Going back home has always been like a boost of energy for me, that’s why we always try to go as often as possible. Now that we have Isabella it is more important for me to make those visits. I want her to love this Island as much as I do, to be as connected as I am to my family, to enjoy the culture and traditions and to feel as happy as I do when I’m on this Island.

This time we visited Puerto Rico to attend my Goddaughter’s wedding. Jerry couldn’t join us this time, so we made it  “Isabella & Momma’s First Girls Trip”. Other than the wedding we didn’t have any other plans. This trip was just to enjoy our family and the mountains and so we did!  My friends and family made this trip very special by taking time to be with us and by making us feel loved.

The big surprise of this trip for me was to see one of my cousins, who I love dearly and had not seen him in around 10 years. He got to finally meet Isabella. We spent as much time together as we could laughing about our old memories and making new ones. 

The wedding was beautiful and very emotional. I have not seen the bride as happy as that day, and I have known her since she was born. The groom was very happy as well. It’s the kind of happiness that spreads to everyone. I was very excited to see her and be with them on this great day. This was Isabella’s first wedding and I had to explain to her the “wedding concept” because of course she asked, what is a wedding Momma?  She told me she was determined to have fun with her cousins and that she was planning to dance.

We got to share with aunts, uncles and cousins all day, catch up and make new memories. It was a very happy day for all the ones that attended.

The after party continued at my uncle’s who greeted us with love and drinks! The group was smaller but it was a great time as well.

Another fun day was at my Tio Willy’s bar, known as  “El Negocio de las Banderas” (The flags bar), since he hand painted on the walls the flags of Puerto Rico and of all its towns. When we travel to Puerto Rico we make sure we stop here.  Is always a fun time, we get to meet with friends and family, listen to music, play dominos and pool and have cold beers.

On this trip I had the opportunity to celebrate with my uncle the inauguration of the terrace he built himself at his bar. The celebration started early in the afternoon and included, music, family, friends, snacks and a ribbon cutting. 

If you are planning to visit Utuado and want to do what locals do, “El Negocio de Las Banderas” is one place you have to visit.

One of the things that fills my heart with joy is seeing  Isabella enjoying the house where I was raised.  I love watching her play with her cousins and see how she makes an effort to speak more Spanish to communicate better with them.

Going back home is always exciting, it reminds me of the importance of my roots and fills me with joy. And this time it was not the exception either.

When we were at the airport heading back to Kansas City,  Isabella asked me,  when we are coming back to Puerto Rico Mami? I need to come back because you know I love Puerto Rico. I cannot even begin to start explaining the happiness  and pride I felt when I heard my daughter saying this.

We will miss you Puerto Rico but we will be back soon.

Pictures in this post by my aunts, mom, causins, friends and of course me .