Thanksgiving 2006

Ryan, Ellie and me at Javier's house enjoying Thanksgiving 06 and Ellie's third birthday!!

Daddy's girl!

Pic with mom also!! In 2006 Ellie's birthday was on Thanksgiving day. It was great to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving and Ellie's birthday with family all on one day!!

Easter 2007

Here is a picture of our little girl, on Easter Sunday, the day her cousin Hudson was born! This is our Ellie Alicia Smiley, born Sunday, November 23, 2003. It has been an absolute joy to be a parent. Although had some rough days, like expected, the joys far outweigh the struggles. Now she's three and a half and we're dealing with three year old struggles, but even better she is developing and doing so much on her own now. She can ride her two wheeler with training wheels and swing by herself now. These are huge steps that show us she is becoming more and more independent as a little girl.

Hudson Dean Mercado

This is my new nephew, Hudson Dean Mercado, born Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007. He is absolutely adorable and a huge blessing. With Javier as his daddy he's going to grow up cowboy style! They already have chaps and cowboy boots waiting for him to grow into.

This is my brother Javier and Stephanie with their newborn Hudson! Such a beautiful, happy family!