandanguero was invited by Jonathan, who works at R.B.'s Chicago restaurant, Frontera Grill. Where's Rick Bayless in these pictures? :)
I was too shy to ask for a picture with him. I told Emiliano I'm sure he heard that all the time, & the last thing he wanted was to get that at his own home! So, I just snapped quickies of him on the dance floor! These are much more exciting to take, I think. I did say hello to him, though, and thanked him for having us there.
Look! That's me making a bottle for Amelie in R.B.'s kitchen! Do you recognize it from the show? I tried to be discreet & asked to get water when no one was around, but the "wives" thought it would be funny to put me on the spot! Ay, muchachas!!!
(Amelie & mommy on the dance floor!)
An eventful & productive weekend para la familia! <3
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