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When one goes to Corpus, one must go to San Antonio. Home to my dad’s family and Los Spurs, we go up to hang out, eat velveeta queso and ghost-peppered pickles, shop, explore, and ring in the New Year.

This year, our mission was to find ballet folklorico costumes for my mom, so we ventured into “South San,” where we found exquisite street art, a santeria shop, a huge mural of Selena, a low road-scrapin’ dog (reference to our favorite children’s book…worth the listen, y’all), and then Wyatt made his best attempt to blend in with an army of piñatas. We finally ended up at La Gloria, an eclectic Mexican Street Food cafe with prickly pear margaritas and tacos al pastor to satiate our hungry bellies. Wyatt later passed out with Grandpa Charlie’s hairless cat on his face.

The next day, we ventured out to Luckenbach and Fredricksburg to go be tourists. Luckenbach, Texas, made famous by Waylon Jennings (“…Willie + the boys”), is a small used-to-be town that is all about beer and good music. We went real early in the morning, so we didn’t get to hear any guitar pickin’ but we did get to meet Virgil the Storeguy. You guessed it, he runs the general store, which is housed in the old post-office. Virgil is quite the joker and has the most unique and full-hearted and contagious laugh I’ve ever heard. He said he plans on riding out to N.C. on his Harley to visit his son and daughter-in-law at the coast. If you ever get out this way, Virgil, I suggest a good Eastern Carolina BBQ, hush puppies, and a solid craft beer. For those of you traveling to or through Texas, get out to Luckenbach, make sure you get an ice-cold Shiner, appreciate all the musical memorabilia, listen to a good round of guitar pickin’, stay far far away from the evil roosters, and give Virgil a big ol’ handshake and a reason to joke around!

New Year’s Eve can be summed up in three topics: Head’s Up, champagne, crappy fireworks. Either way, it’s always a good time. Grandpa Charlie acted out a t-rex, Komodo dragon, a sloth, and an elephant while playing Head’s Up. Wyatt went and bought a bag of fireworks, that ultimately failed to be as awesome as usual but were still a lot of fun. We rang in the New Year with champagne and kisses and many hopes for a great 2015.

New Year’s Day: Rudy’s BBQ + Blue Bell Ice Cream. No need to elaborate on that greatness.

And finally, today, we said adios (or a see you later) to Wyatt as he embarks on his journey to ABQ. He is going to live with our Tías, start fresh, and make awesome music. Godspeed to you and all your adventures out west (I also hope you finally befriend Chispa)! I expect killer snapchats, sweet instagrams, and all your greatness to beam out of you! Miss + love you, fool!

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Our last night in Corpus, we had a party to welcome Chipper and Christian to town in addition to partaking in typical Christmastime revelry. And who better to show up than Tío Noe and Tío Arturo, as well! These are my grandpa’s two youngest brothers and some of the most musically talented men in our family. My grandpa used to call them mocosos, or snotty-nosed kids, because they used to play guitar all day on the porch while he worked on the ranch. Either way, these two tíos can kill a ranchera, huapango, huasteca, bolero, or corrido unlike any other Mexican cowboy.

The night continued with long lasting Flores fiesta traditions as Grandpa watched over us-music, tamales, tequila, Jalisco, and Grandpa’s favorite songs. Nothing will ever beat this tradition and I’m so glad that all of us crazy cousins are keeping them alive…even if we do need 20 pages of music to look at!

Props to my dad for grabbing some sweet shots of my accordion-playing, Frida the dog, and his sweet iPhone shot. Good job, old man!

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As years have passed and the number of drives to Texas have increased, I’m still not a pro at training my hind quarters to sit for 2 days. However, the trips still persist at Christmas time to go see family in Corpus Christi and San Antonio and I would never change it. We welcomed more family than we’ve had in recent years (mom managed to get a selfie with every person–it truly is the year of the selfie) and actually had kids to enjoy the Christmas spirit with this year!

