Happy Birthday, Birthday Boy

14 years ago today, Henry Pablo Hanson entered this world and made it that much better. Henry always has been and probably always will be the quiet one. He didn't make a sound the first few days after he was born. He didn't talk until he well over 2 years old. When he started school the first thing his teachers commented on was how quiet he was. Today not much has changed. He would rather people watch than engage with them. He would rather work independently than in a group. He would rather hang out with one or two buddies than to have ten different people around. He would rather stay in than go out and he would much rather listen than talk. He has a heart of absolute gold and an empathetic spirit  that most 14 year old boys don't have. He sees life through a different lens. And kindness. Henry is so, so very kind.

Happy 14th birthday, my sweet boy. I love you so much and in the upcoming year that will be full of changes, I can't wait to see how brightly you shine.

REBORN

Lately, my path has been a little winding. I've been wondering how I can give more back. How can be more impactful? How can I do more to make a difference in people's lives? And then yesterday my brother sent me this link. I was filled not only with pride but with humility.

Read. Enjoy. Pay it forward.  Think about how you may change someone's journey without even knowing it. Small ripples make big waves.

Marcus, thank you for sharing this with me. It has been food to my soul at just the perfect time.

Marcus Garcia's REBORN Success Story

Sweet Heart

This was the card that Viv gave Maxwell and Henry for Valentine's Day. 

She and her sweet heart amaze me everyday. 

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

We skied. We soaked. We had to have the van pushed up a hill (technically, that was a me thing, not really a we thing). We had a fantastic ski weekend at Sunlight Mountain.

Viv did great! 

She took a lesson with Kiley and then was ready to go out on her own

The girls

The boys at the top of the first run.

First and only for me...I was one and done!

It was gorgeous up top, but this was about

 when I started to regret going with the boys

Maxwell was the first one up on the lift and the last one down.

He went all. day. long. 

Matt and Viv took the wooded trail

Are these two now full-fledged skiers? 

I can not confirm, nor deny. 

The best part of a ski vacation?

Take a guess.

Had a quick soak at Iron Mountain Hot Springs before heading home

 A hot pool in the middle of the falling snow...Viv loved it

A Girls Weekend

I had 48 hours in Austin with four of my best girlfriends from college. We try to get together at least once a year, and even though it's been over 22 years since we met as freshman at Austin College, not much has changed....

We laughed until cried. We made fun of each other, as always. We talked about struggles with babies and teenagers and cried real tears. We remembered the best stories from our days at AC, and rehashed secrets that only us and the walls of Clyce Hall know about. We talked about career changes and our anticipation for the future. We talked about our parents and our new roles as their children. It was the best weekend. Thank you girls for always holding me up when I need it, walking hand and hand along side me, and paving the way for what's to come. I love and appreciate you all with all of my heart. 

After three winerys and a vodka distillery, 

you can't expect too much from a pre-dinner selfie

We had a fantastic dinner at Parkside with the BEST waitress in all of Austin!

The last time these girls saw Jessica she was a curly haired,

 three or four year old in a picture taped to my mirror in my dorm room.

Hometown Love

I know the real reason behind the care package from my mom and dad was to send Valentine's Day cards and candy to the kids. But these two things...nothing says hometown love like Fiesta Fajita Seasoning and the Spurs.

Thanks Mom and Dad and as always...

Go Spurs Go!!

The Jayhawks Finale

Vivian and the St. James Jayhawks wrapped up their basketball season last week. They didn't get the 'W', but Viv did pull out the "booty bump" and even got two fouls called on her. That's our girl! Congratulations on a fantastically fun season, Viv. You never lost your love of the game or your smile!

There's that smile!

Hanson #32

St. James Jayhawks

2017

Congratulations, Viv! 

 You're our only, our best, 

 and our favorite girl