Beach and Boardwalk Summer Fun

Last week we took a bunch of the older kids to Santa Cruz Beach and then we went to the Boardwalk to go on rides that night. The kids built a moat, buried each other in the sand, played in the water and then we all got cleaned up and spent the night on the Boardwalk going on all the rides.

Here's Angie, Javier and Raymon digging.


They buried Angie and Elizabeth.

Yesenia, Elizabeth (sisters) and Cristina. Cute and great girls.

Angie was right next to me (Patty) on this ride. It was pretty high up so I was kinda freaked out. I don't like heights but I do love rides. Look at the people below. Glad I got a good picture though!

Lesley, Inez and Angie having fun.

Summer is in full swing...

Gary and I have planned many different things for the kids this summer. Every summer they used to go to Camp MayMac but because of the economy that is not an option this summer. So, we are doing lots of day trips. One thing we did a few weeks ago was a trip to the San Francisco Zoo. The pictures are self-explanatory. In the zoo they also have an area where the kids can feed sheep and goats and they love that part of the zoo. It was a very fun day.

A Funeral and a Blessing

One sad thing that has happened this summer is the death of a mom in the neighborhood. Elizabeth Barajas fought cancer for 2 long years. She was only 36. She had a husband and 5 kids ranging from 6 to 12 years old. The kids are all involved here at the Center. Pete and I went to her funeral. It was sad, especially seeing the kids say goodbye to their mom. This funeral was different from ones that we usually go to in that it was an open casket and pretty much everybody comes up to the body to say goodbye. It was very touching watching the kids say goodbye to their mom, through their tears. We felt honored to be able to go and be a part.

This picture was a slide in a powerpoint presentation shown at the funeral. Yes, Leonel and Elizabeth just got married just last year but have been together for many many years.

One cool thing that has happened since Elizabeth's death is that many people have wanted to help out. People from the elementary school where the kids go, to church people to neighbors. In the hispanic culture when someone dies, a friend or neighbor will get a shoebox and put the deceased persons picture on it and walk door to door or take the box to work asking for donations for the family. Several neighbors did this and they collected quite a bit of money for the family.

The kids now all have new bunk beds and new mattresses thanks to many people! This is Anthony proud of his new bed.

This picture was taken at the buriel site. It is the Barajas family plus Elizabeth's mom Maria and Elizabeth's wonderful brother Freddie. What a wonderful family! They all know they will be reunited with Elizabeth in heaven one day and that is something they all look forward to.