In lieu of Grandpa Flores showing up to the celebration of baby Jesus at 5:15 a.m. (it’s getting later and later every year), Stevie Salinas brought his karaoke machine which led to George Strait, Tejano music, “Because I Got High,” and Backstreet Boys (Mexican style).

Paula, Mom, Paul Palacios, and Stevie sit on the infamous leather couch as Stevie shows off his karaoke machine. I’m going to assume Mom and Paul P. think Stevie is crazy.

“Where is the real music?” Grandma inquired as she entered the living room. The real music typically includes “Carabina Treinta Treinta,” “Ay, Jalisco” and “Cielito Lindo” instead of the karaoke version of “Because I Got High.”

No matter what, Tio Oscar is always at every family event. He’s quiet, stealthy, and always has a distinct look on his face. Through the karaoke singing fools, Tio Oscar sits quietly, sipping his beer.

Ironically enough, for most of these people, all their exes live in Texas. George Strait quickly became a favorite of the ragamuffins and Mom.

p.s. This series will definitely be longer than 3 parts.

Part two of my Christmas series. The party is just getting started in these shots.

Paul Salinas (officially, some sort of cousin, but unofficially an uncle) listens closely with his musical ear to Leila’s new upright bass as he plucks away.

Christian Lopez (real cousin) sings his eclectic heart out to Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So” while rocking away on our grandma’s rocking chair. This song became a favorite between Wyatt and Christian. A new “traditional” song? I think so.

Debuting at his first Corpus Christmas, baby Ivan steals the show on the tambourines. He certainly stole the show with Mom, Paula, and the chihuahua.

And then, Ivan discovered the puppy chow. The ragamuffins dubbed it “baby crack” as Ivan piled it up on Grandma’s glass coffee table. Hopefully we will see more of Ivan, Sasha, and Sergio at Christmas. It’s always fun having little ones around.

Here is the first in (at least) a three part series of Christmas in Corpus Christi, which includes the annual festivities and the memorial for Sergio Andres Flores.

Dad and cousin Vinnie (yes, I have a Cousin Vinnie) awaiting Christmas festivities as they pass time with “Brick Breaker” and “Doodle Jump,” respectively.

Tia Sylvia, Grandma, and Mom spreading the Christmas gossip at the kitchen table.

A new instrument was introduced into the Flores’ household this Christmas. The upright acoustic bass made quite the impression, especially on Wyatt, who is now searching for an electric upright.

Mom and Grandma take the two turkeys out of the crock pot to feed the masses that are starving. Christmas dinner never happens before 10:30 on Christmas Eve. It’s tradition.