Tito Freddie's 70th Birthday Party {Chicago}

It's been a good four years since we've been to Chi-town and a good two years since we've seen the Chicago cousins. Let's just say, life is different with kids! We use to plan fancy dinners and nights out whenever we visited, but now we're playing legos and watching Monster University. Out of the seven cousins Gerald has in Chicago, 3 of them have two kids each, with one of them expecting a third. There are two cousins that are not yet married and then us. I think this weekend just bought us six more months of being ready to start a family, joking! The kids were so much fun to be around now that they are older and are talking. We hung out with the four boys the most {5 and 3} and it was fun to see them be tough little guys but when they got tired, they totally sweetened up and went straight for their mama. As much as I make fun of Gerald for being a mama's boy, I think it's pretty sweet.  Here's the bunch for you! Oh, and this is a good watch for those of us that don't have kids! We think we know, but we have NO IDEA!

Okay, enough about the kids. The weekend went by super fast, we arrived on a Thursday afternoon and left Sunday morning. Gerald was in Bako and flew in Saturday Morning and left Sunday night; it wasn't the best schedule but you have to do what you have to do.  It was Kylie's first flight and I'm happy I got to experience it with her; she did so well on the flight there. We had a bit of a delay coming back so she wasn't the greatest but that wasn't her fault, United screwed up her "travel schedule." hehe. Once we were in the air, she was fine! 

We chilled at the house on Thursday night, did some shopping on Saturday at the new Fashion Outlets of Chicago {new favorite outlet} and then had the birthday party on Saturday. The party was a great success. His son, Jeffrey is a DJ/MC on the side so ran the show pretty well. They had a little red carpet entry, Tito Freddie's oldest grandchild played "Happy Birthday on the keyboard," while his youngest one sang "Happy Birthday." There was a great slideshow of his life and speeches were given by his wife, kids, and brother that all made us cry! I learned a lot about him during this night and have a better appreciation of what turning 70 means to him.  It's always great to catch up with the Chicago family, especially since all of the cousins are our age.{we don't have that on my side of the family}. Anyhow, we hope to see them more often now that we're back in the States! 

the Mabi cousins and their family

the mabi cousins and their spouses/girlfriend {i didn't know how to stand in between them, hence, why i look so awkward}

we're a fun bunch of in-laws!

cristobal's and pena's

natalyse playing "happy birthday" - she's 6 and so sweet

Tito Freddie's family

Daddy and daughter {RMC & Kylie}

Pops and Kylie

Nick & Gerald

Mike & Gerald

Jeffrey & Gerald {Jeff teaching Gerald his DJ skills}

As a birthday gift for Tito Freddie, the cousins got together and got him a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. It was my first time buying liquor out of a locked case. Too bad we didn't get to taste any.

Hope you had a great birthday celebration Tito Freddie! Thanks for having us!