Well, I’ve said it before…and I’ll say it again: Mexicans know how to P-A-R-T-Y!! Mexico’s school system is set up to include 3 levels of Kindergarten. Kids can start Kinder 1 at age 3, and by age 5 they are in Kinder 3 and preparing for graduation.  I was pretty surprised when I received a cap and gown from the school, on loan for the Kinder graduation ceremony.  For real? We showed up to a full-on ceremony for...

The last quarter of school, every child is highlighted on their very own “Star Day.” On this special day, the parents of the Star child are invited to come to class and do an activity with the children. Some parents may choose to play a movie, make some crafts, play some sports, etc. Since my girls love to make beaded jewelry, I dyed some pasta noodles (super easy and cheap–food coloring and rubbing alcohol!), purchased...

Ella and Maiya’s school had a Spring parade for the parents in March. Like all school events, the parents went all out for decorating the kids bikes and dressing them in costumes: In comparison, we always look like half-put-together… The girls rode their scooters and wore some princess dresses. Here is Ella with her best bud, Alex, who is the only other American in her class. Alex has lived here for 2 1/2 years and is also...

How did I miss this the last time we lived in Mexico? It is scattered all across Guadalajara! We finally had a bit of spare time in Guadlajara without child #1 and #2 (yay for school!), so we “rushed” in to see what Mega was all about. It seemed to me to be the most “American” style grocery store I have seen here–it’s Mega big! Step #1: Park underneath. Get your cart, and put it on the flat escalator to...

The school here gave us a list of school supplies needed for each girl. So, we went school supply shopping…Mexican style! We entered a local Papeleria, which essentially sells any thing: cards, ribbons, gift bags, glue, notebooks, sewing supplies, etc. Really…it is a mix of anything and everything! Close to the Ajijic Plaza is Papeleria Hidalgo, with a very nice couple who has owned the business for over 20 years. It shows,...

This last Friday Ella’s school had a gigantic Valentine’s Day Party at her school for 3 hours (with early release at noon). I volunteered to help out at our class’s “Burbujas” stand (bubbles), and helped the children make giant bubbles all morning. I also escaped briefly throughout the morning to follow/take Ella around to all of the activities. Ella decorated a few sugar cookies (with a TON of sprinkles),...