SUNDAY WITH FAMILY

Family time is very important to the Maldonado's, even if they're not related by blood. Our parents were lifetime family friends with the Lucero's who lived a few houses down the block in old Albuquerque. Their kids, Mel, Linda and Julia grew up with us and our folks.



Now, with families of our own, we still make it a point to get together often.
Pictured below are Julia (Lucero) Torrez, our nephew Alfredo and Steve's sister, Diana. Pictured above are Julia and husband Bobby (top), Mel Lucero and wife Kathy. (oh, yes, and Meeko).


We spent the afternoon at a barbecue and pool party and Linda (Lucero) and Cornell Heitzman's home.

The warmth and generosity of the hispanic culture is cherished and time together is more valuable than gold.

Our nephew and UNM student, Danny, looks cool in the pool.

There was a pretty intense volleyball game going on and I think the teams were stacked....Catherine, Mitchell, and Stephanie against Danny... Maldo versus Maldos!

Mandy and Lily floating around in the pool. It was 96 degrees that day so any time in the pool was particularly refreshing.

Wherever she goes, Stephanie has to play sports...even in the pool!

3-year old Mabrie (one of Brice and Mandy's clan from Washington) stayed in the pool until her skin was as wrinkled as a 98-year old grandma! (Not that we know any 98-year old grandmas!)

Mitchell and buddy Wyatt spending more time in the pool. Apparently Wyatt is also a human cannonball.

Later that night, everyone settled down at the ranch to rest. Stephanie, Mabrie and Wyatt played a children's version of Cribbage. Hey, it's a math game and it kept them occupied for a while! Whew!

Contributing to this post is Steve Maldonado, dad extraordinaire.