All of Tía Dali and Tío Gonzalo’s children and grandchildren, Valeria , Dawson, Madelyn, Joe, Ivan, Juliette, Fina, Luca, and 5-week-old Victor, came to Corpus from Houston, Atlanta, and Madrid to celebrate this year. Juliette, one of my wide-eyed 4-year-old cousins exclaimed that “this is the best Christmas ever!” as presents for 43 people were piled into a mountain surrounding the spinning Christmas tree and carols were sung. None of Tía Dali’s grandchildren, except for Ivan, have experienced a Dueñas Christmas before and now I’m quite certain they’ll only want this kind for the rest of their lives. These kiddos had unlimited Christmas cookies, got to play instruments with the tías, and stay up way later then ever before. They got to hear Santa arrive as his sleigh landed, jingle bells rang and then he ho ho ho’d out the door while all the Baby Jesuses magically appeared in their manger. It was my first time experiencing Santa as an adult instead of impatiently waiting for him to arrive while being locked in my grandma’s bedroom and boy, was he magical!

As presents were unwrapped, Ivan grew concerned about how he was going to get all his gifts back to Spain. His sister, Fina, who was still jet-lagged, smiled at her feather boa and fox family, as she thanked her family for her gifts. Joe celebrated the arrival of new soccer cleats, socks, and kit kats while my grandma gasped at a plaque with her quote of the year painted on it that was gifted to the ragamuffins (scroll down to see!). Props to my hubby for grabbing some sweet photos of me playing accordion, getting the kids singing, and of them opening an envelope of a $100 bill!

Stay tuned for a post at our family’s historical cemetery in Duval County, Texas.

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Megan & Richard are married and I am so happy for this fun-loving couple! This wedding was wonderful to shoot and I’m so happy I had this opportunity to watch my childhood babysitter grow up instead of her watching me for a change. This day was was full of so much love between family and friends, and the I feel all that was captured! The way Richard looks at his beautiful new wife, the way Megan constantly kisses her handsome new husband just beams with love. They are truly meant, in every way, to be with one another. Megan and Richard had their Christmas wedding at the beautiful Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, Virginia. The venue couldn’t be more perfect for their special day! So once again, Megan and Richard, thank you so much for allowing me the beautiful opportunity to capture y’all’s beautiful day!

To view the pictures larger, click on an image and then toggle through with your arrow keys!

So here it is. The final (and 5th) installment of “A Corpus Christmas.” I hope I have successfully taken you on a journey with my crazy Mexican family and how we celebrate Christmas, baby Jesus, and most importantly, life.

With strong lungs, Grandpa (always seen with his cowboy hat, boots, and guitar) powers through a song with Leila on the bass. Although not as tall as you may think, his confidence makes him tower like a skyscraper.

Tia Elsie, Mom, Sergio P., and Christian look on and sing as Grandpa leads the family in traditional rancheros. I believe this lively crowd was singing “Carabina Treinta Treinta.”

As the Palacios Boys and the other ragamuffins sing “Jalisco,” it is family tradition to throw corn tortillas at them. Partly because it’s fun, and partly because they are drunk and tone deaf. This shot includes Grandpa’s sleek, black cowboy boots and crushed tortillas.

Sergio Andres Flores lived a hard life, but was always able to love and to make people smile. This rockstar is now in heaven walking, running, and moshing all over the place. You’ll forever be in our hearts.

On the 26th of December, the family held a memorial for my cousin Sergio. He was full of life and a beautiful person who always made others smile. His lively soul loved fun foods, family, and Cielito Lindo.

Angela and Paul S. set up some pictures, memory books, and Facebook wall posts dedicated to Sergio.

Long red nails and red lipstick epitomize my Grandma. Here, she is talking to, not scolding, Marissa and Vinnie. Her finger merely adds to whatever she is talking about.

With wrinkles of the wise and an unforgettable cowboy hat, Grandpa takes a break from singing to listen to the many other family musicians.

Not only do we have a family full of musicians, but a family full of artists. Paul P. uses his vintage polaroid as his everyday camera to capture genuine pictures of friends and family.

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.

Classes are over and final exams loom over every students head. The good thing about fall semester exams means there are always fun Christmas-y activities involving free food and relaxation during this stressful period. Today, free gingerbread house building. Tomorrow, free Bojangles, Cookout, massages, and late night breakfast. Despite all my efforts to create a beautiful gingerbread house (really made with graham crackers), the strong wind gusts of our 70 degree day and my heavy roof led to the destruction of this sugary fantasy home. It’s OK though, because Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town is on ABC Family and my procrastination efforts could not be more exemplary.