Cardi B’s father, Claudio Almanzar, stepped into the role of devoted grandfather over the weekend of October 31 to November 2, 2025, treating his three grandchildren—Kulture Kiari Cephus, Wave Set Cephus, and Blossom Belles—to an idyllic family outing that blended relaxation and playful bonding. The Dominican-born retired military veteran, known for his low-key presence amid his daughter’s high-profile life, shared glimpses of the trip on social media, offering fans a rare peek into the softer side of the Cardi B family dynamic. The images, posted on Almanzar’s Instagram account, captured the quartet enjoying a sun-drenched escape in upstate New York, complete with park picnics, autumn leaf piles, and cozy moments that highlighted the joy of multigenerational connection.

Almanzar, 68, has long been a stabilizing force for Cardi B—real name Belcalis Almanzar Marlenis Cephus—and her siblings, instilling values of resilience and cultural pride rooted in their Dominican heritage. A former U.S. Army sergeant who served in the 1980s, he raised his family in the Bronx after immigrating from the Dominican Republic in the 1970s. His influence shines through in Cardi’s unfiltered persona and her emphasis on family amid her whirlwind career. “My pops taught me to keep it real, no matter the noise,” Cardi reflected in a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, crediting him for her grounded approach to fame. This weekend’s adventure underscores that legacy, as Almanzar prioritized one-on-one time with the kids while their parents navigated separate schedules—Cardi promoting her upcoming album and estranged husband Offset, real name Kiari Kendrell Cephus, focusing on Migos-related projects.

The getaway kicked off on Friday evening with a scenic drive from New York City, where the group settled into a rented lakeside cabin in the Catskills. Photos showed Kulture, 7, the eldest and a budding fashionista, leading the charge with her signature braids adorned in colorful beads, skipping along a leaf-strewn trail hand-in-hand with her grandfather. Wave, the energetic 4-year-old son whose name evokes ocean waves—a nod to Offset’s aquatic-themed tattoos—could be seen splashing in a shallow stream, his curly locks damp and his laughter frozen in a candid shot. Youngest daughter Blossom, just 13 months old and already a social media darling after her June 2025 debut photo drop, nestled securely in Almanzar’s arms, her chubby cheeks flushed from the crisp fall air. “Nothing beats these little ones lighting up the woods like fireflies,” Almanzar captioned one post, tagging Cardi with heart emojis.

Saturday’s highlights leaned into outdoor whimsy, a deliberate choice by Almanzar to foster nature-inspired play away from urban distractions. The group visited a local apple orchard, where Kulture and Wave filled baskets with Honeycrisps, their faces smeared with cider donuts—a treat Almanzar baked fresh that morning using a family recipe from his Dominican roots. Blossom, strapped to his chest in a carrier, gummed on a soft apple slice, her wide eyes taking in the harvest bustle. Videos shared later showed Wave attempting a cartwheel in a pumpkin patch, tumbling into a giggling heap as Kulture cheered him on. “Grandkids got that unstoppable energy—keeps this old soldier young,” Almanzar wrote, his posts racking up over 500,000 likes within hours, with fans flooding the comments with praise for his hands-on style.

This outing arrives at a poignant time for the family. Cardi and Offset, who share custody of their children following their September 2024 separation, have maintained an amicable co-parenting arrangement despite public spats. Just weeks earlier, on October 11, Cardi celebrated her 33rd birthday with a low-key gathering that included the kids, posting throwback photos of beach days and holiday cuddles. Offset, meanwhile, marked Wave’s belated birthday in September with a yacht party, emphasizing his commitment to fatherhood amid solo music endeavors. Almanzar’s weekend serves as a neutral haven, bridging the parents’ worlds and providing the children with undivided grandparental love. “He’s the glue—always has been,” a source close to the family told People magazine, noting how Almanzar often hosts “pop-pop retreats” to give Cardi breathing room during tour prep.

Kulture, born July 10, 2018, has emerged as the family’s pint-sized ambassador, frequently joining Cardi at events like the 2023 Grammys and starring in her mom’s Instagram Reels. Her recent 7th birthday in July featured a lavish Hello Kitty bash and Disneyland trip, where she donned mouse ears and posed with siblings in a rare full-family snap. Wave, arriving September 4, 2021, embodies the couple’s creative naming flair—his moniker revealed after a seven-month delay to shield him from online scrutiny. The toddler’s personality shines in playful antics, like his viral 2024 video “rapping” along to Cardi’s “WAP” with toy microphones. Blossom Belles, born September 7, 2024, during the height of her parents’ reconciliation attempts, completed the trio just as Cardi announced her third pregnancy in August 2024. Named for her “blossoming” spirit, the baby inspired Cardi’s forehead tattoo—a delicate flower inked in May 2025 as a tribute to motherhood’s trials and triumphs.

Almanzar’s role extends beyond playdates; he’s an active participant in the children’s milestones. He attended Kulture’s preschool graduation in spring 2025, beaming in uniform-inspired attire, and helped Wave take his first steps during a 2022 family barbecue. For Blossom’s first birthday in September, he crafted a Dominican tres leches cake, sharing a video of her smearing frosting on his cheek. These moments contrast the high-stakes glamour of Cardi’s world—sold-out arenas, fashion week struts, and album drops like her anticipated 2026 release—with the everyday tenderness that grounds it. Fans have long adored Almanzar’s subtle cameos, from his 2018 “Invasion of Privacy” liner notes shoutout to his protective tweets during Cardi’s 2024 custody filings.

The weekend wrapped on Sunday with a quiet barbecue back at the cabin, where Almanzar grilled plantains and shared stories of his Army days, captivating his wide-eyed audience. A group photo—Kulture on his lap, Wave mid-bite of a hot dog, and Blossom dozing against his shoulder—served as the trip’s emotional capstone. “These weekends recharge the soul. Grateful for every second,” he posted, prompting Cardi to repost with a simple “My hero ❤️.” The images sparked a wave of positivity online, with celebrities like Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dogg dropping comment hearts, and parenting influencers hailing it as “grandpa inspo at its finest.”

In an era where celebrity family life often unfolds under paparazzi glare, Almanzar’s approach feels refreshingly authentic. He avoids the spotlight, focusing instead on fostering curiosity and cultural ties—teaching the kids Spanish phrases during hikes and Dominican merengue steps by the fire. This getaway, amid fall foliage turning the Catskills golden, reminds followers that even superstars’ kin thrive on simple joys: a grandfather’s lap, sibling squabbles over the last apple, and the promise of more adventures ahead.

As Cardi gears up for her next chapter—rumored collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion and a potential Las Vegas residency—Almanzar’s steady presence ensures her children grow rooted in love. “Family isn’t about the flash; it’s the quiet wins,” he once told a local Bronx paper in a 2020 profile. This beautiful weekend, with its laughter echoing through the trees, proves just that— a testament to enduring bonds in a fast-paced world.