Christmas in New York City 2017

On Christmas morning the Santos family in Florida caught a flight to NYC, where we met up with Jari who took the train up from DC. We all met up at the hotel to exchange a few small gifts. This included a few special dress up clothes for LC. These were a life saver because we had forgotten LC's entire suit case at home. So, instead of wearing the cutest warm velvet dress I picked out especially for this trip, we took Queen Elsa to dinner. She was thrilled and braved the cold well (her snow suit ended up making it in another suitcase, so at least she had a coat). This lead to the next day starting out with a 3 year old shopping spree in NYC... kinda wished I has forgotten my suitcase. 

After a morning of shopping we headed to the Museum of Natural History. 

LC ended up playing dress up throughout the following days. 

^^taking a break under the sperm whale.^^

After the museum we trying to find FAO Schwarz toy story to play on the giant piano, only to find it closed. Sad, but instead we found this little place to have tea and hot chocolate. It was a perfect little tea party.  

 Blake then took LC walking around exploring the city, then back home to watch a movie. While the rest of us ended the night crying our eyes out at Dear Evan Hanson. The entire original cast was there except Evan Hanson himself, Ben Platt. We could not spend time in NYC and not see a show, it is probably one of our biggest weakness. 

Then off to Lexington we went. Stopping by The Bagel Store for rainbow bagels for the ride. LC was pretty excited to be eating rainbows for breakfast. 

Physical Assistant White Coat Ceremony

I have been MIA from most all social media since I started PA school last year. It is weird getting back to the blog after so long of being away. But Blake and I decided we love looking back at all these memories. So here we go again. Starting with the end of 2017 at my White Coat Ceremony. 

^^ These girls got me through school. Blake and Lizzy supported me and helped me from home. However, without these girls inside the classroom I would not have survived this year. 

^^ finding the family in the crowd... my eyes were only for Lizzy. She has not understood why I have been so absent this past year, and yet still loves me. 

^^ #1 husband of the year. He spent the year being and doing everything! working full-time and coming home to cleaning, cooking, taking care of bedtimes, planning play dates and Saturday adventures. He let me spend 10-12 hours at the library on Saturdays and every free minute studying. Out of all this he only asked once if I would come home early from the library.  If I were ever getting down on my self for slacking at home, he would only lift me up and make me feel better. It was sad not spending as much time with Lizzy this year, but it has been a special year seeing them grow closer.

^^ I could not ask for a better support system. 

 ^^ best desk mate ever!!!

 

I remember my Dad's PA graduation when I was 9. At the time I was struggling in school. All I wanted was to follow in his footsteps, but never thought I would be able to. As my own graduation gets closer I can't believe how far I have come. I have loved, and hated PA school. There were times I didn't think I could make it through didactic year. There were times I didn't want to spend another day studying. There has been a lot of sacrifices from everyone this year, but we have all come out better people. 

I thought I was continuing my education for myself. I wanted to be here since I was 9. Something I needed to take time away from my family to do. But by doing so I am surprised how I came out a better person for my family. 

Now I'm off to a year of rotations in different medical specialties. I'm excited to get out of the class room and seeing patients. But more importantly spending more time with my family. 

The Biggest, Loudest, Craziest 3rd Birthday Party EVER!!

^^T-Tia killing the costume game as Bellatrix

Being that Halloween was in the middle of a school week, plus we were still trying to make up days we missed from Hurricane Irma, I was not sure we were going to be able to have a Halloween/Lizzy Birthday party this year. However, with the help of my Mom and Blake we were able to pull it off. My sister Jari, also surprised me and flew in for the party. It was so much fun. We stayed up watching stranger things and making last minute costumes for my school Halloween party. With her help we ended up winning the costume contest at school then I skipped out of school early to spend time with her. 

We love our little 3 year old so much!
...

Photos from school.