California

Over the weekend I flew to California for a visit with family and friends. It was so good to be "home" and a great blessing to spend some quality time with everybody.  

Saturday: Lunch in Ventura with good friends Reva, Dave, 

Erin, and baby Kyle

This is my good friend, fellow La Reina alum and faculty

member, Joanna.  Since she taught some of this year's

graduating class as 7th graders, and I worked with some of

them in Campus Ministry during my time at LRHS, we decided 

to attend the graduation.  It was great to meet on our home

turf, since we have both moved away from California.

This year the two co-valedictorians were both Amandas. One of them

(the one who is speaking in this photo) was a great help to me in 

Campus Ministry during my time at LRHS.  She made quite an 

impression on me because she came to La Reina in 9th grade after 

having been homeschooled through the 8th grade.  Not only did she 

quickly make a great group of friends, but she got involved with all 

kinds of clubs and ministries and took full advantage of her 

high school years. It was awesome to see her at the podium 

representing her fellow graduates and speaking words of wisdom

as she prepares for the next chapter of her life. 

Katherine was also one of this year's graduating seniors.  

During her freshman and sophomore year, she was the most

dedicated member of my retreat planning committee. She has

always impressed me with her musical talent, strong work ethic

and conviction in her faith, and I was so proud to watch her receive

her high school diploma.  She has a heart of gold and is off 

to great things in life.

Sr. Lisa was principal at La Reina during my jr. high

and high school years and has since become a good friend.

She has an amazing love for the school and for women's 

education, and has been such an inspiration.

Sunday mass at St. Julie's.  This is Fr. Carroll, the priest

who married Neal and I.  Since it was Father's Day, I 

thought it would be nice to have a picture with my

spiritual Father.  

Back at mom and dad's house for a Father's Day BBQ.

Ana was not able to join us as she was busy preparing for

her finals on Monday and Tuesday, but I got to see my little

brother Andrey, my aunt, and cousin.  

Dad and Gaston enjoying the outdoors on a beautiful

California day

Mom with her sister, Norah

Stacey and Dave happened to be in Newbury Park

visiting Dave's dad today, so they stopped by for a visit.

I was so excited to see them, and to hold my godson

again after last seeing him a year ago when he was only a 

couple months old.  He's gotten so big and so handsome, 

I just couldn't let go of him!    

Isn't he cute?!!

Andrey and his girlfriend, Stacey

Monday:  having a delicious pizza lunch with Peter

Since Brian couldn't join us for lunch on Saturday, he and Erin

came by with the baby for dinner.  It was so great to catch up

and reconnect with him as well before I left.  I couldn't believe 

how big Kyle is either!  At 19 months he's running everywhere 

and talking up a storm.  What a doll!  

Tuesday: Before I left, I was able to meet with my cousin,

Cecilia, who had just returned from Florida with her grand-

daughter Hayley.  It's hard to believe that she will be in 4th

grade this year!  She's turning in to quite the beautiful young lady.

Mom, dad, Cecilia, and Hayley

What would a trip to California be without a meal at Duke's?!

This was the view from our table.  It was a sight for sore eyes to 

see the beautiful California coastline.  Yet, as I arrived back in 

Texas I was greeted by an even better sight when Neal

welcomed me home.