Melissa's adopted family in Mazatlan

We think this is Melissa with her
namesake. We have no idea what the
hand signs are. We hope they are not gang signs.:)

Our eldest daughter Melissa is vacationing with her adopted family in Mazatlan. Years ago when she first got her timeshare at a condominium there, she met a taxi driver and his big family. She got to know them and would invite them to come over for a swim in the pool, etc. Eventually, when another child came, her adopted family named her "Melissa."
Over the years the friendship has grown and she's come quite close to them. Melissa, who has no great means herself, has been able to help out the family, sending gifts, hand-me-downs, and doing whatever she can to make their lives better.
Now her daughter Emily comes along for this almost annual holiday to Mazatlan. That's where they are now and Missy reports that Emily is having a blast, doesn't want to hang out at the hotel with all its amenities, preferring the rough accommodations and joining in the family fun.
Missy is particularly pleased that Emily is using her Spanish. Emily goes to Spanish Immersion in Eden Prairie, but her mother doesn't hear her using her language as much as she'd like.
Now Emily (who has no siblings) is yakking away in Spanish with her pals, making the most of her second language, all the while broadening her understanding of life's realities.
So soon their holiday will be over, we're sure they've had a wonderful time enjoying their second family.
We're very proud of both of them.

Is this really the best photo of your adopted family that you could muster, Melissa?