H-A-P-P-Y new Y-E-A-R!

Ines and Rio are busy, busy, busy playing with their newly acquired toys....Scene: "INES" written with i golfini della nonna "soft blocks," gifted by Tio Jamie.

Rio intently watches how Mama shows Ines how to spell her name

Scene: Mama smiles while Rio observes for Ines. Photo by Ines.

Ines tries to show Rio her handiwork with blocks

Scene: "Rio" created by Ines who quickly after, kisses her brother.

Mama, Rio and Papa smile for Ines who quickly captured the moment.

Scene: Mama, Rio and Papa ride the Ferris Wheel at the Aquarium in downtown Houston. Photo by Ines.

The Pepalogue wishes you a very peaceful Happy New Year!

Christmas Day Review

Ines and Rio pose in their best reindeer attire keeping themselves busy till Christmas morn.Scene: Ines and Rio bedecked in bell-studded reindeer horns.

Rio and Ines on Christmas morning - let the paper fly!

Scene: Rio wears Old Navy red/blue robot pattern on grey PJs. Ines wears Disney "Snow White" blue PJs.

Ines, ecstatic about all her new loot...Scene: Ines poses with a sampling of her new clothes. Ines wears Disney vintage "Snow White" pink shirt, Arizona pink/purple plaid pants; Ines is holding a Rare Editions gold princess dress.

Rio is very quiet as he sneeks up on his sister's Dumbo plush.Scene: Rio is surrounded by a Leap Frog "Alphabet Pal, Catepillar," "Discovery Ball," Andy Warhol's Color board book and Disney Store "Dumbo." Rio wears Gap multi-stripe footed PJs.

The Pepalogue wishes you a great Holiday and a peaceful respite from your year-long hard work.
The Pep and Rio would also like to extend their warmest Thank Yous to all who filled their Christmas full of love, joy and toys!
XOXO

Link of the day:

City Christmas Sleigh: "Karate Krishna's" holiday-themed carriage.

Feliz Navidad and Birthday Shout Out, too!

Ines and Rio wishes everyone a very Happy Christmas!
Papa, Rio and Ines enjoy a night of snow flurries.

Scene: Rio experiences his first snow while Ines tries to catch the snowflakes.

Ines, Rio and Mami try to gather some snowflakes. Scene: Ines wears Gap bunny-eared hat and Gap black sleeveless puffer jacket; Rio wears Under the Nile white ear-flap hat, Gap multi-stripe knit jacket.

Rio and the Pep wish their Granny Lynda a very Merry Birthday!
Grandpa Johnny, Ines and Granny Lynda watch the Zamboni clean the ice. Scene: Hanging out at Galleria's Polar Ice Skating Rink, Houston, Tx.

Christmas Pep Links:

Christmas Comedy: Mr. Bean's Christmas.
Dr. Seuss Christmas: How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Spooky Christmas Christmas: Nightmare Before Christmas excerpt.
An Eloise Christmas: Eloise at Christmastime.

Birthday Shout Out to Bianca!

Ines and Rio extend their warmest Birthday Shout Out to their cousin Bianca!

Scene: Bianca stands command over her cake. L-R: Papa, Rio, Vicki, Sofia, Bianca, Tio Alex, Carmen and Ines. Location: Bane Park, Tx.

They had a great time chasing all their cousins around the playground. Best of all they couldn't get enough of that chocolate-on-chocolate birthday cake.Scene: Carmen and Ines having a chocolatey, glutinous, good time.

...and a Happy Hanukkah to all!

4 Links til' Christmas:

Wildest Sneeze: "Sneezing Panda" video.
Air Travel Comedy: "No Frills Airlines" video.
Time for Doughnuts!: Delicious Sufganiyot Recipe.
Christmas Folding Fun: Christmas Origami!

Happy Birthday Shout Out! Encore! Encore!

Ines and Rio have been taking in the myriad of birthdays and holiday events in stride. They're keeping themselves busy and distracted from their real concern - opening all the presents under the tree - with cookies and play dates.
Rio loves the spirit of the holidays, especially all the gingerbread men cookies he can eat! Scene: Rio enjoying some homemade gingerbread cookies.

Ines enjoys some warm rays at her neighborhood playground.

Scene: Ines basks in the sun, Location: Settegast Park, Houston, Tx.

Ines and Rio have been very busy with birthdays this month - not ones to stop a good thing - they continue with a heartfelt wish for a great Happy Birthday to their Grand Uncle Jimmy.

Scene: Rio, family friend, Tio Jimmy, Mama, Ines, Tio Frankie, Bisabuela. Location: Tampa, Fl.

