Puerto Rico Summer 2009

Went to Puerto Rico with the Malones this Summer

Saw the rain forest at El Yunque

Visited the best beach I've ever been to - Flamenco beach

The cousins bonded...

It was a good time. Miss you already PR.

My Medical School Graduation

Me and Chris at the Marriott where my graduation was held.

Me and my classmate and now fellow pediatrician! Hoping we will be at the same training program in the future for fellowship. :)

Mom and Dad with me just after the ceremony. Their FIRST trip to Iowa!

At my graduation party that Chris put together. I didn't have to do a thing! I was so happy to have 4 of my tias come and celebrate with us. Wish all my tias could have come. It was nice to have them stay at our place, watching them play paco. And they cooked and cleaned with my mom too! It was awesome!

The parents with me and Chris.

Thank you Tia Rosa!

Some guy came to my door this morning. I almost didn't answer because I didn't know who he was, but since I saw he was holding flowers-I opened the door anyway. Turned out to be a flower delivery man. Thank you Tia Rosa for the beautiful flowers! I feel your thoughts with me today on my graduation. :)

Just Because...

Last week I came home and Chris had surprised me with these beautiful flowers. Pink tulips. My favorite flower and one of my favorite colors. He bought them "just because" which was so freakin awesome!

So today I bought him the new Mountain Dew throwback that just came out and is apparently only being sold for a few months. I know he's been wanting to try it. It's made with "natural sugar" instead of high fructose corn syrup. I don't know what it means by natural sugar-but whatever.

Grad Reception Chris is making for me.

Ana's Graduating In August of 2004 the long journey through medical school began. Ana had her ups and downs but with God's words ringing in her ears, unshakable determination and faithful dedication she has finally done it. 2009 has arrived and Ana can see the finish line. On May 15th, Ana Alvarado-Cary will be graduating from the University of Iowa Medical School and will begin as a first-year resident doctor. You are invited to celebrate this occasion with us at an informal dessert reception on: Saturday May 16th Time: 2pm Location: Englert Theatre 2nd floor Gallery 221 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Click here to RSVP for the reception

Match Day

Match Day 3-19-09. Me and some of my closest medical school friends - I will miss them!!

I'm holding my letter stating that I matched in Iowa. My first choice.

Even though I was excited about match day-it turned out to be a shock when I opened my envelope and found myself not at all happy seeing I matched with my top choice. Then I was upset at myself for not feeling happy. Now that I've had a bit more time to let things simmer...I am still very sad for only 1 reason-I miss my family in California tremendously. But the reasons I put Iowa as #1 are numerous. So if all my family members would move to Iowa life would be perfect. I know this will turn out for the best-but even still, I am already looking into fellowships in California and I'm counting down the winters left to endure here. Much love to all my Iowa peeps-and you all should seriously consider moving to CA when Chris and I head back in 3 years!!!

Disneyland 12-27-08

Me and my husband

Mari and Fernando

Carlos and Patti as Goofy and Grumpy.

We mean business people.

Not quite sure what's going on here.