BUSY

So it has been what seems the longest time since I have had the opportunity to write. So much has been going on in the Ornelas' world. The last almost two weeks has been full of grad school work, teaching and family duties and a trip to Midland for my 10 year high school reunion. Then more grad school work, parent conference day, more teaching and family duties. Its never ending and sometimes I think I'm drowning in all the work. I stay up late and get up early. But the best parts of my long days are my daily phone call home to talk to my family, usually my mom, and then coming home to my two favorite guys.

Last Friday night, I flew home with Santiago to Midland for my 10 year high school reunion. Yes, that's right, 10 years! Santiago has flown twice before - both times to Midland but the first two times he was really little (5 weeks old and then again at about 4 months old) This trip was a little different. He is much more active now and he did not sleep the whole way. Here he is on the way there. Our flight left at 8:45 pm so it was past his bedtime but he wasn't about to miss the excitement of taking off.

He had a blast looking out the window at all the lights. Soon after we took off he did fall asleep. Here is how he slept the whole way. Wrapped up tight right on my legs! Everyone was amazed that he flew so well.When we arrived in Midland, he woke up and was wide awake til a little after midnight. He was very excited to see his Grandma and Pappaw. Since we were awake so late, Saturday morning was nice because we both slept in until almost 9 am! I haven't had that luxury in what seems like ages!

On Saturday, we had a few visitors at the house and had a really fun day. GG Pebble, Allison, and Blake came over to hang out along with Valerie Morgan and Kaci and her two kids. Valerie and Kaci are two of my friends from high school and it was a lot of fun to see them and catch up a bit. Kaci and her kids are pretty much part of our family because my mom took care of her daughter Mikayla starting when she was a tiny baby until she started school. Just look how big and beautiful she is now! and her little brother is quite handsome too!

Here's some random pictures of the precious cousins playing together. Miss Blake has changed a lot since I saw her last. It is so fun to see these two babies growing and becoming more fun all the time. Blake is really close to crawling. I wish I could saw the same for Santiago but he is more interested in pulling up and trying to stand than he is trying to crawl. This first picture was taken right before Santi decided to steal Blake's daddoo (pacifier) right out of her mouth! See how they are studying each other - so intense!And here's Santiago playing his most favorite game right now - PEEK A BOO! He loves to put things on his head and them pull them off as fast as he can. He just gets delighted with himself when he decides to hide under things!

Santiago had a little bit of a rough time going to bed Saturday night while I was out having fun with high school friends. My reunion was a blast and I wish I would have remembered to bring my camera to it but I didn't. I had a great time and saw many old friends!

Sunday I was blessed to be on the same flight as my friend Kristine who also lives in Houston now. Kristine and I have known each other since Kindergarten and we went all the way through high school together. Sunday the weather was awful - rainy and very foggy and our flight home was very delayed. We were almost 2 hours late leaving Midland. We were not on a nonstop flight so we had to stop in Dallas on the way and when we got there we had more trouble. They terminated our original flight and made us switch planes - only that plane wasn't there yet so that meant more waiting. Kristine helped carry my heavy diaper bag with all the switching and moving we had to do and it was so nice to have an extra set of hands. I think I would have gone crazy without her there trying to keep Santiago happy and deal with all the flight troubles. Santiago was quite the trooper - he only cried once when he was rudely awakened by the loud flight attendant talking on the airplane. By the time we got to the airport in Houston we had spent a total of 7 and a half hours in airports and planes and then I found out our luggage was lost. It didn't get switched to the new plane in Dallas. We made plans to deliver it to my house and then Santiago and I got in the car with Hector and made the almost hour drive home. We were exhausted to say the least!

I'm going to close this little chapter of my book for now. We have another busy weekend approaching - Bianca, Hector's sister, is getting married on Saturday! We are so very happy and excited for her and Matt. Pictures to come :)