The Gwilliam Family: 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.)