Sunday, January 31, 2010

International Diplomacy - AKA - Meeting of the Moms


Mom came down on Friday and we went down to Tijuana to meet Eter and his "amá" for dinner at my favorite restaurant El Potrero. Don't let the fact that it's shaped like a gargantuan sombrero fool you. It is delicioso and not just some taco joint. Here waiters know how to be waiters and they bring out a miniature hat stand and hang your purse on it next to your table. (Don't you hate that there's never anywhere to put your purse when you go out to eat? But I digress...)

I think they were both a little nervous, while Eter and I were really looking forward to this long-awaiting cultural car wreck. No, really I think because we each know both of them we knew it would be fine, just full of short sentences, questioning looks directed at us, and lots of smiling and nodding. Mom studied her Spanish book the whole way down and actually did a bang-up job! Eter's mom, Ernestina, speaks no English, and mom actually was able to understand and even say a lot in Spanish. Eter titled this picture: "Dos ninas".

This is the two of them afterwards at Eter's house. We came back to pick up some of his moving bins full of clothes and books (also pretty exciting, as we're seeing an end to all this border crossing nonsense!) Anyway, they got on great, as you can imagine. Two proud mamas, so relieved that FINALLY their children who are way past due are getting hitched.

We couldn't help but make the comparison.... As we drove to Eter's, the two of them were sitting together in the backseat, communicating a little more on their own. At one point we heard them exchange the work for bread. "Pan" "Oh, bread! Pan!" It was pretty hilarious. And not too different from Sadie and Campbell's little exchanges... "Me, Ham?"


We love them both. We are so lucky to have had mothers who have loved us no matter what, taught us the value of education, and most importantly gave us a living example of faith and testimony. We feel very lucky, as well, that everyone in our families gets along well with each other. Very rare, I think. Love you all!

6 comments:

Kate said...

Thank you for taking a picture of them and sharing the experience :) That's so awesome! Funny comparison with Sadie and Campbell too. Can't wait to see everyone soon!

Amy said...

That is soo great! Glad it all went so well. I am going to be the least able speaker of all! Lots os smiles and nods from me and Dan. When is Eter moving? Did you find a place already? The saide/ Belle comparison is exactly right I can imagaine, and VERY funny.

Miranda said...

Amo las Donnas. Glad the meeting went well. They are two super ladies.

Jeff Giles said...

Well I guess I'll be the only one chatting it up with Ernestina at the wedding. That's cool that they finally met.

Mom won't meet Carries parents to till the wedding. Her Dad is from Canada. So don't try and act like you've cornered the market on foreign in-laws Yuck. We'll have some pictures of us eating poutine.

Kate said...

Jeff have you told her dad he's from the United States "hat" yet?

Sally said...

Ah hahahahaha!