Keeping Up with Kaide

October 15, 2026

I get to pick up Kaide from preschool two or three afternoons a week, and I love having that time with him.

Last month, we had a little routine going. He would come in and wash his hands (he loves using his stool and being so independent.), have a snack—usually fresh fruit and pumpkin seeds or graham crackers and milk—and then do an interactive reading lesson on my phone, followed by about 5-10 minutes of Khan Academy Kids. After that, it was rest time for about an hour. He would play quietly in the front bedroom while I rested or took care of things around the house. Then we'd head outside to play, walk to Gram and Grandpa Vore's, play store or do whatever he chose until Erin or Tanner came to pick him up.

This month, he seems to have gotten a little tired of the reading app, so we've dropped that from our routine. He's also getting a little bored with the toys and games we have at the house, so I've been scrambling to come up with new activities or dig out some old favorites.

One afternoon, I took him grocery shopping with me. I'd forgotten just how much longer grocery shopping takes with an inquisitive four-year-old as your sidekick. Whew! We did manage to find a fun photo op at Sam's Club and stopped to enjoy our fruit and a pretzel on our way out. 

I had Chat extend the backdrop to the ceiling and make the floor black-nice!

I was excited when he wanted to pull out the jumper for the first time in months, but that only lasted about 15 minutes.

I found our old Bubber set (it's similar to kinetic sand but can be molded and played with like Play-Doh). He was a fan! I also pulled out the paints, but those only held his interest for about five minutes. If it's not too windy this week, we may make a trip to the duck pond. Wish me luck—not with the ducks, but with keeping up with a four-year-old who needs a constantly changing lineup of activities (and a Gigi who wants to spoil him!)

 

Bryn and Cal Come to Town

October 8-12, 2026

Bryn's Visit❤️

Originally, I was planning to fly out to Utah to visit Brinley (and Derek and Cal.) I wanted to see Delta, Derek's hometown, and where they are living. Then one day when I was trying to find a plane ticket, I realized it might be more fun for her to come our way so Brian could enjoy some time with them too. Plus, Bryn could show off Cal and introduce him to family and friends in the Big O.

Luckily, she was able to arrange a five-day trip around her Tuesday/Wednesday work schedule. I was SO excited about her visit—giddy, really. My dad kept teasing me about just how excited I was. It was great to give my girl, who is such a sweet mama, a big hug.

And Cal! What an adorable little baby boy. Anytime someone caught his eye, his whole face would light up and he'd break into a huge smile. He was so happy and smiley, and his high cheek dimples reminded me so much of Brinley. 

Tan and his family were able to come over quite a bit, which was so fun. It made the weekend feel like a mini reunion. Everyone got to hold and play with Cal while catching up with Brinley.

Kaide kept telling everyone he had TWO cousins: Gracie and Cal. (Gracie is actually his second cousin, and she has three siblings, so it was funny that Kaide made that distinction. He and Gracie are good buddies.) He was a very proud older cousin. He had a lot of fun getting Cal to smile and playing a running game where Erin would swing Cal out toward Kaide as if she were trying to tag him with Cal's feet. 

We were able to enjoy several meals all together, which was awesome. I made white chicken chili and cornbread one night, and Brian made his delicious flank steak with petite potatoes. Then Erin, bless her, offered to cook Friday night (lasagna soup), and Tanner (bless him!) made his yummy smash burgers and corn on the cob for us on Sunday evening. We also enjoyed eating out a couple of times. Needless to say, much of the meal planning I'd done—and the food I'd purchased for the weekend—went right out the window!

Bryn and I were able to go on a couple of walks, watch a movie (Raising Helen), and enjoy visiting while getting pedicures. She also showed me a Shutterfly book she's making for me and our family about my childhood. (I filled out a book called Mom, Tell Me Your Memories and also wrote some of my personal history, which will be included.) It was beautiful and made me so happy! I did something similar for my parents, so I know the immense amount of time a project like this takes. It means a lot to me that she's doing it.

Brian took Friday off, so we all had some time together. Brinley also interviewed him quite a bit so she can put together a personal history book about his life as well. They enjoyed watching the BYU game together on Friday night, too.

Church was fun on Sunday. Who doesn't love showing off their beautiful daughter and adorable grandson? Everyone who knew Bryn from back in the day was so kind to come over, ooh and ahh over Cal, and catch up with her.

It was also fun spending time with Grandpa and Grandma Vore. And on Sunday evening, we enjoyed some time outside with Adam Vore (my nephew/her cousin), two of his kids, and the Birds.

All in all, it was a wonderful long weekend with our girl! So glad we got to have her and Cal here for a few days. ❤️

Kaide 4, Erin, Tan w/ Cal (almost 7 months), & Brinley

Introducing Cal to his great Grandma Vore

I love the way my mom loved on Brinley. She was really glad to see her and hug her great grandson.

Grandpa Vore was at Cal's blessing in May, so this was their second time hanging out.

