It has been another fantastic weekend for Katy and I. We owe it all to God, our friends, and our family.
We started off our Saturday in Edmond at Ben and Makayla's wedding shower. It was truly a blessing to witness the warmth and love shared by their family and friends. In a special way, Katy and I were reminded of the family reunions, family extensions, and new friendships that blossomed from our own matrimony. We have no doubt that Ben and Makayla will have a successful marriage and we can't wait to see them take their next step forward into each other's lives.
After our visit in Edmond, we called up the other Montoya's (my parents, Nestor and Gladys) for a reunion! Katy and I are making it a practice to treat them whenever we visit. We took them out for ice cream at Kaisers, an afternoon drive through Midtown, Automobile Alley, Heritage Hills, and Mesta Park and Oklahoma City University neighborhoods, and finally dinner at Big Truck Tacos (there is a tremendous amount of energy that is transforming the landscape of Oklahoma City, but this must be saved for another post).
Katy and I learn something new every time we visit my parents. It can range from something as serious as how to maintain expense records for income taxes on investment properties, to something as silly as "Never mix business with birthdays" as my dad gave his simple explanation of a good work-life balance. It is the life experiences they share with us so openly that makes them such great life mentors. We love them dearly.
Sunday came around with spring in full swing. We took full advantage of the weather walking to and from Mass, eating lunch on the back deck, and walking around the neighborhood and park. A new discovery we made together was Supermercado Morelos. From outside the store we could smell aromas of marinated grilled meats. We opened the door and a blast of cumbia music hit our ears. The customers and employees all greeted us in spanish with big smiles and there were aisles on aisles of unique imported goods. I felt as if I had been transported to the only familiar place I know with the same characteristics: Peru. It got Katy and I excited about our trip this coming May. This is definitely our new go-to store for Latin American ingredients.
I love sharing my life with Katy. Her joy is my joy. I feel recharged and ready to take on the challenges of next week.