P.S. Happy Birthday to Grand Tio Joey! (12/05)

10 Links till Christmas:

Shoe-whacked Bush: "Iraqi Journalist Throws Shoe at Bush."
Best Stars?: Golden Globes nominations.
Snowfall in Houston: "Snow Surprises Houston."
Make your own!: "Basic Gingerbread Cookies" recipe.
Barney Cam: "Barney Cam VII, A Red, White, Blue Christmas."
No You Didn't: Silly Sasha/Beyonce "Ave Maria."
National Tree Lighting: US Capital Christmas Tree Ceremony.
Fave Christmas Show: "Merry Christmas Mr. Bean."
Texas Light Show: "Frisco Christmas Lights."
A Princess' Christmas: "Cinderella's Castle Christmas Lit up."

Happy Birthday Shout Out to Titi Karen!

Ines and Rio wish their Titi Karen a wonderful Happy Birthday!

At the beach, Titi Karen gives Rio the sexy back as he splashes with Papa.Scene: Papa , Rio, Titi Karen and Vicki wade in the water. Location: Surfside Beach, Tx.

Smiley cheeses from Rio, Wiwi and Papa to their Titi Karen.
Scene: Part of the Alfaro clan at a dinner celebration. Location: Alfaro residence. Spring, Tx.

and a double dose of smiley cheeses from Carmen and Ines.
Scene: Carmen and Ines hang out with some Chilean Flamingos. Location: Houston Zoo.

The Pepalogue sends a warm Happy Birthday Shout Out to Titi Karen!!!

Links for Titi:

Christmas folding fun!: Christmas Origami
Jammy Jam video: "SexyBack" by JT
Visions of Daiquiríes, à la: Floridita (Original), Hemingway (Papa Doble), Rosado (Cuban)
Perfect Daquirí pairing: Lechon, "Plantain-Stuffed Pork Loin"

Belated Birthday Shout Out to Tio Alex!!!

Ines and Rio swing to the rythm of the Birthday tunes for their Tio Alex.

The Pep gives Rio a "kissing hand" before she gives him a big push on the playground swing.Scene: Ines shows some love her bro. Ines wears Champion purple star print shirt, Capezio black skort, Naturino "Blue Bottle" red patent mary jane shoes. Location: River Oaks Park, Houston.

Ines shows good form after a strong push while Rio gets a grip.

Scene: Rio soars through the air! Rio wears Gap green puff vest, Snugabye blue shirt, Cherokee slate corduroy pants, Fisher-Price multi-colored "Soccer" shoes.

Ines and Rio wish their Tio Alex had a great big Happy Birthday! and Bert does too!

Image: "Happy Birthday to you [Ernie]" Bert and Ernie BFF!

P.S. Belated Birthday Shout Out to Great Cuz Yesenia Sexto (11/28)!

For Alex Links:

Porque te extranamos: "Otro Dia Mas Sin Verte."
Because we miss you: "Just Another Day."
356 Speedster lovers Unite!: "Porsche pre-1974" Flicker club.
Freestyle flashback: "Silent Morning."
Classic Videos for the girl: Ernie sings "Happy Birthday to U," Bert&Ernie Dance.

Parading Thanksgiving Gas

In search for the best viewing spot for Houston's 59th HEB Thanksgiving Parade, Ines and Papa get a clue from the Houston Chronicle's retriever puppy, Nemo and Spongebob Squarepants who were floating in the wings.

Scene: Papa and Ines on Texas & Hamilton. ines wears Disney's Pink "Princess" ensemble, Naturino "Blue Bottle" Red patent mary janes w/embroidered flowers.

Always on the ready, Ines gives her biggest wave to her favorite balloon: Spongebob Squarepants.Rio and Mama checkout the backstage view of the parade balloons.Scene: Mama and Rio on Capital & US59. Rio rides in a multi-striped Maya Wrap adj. pouch and wears an Okie Dokie red/navy striped polo and OshKosh B'Gosh jeans.

Ines deftly hides behind Papa as the Houston Chronicle's retriever puppy approaches.Scene: Ines hides behind Papa. Papa carries a Fleurville grey "Re-Run" stroller bag.

P.S. Back at home, Ines and Rio caught the remainder of the 82nd Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on TV. Their personal favorite moments of the Macy's parade:

Super Cute Hello Kitty balloon,
Care Bears' Winter Winderland float,
Foster's Home of Imaginary Friends and its Rick Roll,
Pikachu balloon,
Planet Earth balloon,
Harajuku Girls balloonheads float and
Arrrrtie the Pirate balloon.

