Wrapping Up the Holidays

A few more highlights of our time together after Christmas and before school started.

Aub and friends are continuing their tradition of celebrating each holiday together.  They had to celebrate after Christmas due to family and work conflicts.  In the evening of the 29th, they hung out at Parker’s house. The next morning, they met at our house and had a breakfast and exchanged gifts.  Don't worry, they are still making New Year's Eve plans even though it is just a few days away.  I love that she has a group of girls she enjoys spending time with.

Aub, Maiya, Macy, Parker and Aliyah  (Nissi had b-ball practice)

We had the funnest visit with Parker's two bestfriends: Harper Terry and Cole Brannan (w/ Kaide).  They wanted to say hi to everyone and meet Kaide.  I had them peak into Parker's old room.  Their reactions were priceless.  (Dude!!!)   It is now Tanner's room.  There is a crib under the window and a changing table beside the bed.  Otherwise the furniture and wall decor is pretty much the same.

We got to hear all about their freshman years at college and catch up on their old friend group.  I didn't know what a baby lover Cole was.  He was 100% comfortable w/ Kaide and wanted to hold him as much as possible.  Also, we probably heard Cole talk more than ever before.  And both Cole and Harper were shocked by how much they heard Tanner talking.  Park would try to get him to hang some with his friends when they came over, but Tanner would mostly just be silent.

I'm really glad they stopped by.

Brinley had a mission friend, Carl, stay the night at our house as he was traveling back to A&M.  He stayed here in the fall as well.  Poor guy had to stay in the spare room which has a bathroom that is out of commission due to remodeling.  He didn't care though.  He appreciated a free meal, games with the family and mostly a place to sleep for free.

After a bitter cold week, we enjoyed some 60 degree weather.  I walked with Kaide and with Brinley a couple of days.

We got some more v-ball in with friends and the missionaries.  (a little v-ball break below)

Brian and I have been talking about getting a car for Brinley to take up to school but hadn't gotten serious about looking.  I took a few days to do some research on the computer and narrowed down a few possibilities.  We decided to buy one from a dealership in Utah, but when I called to let the Dallas salesman know, he knocked a few thousand off the price of the car we were interested in buying.  It was too good of a deal to pass up.  So, we literally made that decision on New Year's Eve, and Bryn and I left at 5:00am on New Year's Day to make the purchase.  Craziness.  She was very grateful and excited.  (2021 Toyota Corolla)  

We drove up on Saturday and drove home on Sunday.  So, when the group wanted to go bowling again on Monday, I desperately needed a nap.  I was torn but made them promise to take lots of pictures.  They were champs!  Here are a few:

One last goodbye before heading back to school.

Tanner and Erin made a point to stop by and visit since they missed going with us on Christmas day.

The beautiful print Brinley gave me for Christmas.  I love it.

My super buff nephew, Logan Fontaine.  WE were impressed!  He's Brinley's age and the Gwilliam cousin Parker has been the closest to over the years.  He is in the Coast Guard now.  These were sent in Brian's family/spouse text, and I wanted to save them.

We were able to put away Christmas decorations, have a girls night at the movies (Whitney Houston), play games (Dominion) with family and extended family (Skull King w/ the Vores), pickleball with the Birds, Sunday night extended family gatherings, eating out w/ extended family (Taco Villa Monday on Wednesday at Rosas), and more.  

We were sad to see Brinley head back to Utah.  Kierstin, her roommate, flew here, and they drove back together.  I was extremely grateful because I was going to be the one driving up with Brinley and then flying back the next day, which sounded exhausting.

Back to real life...wish us luck!