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Mi Familia
 Mother sewed many costumes for Mardi Gras, Las Posadas and many other fiesta events. She just loved to see "La Familia" (The Family) participate and wear the costumes she made. Mother bought Ru-Ru (aka Reuel) a special brown and gold charro suit, which was passed on to Dominic, Ronnie, Suki's son Albert and then to Reuel's two sons Patrick and Robert. It became an inherited memorabilia. Ru-Ru's cousin Rosita (aka Ginette), who was born six months before him posed in many photos with Ru-Ru while participating in many events. She loved to be out in the fiesta crowds with the family standing by with that sweet little smile on her face but always too shy to join in. Little did she know that she would be the one to be so devoted to La Calle Olvera.
I was so pleased and spirit filled to see that Mother and Cruz cared and loved my baby boy so much. Don't get me wrong. They enjoyed and loved all the children and  had great times with them. Ru-Ru favored and loved Mother and Cruz back, he was responsive to their every request. They dressed him in imported Méxican costumes. Cruz encouraged Ru Ru (aka Reuel) to dance to the music on Olvera Street in front of "La Golondrina" restaurant (where Vivian Bonzo, granddaughter of the late Consuelo de Bonzo, is now owner and manager). People gathered around to see this two-year-old baby boy bounce to the beat of the music. Cruz also made him a Blacksmith, leather apron just like the one he used for work. It was the cutest thing to see.
Since my mother felt that pride in our culture and tradition was so important to share, she would teach the children of Olvera Street classic dances from México at the Italian Hall. Irma, who had been a professional dance instructor, also taught the children. The Olvera Street merchants had a great sense of family. Every year we would all have a great big Christmas Party and all the children of Olvera Street would come over and participate in a talent show. It was a joyful occasion. Mario would dress up in his Santa costume and give gifts to all the children. Afterwards, they would all run outside excited to break the piñata!
I remember the excitement of seeing my eldest daughter Suki (aka Rebecca) and Rosita (aka Ginette) dancing to the Mariachi’s Méxican Hat Dance and other famous songs for the public. They were adorable and dressed in beautiful costumes my Mother would create. The girls would become shy at times, but always took lovely pictures for all the tourists who were touched by them. It would always be so exciting to see their eyes light up as the audience would throw quarters and dollars into their Méxican hat! They were a wonderful attraction to behold!
As our children were born, they followed the same pattern and learned what it was to be an Olvera Street child. We all made piñatas. Mother was the master artist. She taught us how to survive through the arts of life. These piñatas were made of "barro" (clay pots) covered and made in different shapes uniquely designed as ordered. They were adorable like small Rose Parade floats. I think it was a shame to break them.
 Clarita from the "Guadalajara" puesto was also an expert piñata maker. She was there before mother and was very knowledgeable of the Street; the press was always interviewing her. Besides specializing in handmade miniatures, she personally traveled to México and selected each miniature piece. I remember her telling me that some of the miniatures were made by prisoners in México. How wonderful to have been in a place with so much love and respect for our fellowman.
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