school pictures 2017-2018

Ok, so...I usually HATE school pictures. I probably won't ever buy them again. But, this year with it being Bells' last year in elementary and Ellie's first...this was special. The picture gods came through because you both look ADORABLE! I mean, just look at these faces!!!!

Elena, PK3

Isabella, 4th 

So, I promise to never display pictures where you're making a weird face or missing teeth. Deal? These though, these might stay up forever :)

2017 christmas card

I've always wanted to take y'alls pictures at a Christmas tree farm. This was we finally got to do it. I also thought, this was the last year I'll probably be able to do pictures in pajamas (I'm sure I'll change my mind later). Even Vito got in on the action. He didn't really cooperate much, but he did have fun running around, so WIN WIN.

thanksgiving 2017

The days leading up to holidays have always been a mad scramble. Trying to fit in work celebrations with your school lunches, and that was just when one of you was in school. This year was extra crazy as we had two celebrations to attend. Dad just started a new job, so I knew that he probably wouldn't be able to attend. But, I never want you girls to feel like you don't "have" people because there are tons of people more than willing to show up for you. So...I went to one and Kari went to the other.

So here a few things I am thankful for:

• I am thankful for my "village". They always step up to help when I need them.  
• I am thankful for a job that allows me the freedom to get to these events for you. I try to be as present of a parent as I can, and I know it would not be possible without such a flexible job. 
• I am thankful for how hard your dad works. He misses a lot, I know...but not from lack of desire. 
• I am thankful for how understanding and adaptable you both are. It makes our lives a wholleee lot easier. 
• I am thankful for parents who taught me that the best gift you could ever give your children is the gift of your presence. We might not both always be able to show up for everything, but SOMEONE will always show up!

world series champs

2017 has been a tough here. When you look back and search for memorable events of this year...most of them will be bad.

2017 has been hard on our country. 2017 has been hard on our city.

Tonight, that all changed. We're not big sports fanatics at Casa H. But we do love baseball. We've gone to games, and we've watched all season long. FINALLY...we won the World Series. This has been such a great thing for Houston after the past few months that we had. Over the course of the series, we watched...we hosted friends...we watched. And last night, it paid off!!!

This was the day we beat the Red Sox in the ALDS

From there we went on to beat the Yankees in the ALCS

And then the longest 7 games ever...

Championship Parade

vito

I've never really wanted a pet. Call me lazy, but I like that we're finally at a point where I don't have to potty train another baby. It's been a loooong process and I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Both of you are pretty independent kids, so it was finally getting easier.

Tell me whyyyyy we decided to get a puppy?! This has been a few months in the making. Your dad and I discussed this for a long time before taking the plunge. We had Estevan bring his dog over just to see how you two would do with her, and to our surprise you two did great. 

So...we waited until the perfect opportunity (really, there never is). And, we welcomed Vito. Yes, Vito...as in Vito Corleone :) As I'm writing this we've had him almost a week, and you two are champs. Ya'll take such good care of him. I know the next few months will be tough having a puppy at home, but I can't wait to see the memories you three makes. He loves you and you two adore him. I mean...isn't he just the cutest thing, ever?!