Happy Easter

My body is still recovering from all the food I had yesterday y'all. We spent the day outdoors with family even though the clouds were threatening to release the hounds. Thankfully, the sun shined through and we stayed dry. I don't have much to say about the day, other than we spent it calmly and in good company. So per usual, I will post a ton of pictures where you'll see anything from a grandmother shepherding her grandkids through the field, kiddos excitedly running to find their eggs, to adults getting a little competitive during a kickball match. I hope you all had a great weekend!

Talk soon!
Bree

 

 

NEW YEARS EN FAMILIA

If there is anyone who can give Mormons a run for their money on the amount of children they have, it's Catholics. Take it from me, grandma on my papa's side had eleven or so kids who then had about three to five each, who've now had about two to three of their own, did you do the math? That's right, I have a shit ton of family. I typically spend New Year's Eve with some close friends but since granny was in town, I spent the evening at my oldest cousins' home along with a third of the family.

something was on fire on the property next door and thought it looked kinda cool

About an hour outside of Houston in what feels like the middle of nowhere at night time, lives my cousin Jeronimo with his wife and children. The setting is perfect when you need ample parking, running room, and sitting space. I feasted like a queen with too many, but sooooo worth it, brisket bbq sandwiches, a few beers, and a few glasses of whiskey. The kids played a game, hit a piñata, and popped fireworks the rest of the night. The men huddled like cavemen near the fire pit while talking and drinking beer then of course gun shots at midnight. Guys, it's Texas. Don't worry, everyone was completely responsible and shot out in the open land towards the ground and far from children. I actually got to shoot a gun for the first time, big thanks to my cousin Juan, BUT I can still hear the ringing a whole two days later so not sure I'll do that again.

As for everyone else, I've no idea, I basically stayed behind the camera trying to get good shots of fireworks which in turn doubled as my lighting. Again, we were out in open land where there's hardly any light. I wanted to share that with you since I don't think I ever get this personal about my life. But, below are a few shots of family, mainly the kids. They just exude the energy and joy I hope we all enter 2017 with.

Happy New Year!

Talk soon,
Bree

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

It's custom for our family to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. We gather at an aunt's, eat pozole, tamales and champurrado, wait until midnight to open presents and then Christmas Day itself is for leftovers. This year was a tad different. No tamales or champurrado because it was just way too hot. I know, super sad face. But we did have pozole and fruit punch so we'll be grateful for that. We also didn't stay up until midnight to open presents. We did our gift exchange and opened them by 10. Had a younger cousin play a couple of songs and the boys play a mini game of pool.

In a time where we're constantly attached to our phones and social media, it was incredibly nice to spend time with family where the center of attention weren't the gifts. It warmed my heart to see the kids happy with a teddy bear or a nerf gun and to have family take the time to choose a mug or book for me instead of a gift card.

If you want to now a little secret though, I almost loathe seeing more pictures of everyone's gifts bundled somewhere with the brands' logos being the center of focus than seeing family pictures. By all means, it's nice to get or give something lavish and beautiful and it makes me happy that people are in a great position to purchase such items. BUT, it makes me much happier to see and catch up with family I don't see often and see others spend time with their loved ones as well. I'll take an extra hour with cousins over a sweater any day.

Happy Holidays everyone!!!


Talk soon,
Bree