My dad, Brit and I go to "girls lunch" together every Thursday. (Girls lunch because it is the day my dad takes his girls to lunch.) We decided to move it to Friday so we could make it a big party. We had a good meal and a great time visiting at Labodega. Also, Cal was an angel and sat in his car seat the whole time while we ate. Then Brinley went to pick him up and found out he had an epic blowout! (Thus the naked picture.)

Bryn asking Bri questions about his childhood and audio recording his  answers.

Cornhole and hanging out in the front yard

Pedicures

I loved snuggling Calvin, and we even read a few books together over their stay.

Church

Brit, Gram, Grandpa, Bryn & Cal

Hanging out at Tanner and Erin's apartment on Sunday evening before dinner.

Meeting Charlotte and Ella-his first cousins once removed...I think. 

Char, Adam V and Lincoln

We hung out in the shop and in the Bird's fun backyard for Sunday night. More cornhole took place.

Hud and Londyn

Adam B. w/ Cal

Bryn & Tan

Update from Chris and Ang in Cote d'Ivoire

An update from Chris and Ang in the mission field.

Pancho! (Hotdog)

A glimpse into Aubrey's week on her mission in Argentina. .

October 5, 2026 

I never know what day it is, but the other day I realized it was October and was shocked.

Updates:

● Had to say bye to Hermana Costa (and Monte Grande) Tuesday. I am going to miss her so much! We grew up together in the mission. Felt like we were orphans or something. #traumabonded

● I am now in Ezeiza with Hermana Rivero, and it feels like I am in Heaven. I didn’t know life could be like this. People answer the door and will listen to us, and it’s honestly just a breath of fresh air. So grateful for the change. I definitely needed it.

● Hermana Rivero is AMAZING. She is exactly what I need right now. I have the opportunity to learn a lot because she has more time on the mission and only speaks Spanish. She is so, so patient with me, speaks more simply to help me understand, and is literally the nicest person ever.

● Somehow the schedule hasn’t killed me. If anything, it is good. We have no time at all in the pension, and I feel way more locked in. We also don’t have many member meals here, so we eat in a plaza. I feel like I am in school again, bringing my packed sandwich around all day. I actually love the hour we have for lunch, though. It has turned into language study for me and English for Hermana Rivero.

● I had an intercambio with Hermana Martin, and it was sooo good. I love intercambios. We had so much fun, and I learned a lot. For lunch, we spent 30 minutes looking for somewhere that accepts cards. We finally found one and ate double-decker panchos. Might be one of the highlights of my whole mission. Also made me think of Hermana Pickering the whole time because Hna. Martin is her mission mom, and they are so similar haha.

● We don’t have a chip for our phone, which is TERRIBLE. We have to share WhatsApp. We have already switched numbers like 3 times and lost all our contacts. We shared with the Elders for 1 day, which was so weird because we would get someone’s number and text them, and then they would just see a profile picture of Elders. We never have Wi-Fi, and that makes missionary work so hard because it’s so important to keep in touch with your friends all day. So really hoping that changes soon.

● Overall highlight is being in a zone with my CCM comp, Hermana Andersen! She lives super far away, so I will only see her a couple P-days, but I am not complaining.

● We had zone consejos! Our ZL bajó la caña on us and legit pointed at the door and said, “No one is forcing you to be here. Leave if you don’t want to work.”

Not many updates this week. Hopefully I’ll have something more interesting next week.

Spiritual Thought:

I want to talk a little bit about prayers. Recently, I have had a hard time feeling like my prayers are heard or that they are being answered. I hear all these stories of missionaries who are so spiritual and receive revelation in the streets or answers to personal prayers. I want this so bad, but it’s been something I have felt I have lacked.

I wonder how many times we pray and ask and beg for things, and Heavenly Father gives them to us, but we are too busy complaining, scared, or sad to realize that it is an answer.

Last transfer, I was praying to have the strength to give my all in the mission. To lose myself and go to work. Then we got the schedule change, and I lost it. I was confused and didn’t understand and felt like nothing was going well. But really, it was an answer to my prayers. Don’t get me wrong, I am so tired by the end of the day. It isn’t easy, but I am noticing the change of being more locked in and losing myself in the work.

The Lord wants us to be happy, and He wants to bless us and answer our prayers. And He is right now. Maybe not how we imagined. It’s still going to be hard, but He knows. He has a plan better than we can imagine. I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who answers our prayers. He hears you, He knows you, and He loves you.

Sometimes we just have to be a little more open-minded or a little more observant and trusting to see how the Lord is working in our lives.

I love y’all so much!!

Hermana Gwilliam

Reunited w/ her MTC/CCM companion, Hermana Anderson

On spits w/ Hermana Martin enjoying their double decker hotdogs

The tongue photo seems to be a thing. There are multiple of Aubrey or other hermanas with this look.

w/ her new comp, Hermana Rivero (solo Espanol!)