Gas Links:

Gassed meme: Rick Rolling
Rick Astley video: "Never Gonna Give You Up"

Farting Elves: "12 Days of Christmas"
Exploding Baby Bums: Baby Farts

Climbing and Clicking

Weekend activities with Ines and Rio included...

Climbing slides at the playground,
Scene: Rio tackles the toddler slide. Rio wears Under the Nile natural ear flap hat, H&M baby black long-sleeve shirt, H&M L.O.G.G. blue argyle knit vest, Cherokee slate blue corduroy jeans.

and being relentless even if he was back sliding at every inch progressed.

Location: Vale-Asche Playground, Memorial Park, Houston.

Ines enjoyed the Via Colori street painting festival the best.

Scene: Ines poses by her favorite chiaroscuro painting. Ines wears Strasburg Heirloom Collections Purple sleeveless hand-smock dress. Location: Sam Houston Park, Houston.

See what caught the Pep's eye through a selection of her photos:
Peace birds,

Photo: Ines
a modern turkey dinner,
Photo: Ines
animals at the Zoo,
Photo: Ines

and how to become a cowgirl, just like Cowgirl Kate!Ines felt that this painting merited a formal picture that included her grinning.

Paint Links:

Ines' fave animation character: Todd (Toddworld) by Todd Parr.
Rio's fave animation character: Maisy by Lucy Cousins.
Ines' fave animation studio: Ghibli Studio.
Ines and Rio's fave illustrator: Joelle Jolivet.
Ines' fave painter: Ellsworth Kelly.
Rio's fave painter: Joan Miro.

Rio, Le Fils, Le Frere, Le Bricoler, Le Fantome

A look at the many faces of Rio....
Rio helps his sis create a nest on Pop, eventually it was just a ploy to Hop on Pop!Scene: Ines, Papa and Rio frolick in Dunham Park. Ines wears Green Cotton red/pink striped hoodie, Capezio black skort; Rio wears Gap navy windbreaker, OshKoshB'Gosh blue/white striped pants.

While Papa is away Rio must play - with his highly prized audio cables. Look what I can do!

Scene: Rio shows his pearls while caught in the act. Rio wears Cherokee green/white raglan, Target.

Rio crawls through his sister's dollhouse trying to get to the other side. At the very least he used the door upon exiting.
Scene: Rio pushes through the entry. Rio wears Circo white/jungle print bodysuit, Target; Plan Toys" "My 1st Dollhouse.

Safety Links:

Obama Rubbers: "Use with Good Judgment."
Rio dances to...: Safety Dance.
Rio le baila a...: Quiero que me Quieras.
Audio fab labs: AS220, MIT Media Lab.

A Night with The Phantom

Ines and Rio go to the park and catch another silent film classic, The Phantom of the Opera.

Scene: The Golden Arm Trio perform to The Phantom of the Opera in the KUHF Classic Film Concerts series. Location: Discovery Green, Houston.

Ines and Rio, nestled in coats and on blankets are accompanied by their Wiwi, Abu, cousin Carmen and parents to enjoy the KUHF Classic Film Concerts performance at Discovery Green.

Scene: Carmen wears a Chilean alpaca red poncho; Ines wears Gap black puffer vest, Green Cotton red/pink striped hoodie.

Ines watches over her little Rio who promptly fell asleep as the film started.

Scene: Ines hugs Rio as he sleeps. Rio wears Gap navy windbreaker; John Lewis Baby multi-colored striped vest; covered by a Bebe au Lait "Yoko" nursing cover and Pastel plaid wool blanket; sleeps on Nak "playbyplay" Bright tartan activiy mat.

Pepalogue Film Links:

Pep+Rio's fave new movie release: Madagascar 2.
Best Spooky house movie: Monster House.
Fave Halloween movie: Eloise's Rawther Unusual Halloween.
Fave new DVD release: TinkerBell.
Pep+Rio's fave new DVD release: Yo Gabba Gabba: The Dancey Dance Bunch.

Orange you a Princess Yet?!

In attempts at creating a royal court, the Alfaro cousins dress up in their finest and practice their court etiquette.Scene: Ines wears Rare Editions Pink, black/white gingham trim w/"Paris" scenes; Carmen wears Strasburg Heirloom Collections Purple sleeveless hand-smock; Victoria wears Charter Club White w/pink floral pattern.

Rio attends the "Stadium for the Dynamos Press Conference" in his hood, the East End.

Scene: Rio enjoys a boost on Mommy's shoulders. Rio wears an Orange hand-knit hoodie; Izod striped, knit vest; Bektay bebe red and white striped shoes; Mom wears Paul Frank red "Julius" pullover hoodie. Location: East End, Houston, TX.

