Mi gente,

Wow, I'm so unbelievably lucky to call such amazing human beings my family. Big extended families can be crazy, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I can't imagine a world in which we didn't all get called by each other's names by the grandmas, or a world in which everybody fits at one dinner table on Christmas. I love being referred to as "la prima de ___," or "la sobrina de ___." I love that we are all such a big part of each other.

Being a part of a big family teaches you so much that you wouldn't be able to get from anywhere else. I've learned about how to love through differences solely because I am a part of this family. Some of us are city people, and some of us belong in the middle of the woods. Some of us are flan people, and some of us are natillas people. Some of us are flamenco people, and some of us are reggaetonpeople. Some of us are quiet, and some of us are loud. But whatever labels we put on ourselves to show the world who we are, they drop at the door the second we all come together

I never run out of stories to tell because of you all. Whether it be about the Reyes when literally 20 people had to run around the house looking for Tommy's shoe which ended up being found inside a plant in the living room, or that time when we were little when a bull actually almost charged at us at La Presa - I've got plenty of good material. I have so many amazing memories with you guys, and they hold me over during the months in which I'm here in the states and you're all across the pond. I never go a day without thinking about how much I love every single one of you.

I've learned that if you want tortilla de patata, you take it the second your eyes land on it, because if you don't it'll probably be gone within 30 seconds. I've learned that distance has nothing to do with love, commitment, and connection (honestly, thank god for WhatsApp and Skype because I would die without being able to call you people every day). I've learned that pictures really are important because they store moments and feelings that you'll end up longing for

I'm thankful that whenever I want to dance, I just have to ask and I'll always have a partner in one of you. I'm thankful that we have a bond so strong that it can overcome anything from distance to disease. I'm thankful for all the raunchy reggaeton that we sing and dance to. I'm thankful for all of our absolutely terrible inside jokes. I'm thankful for the holiday traditions we've grown into over the years.

Most of all, I am thankful for you. Os quiero ahora y siempre.