General Conference Weekend

General Conference Weekend

October 3-4, 2026

Saturday morning, I ran to Walmart and Sam’s to pick up some conference snacks and came home just before the first session started. Brian and I watched together, and the talks were wonderful, of course. One theme that stood out to me from the morning session (11-1 pm) was, "hard things are going to happen in this life, and it can still be beautiful."  

It was nice just being home with Brian most of the day, working on our different projects and fitting errands in around conference. I had planned to work on outside windows, but it was raining, so those plans quickly changed. I baked chocolate chip cookies (almost forgot the butter-eek-added that in last) and did some light house work. 

After the second session (3-5 pm), Brian watched the BYU game, and I went for a walk and then watched some of the game while playing Settlers (Cities and Knights) on the computer. I aslo re-listened to some of Emma M. Lion #6 while putting away clothes and cleaning out my closet. Nothing too exciting, but it was one of those nice Saturdays at home.

Sunday morning I was up early (6:30). I read my scriptures, worked out, showered, got dressed, blow dried my hair AND did my makeup—all by 9:00. I was feeling very productive.

Brian and I went over to visit my parents and take my mom a birthday gift, and then we came home to get ready for the morning session of conference. I made a veggie tray and a cheese and cracker tray and threw some frozen cinnamon rolls in the oven. Then I realized that I was just assuming Tanner and family would be coming over to watch conference with us.  (I had way too much food for me and Brian.) Luckily, they threw us a bone and joined us.

We took turns playing with Kaide during some of the talks—quiet games like Candy Land, Memory and Jenga...with a little ball mixed in here and there. :)

Afterward, I went back over to my parents' house to give my dad a break for an hour. Brit, Kerry and I each try to do that on Sundays since he doesn't have a caregiver that day. When I was there, Chris and Ang FaceTimed to wish my mom a happy birthday. It was fun visiting with them for a few minutes.

Brian squeezed in a quick nap and then it was time for our “Superest Super Bowl” conference gathering at Brit's house. 

We had a huge spread of delicious food—smoked chicken, grilled sausage, jalapeño popper dip and guac, green salad, beans, sourdough bread with a fancy spread, a veggie tray, cheese and crackers, chocolate chip cookies and, believe it or not, even more! (We all chip in by bringing a couple of dishes, but the Birds go all out!)

By this point in conference weekend, I'm often starting to feel a little like a caged lion. And things can get a little busier with the great nieces and nephews, and Kaide in the mix.

But it was actually relatively calm. Some of the kids went outside to play, and a few were in the playroom playing instruments. First it was the piano, then the handbells. Britney went in to redirect their attention, but not long after that, someone found a recorder...and then two toy drums. You can't make this stuff up! When the kids eventually left the room, I quietly went in and stashed the drums in Ella's room. Whew.

Overall, though, it was very doable, and we were able to hear what was being shared during conference. Several of the girls were working on puzzles, but I decided to put conference on my phone and go for a 30 minute walk. Miraculously, it was only 77 degrees with beautiful blue skies. It made my heart happy to be outside. (Eight hours of sitting over the weekend is a lot....but worth it.)

I love General Conference. I always come away inspired to be better—to serve others more, to be more Christlike, and to remember the joy that comes from living and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I also love discussing the messages with my family and then studying the talks afterward so I can better remember and retain the things that were taught.

President Oaks was the final speaker, and I loved the way he summed up the conference. He encouraged us to concentrate our worship, focus our learning, and unite our testimonies on the teachings of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father's plan.

He also reminded us of the Lord's promise in 2 Nephi 28:30:

“For unto him that receiveth I will give more.”

That was a good promise to be reminded of.

All in all, it was a very nice weekend—time at home and with family and especially time to soak in the messages of General Conference.

A few more pictures from the weekend:

Don and Cathy Bonifay were wishing my mom a happy birthday as well when we stopped by my parent's house.

Hud and Charlotte were playing Coyotes with Gracie. (A made up game with their hands as the Coyotes. Gracie has this tiny, high little voice and said "coyotes" so cute...we were all a little mesmerized with their game.)

Christian has been having some foot problems and is on crutches. Sometimes he just hops around on one leg. It's seriously impressive. Also, he was hoola hooping like crazy in the shop. Zoom in on his face...you just can't keep a good man down!

A different angle of some of the group working on puzzles.

Lincoln and Ella

My parents came to the Birds for about 45 minutes. My mom loves her son in laws. She is very tender with Adam, Brian and Brian M., and they are sweet with her.

Char put a clip in Gracie's hair to make it look silly.

Hud was doing wheelies effortlessly, but everytime I pulled out my phone, he stopped. Turkey boy.

My friend from college, John Kirkman, made these "tweet" pages from the talks today. He compiled tweets on X.com and made it into a document. He is a full time seminary teacher and shared them on a seminary FB page. They are a little blurry on here, but I think worth including to get a little glimpse from the talks given.