disneyland.

this past weekend i went to disneyland with 3 of my cousins - two are more like aunts, but that's neither here nor there.

we had a great time hanging out and just being family. there's nothing like being around people that just know you. you know, like changed your diaper and cleaned lice out of your hair, know you.

while we didn't get to ride space mountain and i only had 1 churro - my 2 favorite parts about disneyland - most of the fun was spent talking about old times or making up bizarre phrases like "i'd like to smother butter in her face" or watching vanessa make up dance moves after eating $25 room service dessert at 1am.

i cherish the time spent together and am so glad to have made so many memories.

'you were a million years of work,' said god and his angels with needle and thread.

- sleeping at last

little lady

Stella Rose is over a month old. She's a quick one. I couldn't be more excited to snuggle her this weekend. She lives at the Central Coast; 2.5 hours away from her auntie!

I had a really special relationship with my aunt when I was a little girl. What an amazing thing to be: an aunt. No really, it is.

I loved sleepovers, Mexican restaurants, and shopping with my aunt. I ate up everything she said. When the kids at school teased me for my 'baby's bike', she heard my cry and surprised me with a shopping trip to pick out a new bicycle. Was is overindulgence? Maybe. But she heard me in a way only an aunt could.

So, rest easy, Sis. You will be heard.

friday.

this is a picture i keep on my desk at work.

today i find myself looking at it more often than other days.

i miss him & family.

can i just be a proud auntie m for a sec?

this is stella rose . . .

this is her little ear . . .

this is her little cry . . . 

this is her little eye . . .

she's a wonder and a beauty.  don't you just want to cuddle her?  i sure do.  

after my experience as a bride, this photo especially strikes me.  its amazing that
my grandma was able to have a private moment to herself amidst a room full of guests.

taking the wheel on her honeymoon.

pregnant with her 3rd son and looking ridiculously cute.

sailor grandpa

its 2pm and i'm finally resting on my lunch break.  what a day it has been.  the phone hasn't stopped ringing.  the issues have been weird and difficult to tackle.  working in the business world can feel so disconnecting; every man for himself.  its such a shame. 

i feel so much hope when i see these photos.  my grandparents have had a beautiful life and are still enjoying it together.  currently, they are on a roadtrip to ohio.  on days like today, i'm really thankful that these images can provide such perspective on a bleak friday. tgif

blah.

my grandparents, dad and uncles.

sweet girls

kelli and lily. the outfits. 2 of my favorite girls. anthro wonders and footie pajamas. it just doesn't get better.