It’s time for Dia de los Ninos 2025!
We packed up and departed Phoenix on Friday morning with the rising sun. First stop, Gila Bend Circle K.
After getting ourselves situated at Joel and Pam’s house, we walked across the street for a late lunch of a few birria tacos.
The crew arrives at the railroad tracks church and began setting up, unloading the vehicles, and grilling hot dogs.
The church begins to fill with kids and their families. Joel played some music, Sam talked with them for a few minutes, musical chairs was played, and toys were handed out.
Everyone received juice, chips, and a hot dog on their way out. Mmm!
Later that evening, a handful of us went out for food at Taqueria Uni. Mmm again!
We arrived at the community center on Saturday morning and help unload and stage the food delivery.
Several of the guys worked hard on upgrading the dilapidated basketball court. A new backboard and hoop was installed on the existing pole. Then, another portable hoop was reassembled and setup for the kids to play. Jay, Dave, and a few others supervise the work.
L to R: Virgil, Javier, Benjamin, Sam
Inside the community center, the games and prizes are setup and food is prepared.
The kids and families gather outside. Sam and Joel provide some entertainment as they are broken down into smaller groups and guided through the community center. Games, candy, and prizes are handed out before everyone receives a hot dog or peanut butter and jelly sandwich on their way out. Over 300 kids attended the event on Saturday.
Later that evening, we parked near the Shirley House where we normally stay. It was unavailable on this trip due to construction, so I snapped a few photos of the progress.
Everyone was heading down the beach to see the remains of a dead whale that had washed up. Evan was able to hold up a vertebrae and rib bone that were scattered along the beach.
Javier’s family as the sun set.
Chile colorado, beans, rice, and pulled pork for dinner at the rental house. We ended the night by sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company.
