There's No Place Like Home

It was so nice to have Brittney home again after a year and half in El Salvador serving a church mission.

 Brittney unpacking her suitcases,

and sharing her El Salvadorian treasures like this handmade hammock,  

 and El Salvadorian's version of junk food.

Brittney sharing her pictures and videos from the last year and a half.

  After suffering the effects of Parasitic infections for the past year, our first order of business was to make sure Brittney was properly hydrated.

 Brad taking good care of her by warming up her cold hands,

  and providing distraction and entertainment via Jimmy Fallon reruns.

 Brittney was also comforted by hand delivered care packages from friends,

and Skyping with her sister Aubrey.

About the time Brittney sat at the piano and started playing beautiful music, we knew she was going to be okay.

 Brittney feeling a little better holding flowers she received from a companion's family, and me, the most grateful mother ever!

Winter Happenings

We had a fabulous time again this year listening to the All-State choirs in Louisville, KY. Breck was in the mixed choir this year, but all of the choirs did an amazing job. 

 

I told Breck that going to an opera is on my bucket list. So here we are on a date at the Lexington Opera house. Breck had a friend who was in the Opera, it was a lot of fun.

 

 This is how Breck asked his date, Joy Jenkins, to Mormon Prom. "Prom" is spelled with sliced Canadian bacon. The lady tried pepperonis the first time, but it was undecipherable. 

  Merinda and the Royal Spring Academic team won first place in their District.

Merinda and her friend, Nikara Charles, presenting their National History Day display and report on Brigham Young. They did a great job and went onto Regionals at EKU. They did great at Regionals as well, and will present at State at the end of the month.

Happy New Year!!!

New Year's Eve

We had a great time celebrating New Year's Eve with the Holt family.

After gorging ourselves on the Holt's amazing fajitas, 

 We spent the rest of the evening playing games. Here we are strategically conspiring with our partners. 

 I am not sure why Aubrey is looking at me so suspiciously, I am not the one wearing a coat, scarf, and hat inside!!! 

 Snacking on our favorite popcorn just because it is there.

Sometimes I think Breck's main goal in life is to get reactions out of Aubrey.

But wait, is that a smile? It must be working... 

 

 Rex and Austin filling our champagne glasses (paper cups),

 just as the ball drops (no Ryan Seacrest, or anyone recognizable for that matter, on dumb Hulu),

 to toast in the new year with our sparking cider.

 Aubrey trying to take her toast seriously.

 Who cares what Brad is pointing at - it's Hulu! Why so suspicious Veronica? I guess she isn't used to so many pictures (unless she is taking them).

 Rex, Christina, and Austin trying to figure out what is so funny (sorry, it's not "Studio C").

Aubrey's last night in Kentucky

 When it comes down to good old friends and an intense game of "Ticket to Ride"...

 Aubrey is all smiles! And this is Brad's passive aggressive way of "looking at the camera!" 

Somehow both of us eeked out smiles despite the fact that we only got two hours of sleep, Aubrey was leaving for another 3 1/2 months, and her plane was delayed by 4 hours. But the important fact remains - I did an awesome job dying her hair! 

Happy New Year Everyone!!! 

Christmas in Kentucky

Lexington Kentucky Philharmonic

Brad and I wanted to celebrate the season with Handel's Messiah this year so we watched a performance by the Lexington Philharmonic's Chamber Orchestra with some amazing guest soloist. 

Brad's birthday cake - better late than never! 

Brad's birthday falls on a very busy time of year so Merinda finally made his cake (she makes them the best) two weeks late. So I guess by then it was too late to be considered a "birthday cake".

Manwaring Center Rexburg Idaho

Right before coming home for Christmas, Aubrey runs into the school bookstore, soaking wet from the snow, and bumps right into our good friends from Washington State, Roger and Leanne. Love this small world!!!

Popcorn and snack mix - best idea ever!

In the interest of time, I made holiday popcorn and snack mix this year to give our friends and neighbors. We might need to make this a regular tradition.

First Christmas in our new home...

Speaking of traditions - our annual Christmas Eve candle light ham dinner. 

 Girl bonding with a movie and popcorn, on my bed :/  (only because it was Christmas Eve!)

Christmas Day 2014

 Christmas morning - our traditional walk down the stairs when the music starts. Aubrey is looking pretty thrilled.

 Since Aubrey was the oldest child home, it was her job to pass out gifts from under the Christmas tree (Aubrey can still hardly contain her excitement).

Good thing Breck is a morning person, and not afraid to show his enthusiasm over the latest game, compliments of Merinda.

 This is the only time all year I let my living room get this messy - but it's for a good cause. 

Me enjoying my gifts,

 and the kids modeling theirs: custom-made bags from Grandma Virginia,

 Breck's good-lookin hoodie from Aubrey,

 and Aubrey's comfy infinity scarf from Breck.

 Everyone loved their gifts and expressed thanks with hugs all around (wait...is that Aubrey actually smiling in the background?).

  

 The traditional Christmas morning breakfast of cinnamon rolls and eggnog.  

  But my favorite part of the day was Skyping for almost two hours with Brittney! The kids enjoyed showing her their treasures,

and I had fun just seeing her face again, and listening to her speak with her Mexican accent. It was a very good day indeed!