Mock Meet

Zoe had her first "Mock Meet" this morning at her gym and it went great! She has been working so hard, and it's exciting to be in this phase where we will get to cheer her on as she faces fears and reaches goals. The big accomplishment this time around was the round-off back handspring she has been fighting for for almost 2 years. I only just saw her do it by herself this past Friday! Yay Zoe!

Women's March San Antonio

"This," cried the Mayor, "is your town's darkest hour!

The time for all Whos who have blood that is red

To come to the aid of their country!" he said.

We've GOT to make noises in greater amounts!

So, open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!"

Thus he spoke as he climbed. When they got to the top,

The lad cleared his throat and he shouted out, "YOPP!"

-Dr. Suess, Horton Hears a Who!

What an unforgettable day. I'm so thankful my sister Jill inspired and then encouraged me to go to the Women's March here in San Antonio. She was marching in Boston and since I'm not on Facebook anymore, I hadn't heard about the movement. I committed myself and the kids (Nathan had to work) by writing it on the calendar. I almost psyched myself out when my imagination got the best of me and I started to worry about the safety of the kids. However, one uplifting text exchange with Jill and a confirmation from my friend Carrie that she and her kids would join us, and I was back on board. So glad. It was a beautiful day here and I'll never forget walking with my children, seeing them holding signs and chanting with the crowd.

There were lots of highlights, and one interesting moment when we march by the jailhouse and heard whoops and hollers coming from the shadows of the tall, thin windows and bars...

...but the moment that got me the most was when a 10 year old girl started chanting, loud, strong, clear, and proud from the middle of the marching crowd "Hands off my future!" and we all responded "Hands off her future!" 10 or so times. When she had her fill and slipped back into the crowd, we cheered and congratulated her for wearing her strength for all to see.

So while I don't necessarily agree that this is our darkest hour, and I accept the outcome of this election in full, I am glad I showed up today to contribute to the message that democracy does not mean we shut our mouths and take punches. We always have our voices and our votes. Let us exercise our right to use both and use this time to get more involved and informed.

So, let's hear it friends. All together now.

YOOOOOOOOPPPPPPP!!!!!!!

Zoe and Lillie

Thanks for making the signs Carrie!

Me and my girl

Owen was a soldier

Ran into Owen's friend Priya from school. I love both of these pictures..this one because you can see their sweet little linked arms and Priya's awesome shirt...

...and this one because Owen's holding his sign right up

Tagged along with a couple of Carrie's buddies...everyone wanted pictures of them with their awesome signs!

The bus we piled into at the end of the March and rode to the parking lot

Mommy and Kiddo Weekend

Nathan is in New York City for a conference this weekend, so it's just me and the kids keeping each other company. We talked with him earlier today and learned he is actually missing South Texas weather! We all had a good laugh (including him) as he told us he can't wait to get home and stop wearing so many layers. How things change!

The kids and I felt inspired to get outside and enjoy the sun since Daddy can't so went to one of our favorite parks. They humored me by modeling while I practiced with a few new camera accessories I scored for Christmas. I'm also trying to learn more and more about how to utilize Lightroom and can admit I'm probably going a little overboard with post production processing but oh well--I'm gaining more skills while I over process!

I didn't realize this shot was blurry until I got home. Was bummed but used it as a reason to practice with my editing tools

I can't decide which of these of Owen is my favorite. He is just so darned photogenic!!

"ROAR!!"