Lots of Dynamo fans and East Enders show their support for the proposed site of the still tentative Dynamo stadium. Rio bleeds Orange and Black for his Daddy's beloved team.
What Ines and Rio are watching tonight: The Latin Grammy Award on Univision.

Orange Links:

Bleed Orange and Black: Texian Army for Dynamo.
Dynamo fan page: Houston Dynamo Mysapce.
Interview w/Brian Ching: The Soccer Hour w/Glenn Davis.
Houston hosts Grammy's: Latin Grammy Awards.
The Pepalogue fav latin band: Cafe Tacuba.

Interview with Rio

Rio recently turned 10 months and sat down with his Mom for a candid interview.

M: What do you love to do most?

R: Romp around with my big sis Ines.
M: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
R: Standing while clapping and 6 teeth!

M: What's your favorite snack?
R: Mama's milk.
M: What is your greatest extravagance?
R: Pizza crust.
Scene: Rio smiles in his and big sis Ines' bedroom, Houston.

M: What is your idea of a perfect day?
R: Playing at the playground with my family, a bubble bath, and some warm pizza crust.
M: What do you think is the most overrated ability?
R: Walking, I got other people willing to do that for me.

Scene: Rio wears Carter's brown bodysuit with puppy paw print, gifted by Grandpa Johnny+Granny Lynda; HelloKitty pillow, handmade by Wiwi; Acapillow Pirate pillow, gifted by Jamie.

M: What is your greatest fear?

R: Having funk in the trunk when I wake up.

M: Any favorite activities?
R: I love to rummage through Mami's purse!

Links by Rio:

I enjoy watching kids dance: Wubbzy Dance Contest.
My sis has Mom making these: Fairytale shadow Puppets.
What I wish I could read: Art Baltazar's Tiny Titans.
What I'm watching today: Pres-Elect Obama's first conference.
I have hope with US politics abroad: Watch WW reactions to Obama's win.
My favorite headlines: Obama headlines.
What I love to do: NAP! Boston Globe shows you how!

We Love OBAMA!

Ines jumps around in response to the images broadcast from Grant Park.Scene: Ines wears an American Apparel, teal on purple "Obama for President" T-shirt by Babesta; Political button with Obama's portrait, Houston for Obama office. Location: Kinney-Morrow residence; Houston, TX.

Ines does a little victory dance as Barack takes the stage to make his victory speech.
Scene: Ines shakes her purple tulle tutu-clad bum.

Obama Links:

Enjoy the Barack Musical: Rock Obama!
Washington, DC Block Party: Jubilation in DC.
WW Obama headlines: Canada, UK, Italy, France, Spain, Japan, Russia, Germany, et all.
Obama message: Thank You.
Ideals Renewed: NYT and the The Promise.
Cookie of the Day: Obama Cookies!

VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!

Today, we revisit the evolution of Ines and Rio's political activism...
Ines and Rio go to their first presidential rally and meet the future president Barack Obama!
Ines learns to chant "Yes We Can!"

Scene: Ines wears Healthtex, multi-colored polka dot turtleneck, gifted by Joann; Rio wears an American Apparel, "I ALREADY KNOW MORE THAN THE PRESIDENT" T-shirt, gifted by Jamie. Location + Date: Obama Rally, Mar. 3, 2008; George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX.

Ines shows her support for Obama while at her local playground.
Scene: Ines wears an American Apparel, teal on purple "Obama for President" T-shirt, gifted by Michael, Miller and Taryn; Arizona Jean Co., blue and white striped skirt. Location: Dunham Park, Houston Heights, TX.

*The Pepalogue would like to offer their condolences to Titi Yesenia, Titi Marielis + Tio Georgie on the passing of their father Tio Jorge Sexto.*

Political Links:

CA, FL, AZ, Vote!: NO on Prop. 8; NO on Amd. 2; NO on Prop. 102.
80's Breakdancin' Moves: Prince Charles - bust a move.
Dancing Creds: Obama & McCain Dance-Off!
Warholian Politics: US Candidates given the Warhol Effect.
Truth about McCain: "Make-Beleive Maverick," 5 Myths about McCain.
Canucks for Obama!: CBC reports on Canadian Obama supporters.
Obama mania Japan style: Obama for Obama and their chopsticks & headbands., T-shirt, Obama manju sweets, Obamaburger or kimono.
Global Obama support: Bridges for Obama, Italy, Mexico, India, Sri Lanka, Tanzania
Sculpted Candidates: Obama, Barcelona, Obama & McCain, Orissa.