I wanted to do it, since I kinda introduced Maria and Juanita's parents in the past picture. So, here is the rest of the Ruiz family, with a little story for each. From left to right: Ernesto, Gloria, Diego, Juanita, and Maria.

Ernesto, Maria and Juanita's Papi. Aged 34 years. A very gentle giant, if you will. Has the strength of five bulls, and the heart of a monk. Very kind, very affectionate with his wife and children. He was born and raised in El Salvador, where he met his wife and started his family. When Juanita and Maria were not quite 2, and Gloria pregnant with Diego, he temporarily seperated from his family for America, hoping to get work. It wasn't easy, but he did; he drives a dump truck for a living. After saving up enough money, he brought his family here to the U.S. (Maria and Juanita had just turned 3 by then.)It was a very happy reunion, I can tell you!

Ernesto is a humble and devoted husband and father. There is not one thing he will not do for his family, especially Maria and Juanita. Making them as happy as possible is one of the big things he lives for. Although, there is the matter of the scar on his neck. He worries about how to tell them how he got it when that time comes.

Gloria, Maria and Juanita's Mami. Aged 29 years. When it comes to disciplining, Gloria is more likely to be stern than her husband. Some say that firmness is what's enabled her to live through the worst of times, and given her faith for the future. She can be reluctant to trust those she doesn't know too well, but when she does, she will support them in everything. I like to think that's what made the pain of separation from her husband and being alone with the children bearable. (Although the invention of Videoconference helped a lot too!)

Gloria enjoys a good telenovela, and watching the rain fall under the right circumstances. She also really loves reading her children to bed at the end of the day while Ernesto does the dishes.

Diego, baby brother of Juanita and Maria. Aged 14 months. Diego had never met his Papi in the flesh before coming to America, so he only knew him by family photos. (give or take.) But he was told that his Papi was a very nice dog, who looked and acted a lot like him. And so far, they have been right! His Papi is very affectionate with him, and he learns more about him every day. Diego likes riding in his Papi's dump truck, being fed milk and bounced by Mami, and playing house with his big sisters.

Juanita and Maria, aged 3 years. They share a lot in common with Madeline, who is a friend of theirs, even if they can't talk together yet. They don't like being asked to sit still, and they both loves games that involve chasing things. Very friendly and full of life when they decide to trust someone as a friend, though!

Here they are chasing after a squeaky ball in the park, such silly puppies they are! Unlike Madeline, they are a bit shyer about meeting new furs. (Interesting fact: Maria loves fried eggs, but Juanita can't stand them.)

Note: Currently, Ernesto is the only one who speaks fluent English, but that will obviously change as the family settles in.

Disclaimer: Maria and Juanita are fully toilet-trained; I just thought diapers would look really cute on them for this picture! But maybe I'll change that; I haven't made any real diapered characters since Madeline.