Friday, November 21, 2014

My last days in Congress

In July 2003 I walked into the Capitol building for the first time ever. I arrived an hour before my office opened and couldn’t believe I was fulfilling my dream. I marveled at how great the cafeteria was, the CSPAN personalities I was able to see and loved EVERYTHING, even the confusing Rayburn building. 

In my wildest dreams I could never have imagined the journey I’ve been on. While I may not arrive early anymore and the awe of the cafeteria has definitely gone away, I am still amazed with this place, the opportunities I have had, the Members of Congress I have been privileged to work for and the amazing friends who have become family. As I transition to the next chapter in my career, I cannot be more thankful to my colleagues and all the people that make Capitol Hill operate. 

I was also very humbled by the kind words of the Members of Congress I have worked for the last almost 6 years... This was the post they did for me.

CHC Executive Director Patricia Tamez is leaving Congress after 11 years of public service. Throughout her tenure, she worked for CHC Members - for Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, Congressman Solomon Ortiz, Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Congressman Charlie Gonzales and Congressman RubĂ©n Hinojosa (TX-15). Patricia has played an integral role in advancing the priorities of the Latino community in Congress, and we thank her greatly for her service.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Wake up smiles

We are the proud parents of a seriously happy child. This was her "I just woke up from a nap" happy face..



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And the next morning this was her "I just woke up and have messy hair" face...






Monday, November 17, 2014

Beautiful Fall Days

We've had some amazingly warm days this fall which is nice for Valentina and Adrian because they're able to go to the park.










Tuesday, November 11, 2014

A Veterans Day recap

I've been really delayed in posting but vow to get better. On Veterans Day this year Adrian received a special gift from Valentina and an invitation to be Maddie Thompson's guest for her Veterans Day lunch. She called to invite him herself and Adrian was so proud to join her. Here are some pictures.













Sunday, November 9, 2014

Thompson Time

Every time the Thompsons walk in, Valentina gets really excited. Maddie and Luke are such great kids and always play with her and her little kid toys.  She thinks all big kids are like that at the playground, but they are not. It was such a nice fall afternoon so we played some soccer. Maddie had just left from a Frozen party, so she was happy to show off her Elsa crown and polished fingernails.











Happy Birthday Harrison

Harrison's 2nd Birthday party last year was Valentina's first birthday party. What a difference a year makes. This time she wasn't just in our arms. She ran around, played with other kids, participated in the craft project and sat like a little grown up for lunch.

We had such a great time celebrating one of our favorite people. Happy Birthday Harrison!!













Friday, November 7, 2014

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Two Days of Messy Eating

Valentina, like all toddlers, eats and enjoys sensory time during dinner. She mostly gets food in her mouth but also in her hair, her ears, her nose... We basically go straight to the tub after dinner on these days.





Day 2





And after she's all clean





Saturday, November 1, 2014

Dia de los Muertos

Working for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for so many years has made me much more appreciative of my culture. Adrian and I want Valentina to appreciate it as well so we do as many cultural events as we can find. The Smithsonian hosted a Dia de Los Muertos event at the Native American museum showcasing some altares, dancers, and activities for kids. We had a good time.