The characters of the story are Aurora, Gavin and their children Carlos and Esme. Her parents Frank and Cookie, her brother David, and her cousin Ricky. The story takes place over the Christmas as the family drives down from Michigan to San Antonio, Texas to spend the holidays with Aurora's family. One of Aurora's Aunt dies and the family has to drive down to Laredo, Texas for her funeral.
Dia: 3
Before leaving for Laredo, Texas, David gives Gavin an unknown taco as a rite of passage. The taco was made out of disgusting ingredients and it makes Gavin sick. The family begins their trip to Laredo for the funeral. Carlos rides with David and Rickey and Aurora, Gavin, Frank, Cookie and Erme ride together in a different car.
Dia: 4
On their way to Laredo for the funeral, Aurora who is driving almost runs over an armadillo and Erme calls it dinosaur Carlos who is riding with David and Ricky in a different car sticks his head out the window and Aurora gets upset at him. David and Ricky discuss with Carlos the family in Laredo, including an Aunt the call the witch. Gavin still not feeling too well from eating the unknown taco throws up in the car.
Dia: 5
The family arrives at the funeral in Laredo. Aurora's family is all gathered inside the funeral home. Gavin is upset because he doesn't know anyone in Aurora's family. A kid name Ponchi has written a song for his dead grandmother and he begins to sing it. Everyone begins to dance to Ponchi's song. Aurora dances with her brother David and Gavin follows them. Carlos, Ricky and Esme are all dancing as well.
Dia: 6
Carlos realizes the person in the confin is dead and he cries. He wants the person to be alive. He doesn't understand why people are celebrating. Gavin finds Carlos and picks him up and sits down with him. Cookie, his grandmother, picks Carlos and consoles him. Tells him he wants him to write the song for her funeral. He hugs him and makes him understand that a funeral can be a celebration of the person's life. Gavin holds Carlos in his arms, holds Cookie's hand and they head out to the dance floor. END