The Fiance

I finally got to meet the boyfriend fiancé.  I am writing this in September of 2024 but I this post was started spring of 2024...so it's going to be short-ish and sweet and maybe a little skewed.

Brian and I were flying out to Utah to celebrate our anniversary, visit Bryn and most importantly to meet this boy that she liked so much.  Long story short, I tested positive for the flu and ended up staying home.  Brian, Brinley and Derek had all sorts of adventures without me--bummer.

Luckily, they were able to fly out to Odessa for a weekend visit in March.  Derek was great.  He was easy to talk to and I enjoyed hearing some about his high school years, mission and home.  It was really fun to see Brinley so happy, and it was wonderful getting to meet him in person.  He was easy to talk to, happy and kept Brinley cracking up.  I can tell he comes from a good family and is a hard worker. (I know that is not a lot of info but if I don't just post about some events in our lives...I will just be paralyzed with overwhelm.)  Here are a few pictures from their visit to the Big O.

Derek Atkinson, in the flesh...getting to meet Grandma (and Grandpa) Vore

Aub skipped lunch and came to the park to see her big sis and Derek and Kaide.  Aubrey was able to meet Derek in February when she flew out.  They have a fun, teasing relationship.

We all LOVE this little boy so much.  

Grandpa came through once again with these BEAUTIFUL engagement pictures.  It was fun for them to get to visit with Grandpa a little more too during their trip.

It was also such a crazy weekend.  Everyone was out of town!  My three local siblings and their families were anyways.  So Brinley was hoping to introduce Derek to the extended fam, but it didn't work out great.  We couldn't do a Taco Villa Monday (on Friday) gathering or a Sunday night family gathering.  Grandpa did take us to Rosas but it was only me, Aub, Derek and Brinley.  Luckily the Birds came in late Saturday and we got to hang out with Braddock and Adam at their shop for a bit. (Pickleball, balance challenge and more.)

Overall we approve!  Derek is a keeper.