TEXAS.

we had a lot of fun visiting my home state! pat had his first chicken fried steak, and despite what he thought, it was delicious. im sure one day ill post pictures but i thought i would share this video for now. the little girl in the video is only eight years old and rides like a rodeo star. for those of you who have ridden a horse you may have an idea how difficult galloping is with two arms, and she wins championships with ONE. austyn is such an inspiration, i feel blessed to have met her.

my day with phoebe.

new orleans.

after five years living in the middle of the ocean, we decided to take a road trip... across the country. you photographers out there will probably be unhappy with me because i snapped very few pics, but i wanted this trip to be about enjoying my little family and less about documenting it. a decision im sure ill regret later, but for now i love the few ive got!

in no particular order im sharing our little adventure in pieces, starting in the big easy. i loved taking pat to new orleans because its one of my favorite childhood memories, the food, the people, the gulf in general. although it looks a little different since katrina it still felt the same, warm and fun.



on the way to new orleans theres a little town called grosse tete (seriously) and there is a caged tiger in their gas station, yes a gas station.


aside from the gumbo, this place has the best beignets in the world.

love him.

i can just tell your gonna be a good frank.

happy sunday.

nobody takes resting on the sabbath more seriously than ham and pat. between the two of them they are awake for 4 hours out of the day. but i dont care, the man works harder than anyone i know and deserves some sleep! ham however has really no excuse.

bucket & bella

bella and bucket had their first show! and although we were a little late im glad we didnt miss the stylings of this dynamic duo.

did i mention bella and bucket also had matching pink extensions?

the future of rodeo. adorable.

hammy is very curious about bucket, im pretty sure ham thinks he could take him. and one day i will put ham in that saddle.

i love mexico... again.

one thing i REALLY miss about the mainland is mexican-ness. i miss california burritos, baby girl jewelry, day of the dead, blankets, all my girls at cherry, surf, senior hennings, hermana hennings and her ward of amazing cooks, dancers, and pinata makers. so in honor of my roots (the gulf of mexico and southern california) i partied. and there to support my efforts were the people that could truly appreciate the culture... FELIZ CINCO DE MAYO MIS AMIGOS!!!!!


you know its good if he's savin some for later.



even the children joined the fiesta.

dont be jealous amigas.

like his name sake... ham knows how to party.