Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

This Christmas was unlike any other. For starters it was at my aunt and uncles house who live on the North side of town. Normally we do Christmas eve dinner at my grandma's house who lives in Alamo Heights. This was a much appreciated change because it meant I was able to split my time between my family and the Rafie's much more easily since we were on the same side of town. Another great thing that made this Christmas special was having all 16 cousins together at once. We haven't had that happen in years! Christmas day was exciting because we had two additions, Ercelia and Ashley, to our morning tradition of opening gifts and eating breakfast. It was refreshing to be around a ten-year-old who still believes in Santa. After breakfast with my family Andy picked me up and we went to his family's apartment to open gifts. It was a big change from last year's Christmas morning when we were in a huge home opening gifts. It was amazing to see how unfazed his family was despite the cramped situation. It was a great reminder to be content in all circumstances because we are so blessed and some family have much greater things to worry about.

What a year to be thankful for. So much has happened in this year, and I want to take a minute to sum up the highlights!

I celebrated my one year anniversary at my first official job!

I bought my very own brand new mountain bike!

I fractured my zygoma.... bone in my face.

I got engaged!

I went to the ER for the first time in my life.

I highlighted my hair for the very first time!

Andy and I got our first home!

I road tripped to Colorado with Andy and Kennedy!

Andy and I camped at Enchanted Rock with Kathryn and Phil!

I started a blog and have kept up with it for the most part!

Andy and I were featured on Style Me Pretty!

Andy and I celebrated our three year anniversary!

We loaded two trailers full of furniture and moved out of State!

 My BFF moved back to Texas!

The list of highlights could go on and on... I am grateful for so much. My family and my fiancee. My dog and my new huge backyard that kennedy can play in. My amazing group of old and new friends. I think 2013 was good, but 2014 has so much in store for me. I cannot wait to see what this new year will bring!

XoXo- 

Ilianna 

Hittin' the Road

16 l o n g hours of driving really aren’t so bad when you have good company and take time to plan ahead. From the get go I tried to have everything you could want or need for a long road trip. I packed snacks and an ice-chest, remembered the dog food and bowl for Kennedy, charged the bike lights (our version of a flashlight), checked that the roadside kit was intact, made a comfy palette to sleep on (the key is to put two camping pads below the blankets), brought the car cellphone charger, packed some books and did a few more things to ensure complete comfort for the long haul to Colorful Colorado. Once that was all done it was about 9 p.m. and we were set to go! We drove through the night taking turns driving as needed. My favorite part of the road trip was sneaking quick glances at Andy and Kennedy sleeping all cuddled up together in the back seat.  And sure enough we reached "Amarillo By Morning" just in time for the amazing sunrise. We only stopped for gas and bathroom breaks, and that saved us a lot of time! Next thing you know we were in Colorado and ready to play by 12:45 p.m.  The trip went by too fast, but it was so much fun! See for yourself!!

This photo makes me happy!

Grilling for 4th of July

I just might submit this photo to Eddie Bauer! 

Completely in her element!

Another Graduation and a very special birthday!

Congratulations Dominic on graduating high school! We are all so proud of you. Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day!

And a Happy Birthday to my sister! I'm so lucky to have you as my sister. Thank you for always being kind and knowing how to lighten the mood and make things fun. You are funny, beautiful and one-of-a-kind! I love you!

My dad thinking he's a GQ model!

Happy 25th Birthday Gabriella!