WE GRADUATED! This captures a milestone we are deeply proud of. Wearing our traditional Navajo regalia at graduation honored not only our degrees, but the journeys that led us there. Carlette earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, graduating magna cum laude in a moment especially meaningful given the challenges she faced with growing up on the reservation. Her perseverance and dedication reshaped what she once thought was possible. Shane earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology, a degree made possible because of Carlette’s encouragement to return to college after taking time away. Together, this moment represents growth, resilience, and the way we continually uplift one another.

Walking in Memphis! When it came time for Shane to pursue optometry school, we made the decision to leave Albuquerque, New Mexico and move across the country to Memphis, Tennessee. It was a leap of faith that required sacrifice, trust, and a lot of teamwork. During this chapter, Carlette became the backbone of our household. She explored a career in education including an elementary educator, and an early childhood development teacher, supporting us while Shane focused on his studies. That season taught us what partnership truly means: showing up for each other, sharing the weight of the journey, and believing the future we were building together.

This photo marks the day our family grew by four paws. We drove to Arkansas to pick up River, and from that moment on, we’ve been inseparable. River has been with us through every chapter, from life in Memphis, Tennessee, to Walla Walla, Washington, then Yuma, Arizona, and finally settling in Santa Fe, New Mexico. No matter the place, River has been a constant reminder that home isn’t a location, it’s who you share the journey with.

She said yes! This photo marks the moment we chose forever. While living in Memphis, Tennessee during Shane’s final year of optometry school, Shane proposed at one of their favorite places, Shelby Farms Park, with the help of our dog, River. River wore a personalized dog tag that read, “Will you marry dad?” In that quiet, joyful moment, we took our first steps toward solidifying our bond and committing to a life built on love, partnership, and shared dreams.

Our time in Walla Walla, Washington marked a turning point. It was a season defined by growth and new beginnings. Shane was completing his residency in ocular disease at the Walla Walla Veterans Hospital, taking his next steps as a practicing optometrist. During this time, Carlette made a career pivot into marketing, landing her first role at a local winery where she discovered a passion for digital marketing. Together, we also made an important decision about our future, which was accepting Shane’s first optometry position with the Indian Health Service in Winterhaven, California, and preparing for our next move to Yuma, Arizona.