bid day + date night

we made a quick day trip to stillwater to watch our favorite freshman participate in all the bid day festivities for her new sorority. the day started out early as we were out of the house by 6am, and once we got some fuel for the truck and us, we were headed north by 6:30.

after two more stops (chickfila and crumbl) we made it to little sister around 10:40am.  the weather was dreary, windy and cold but we didn't let that stop the fun. 

we had a little bit of time to hang out before the bid day festivities began, so we stopped by little sister's dorm and handed off all the supplies she requested we bring.  then we headed over to new house to see little sister and the other 14 spring pledges "run home."

hoping she loves this new chapter and makes lots of friends.

after the mingling, photo taking, and member and parents meetings ended, we head out to a late lunch and then it was time for us to head back to texas.  we made it out just in time before a little bit of snow and more freezing temps blew in to stillwater.  but little sister was only halfway thru her day.  she and bf got all fancied up for a date party that night.

oh, to be young again!

baby in bloom cookies

i worked on a fun order for a baby shower, 30 cookies with 4 designs.  the ruffle onesie was handcut and the baby in bloom was two shapes blended together.  i tried to keep it simple with just a few touches of whimsy.

here is the inspiration invitation and the designs i came up with.

our annual card

 

this year's holiday card was inspired by our card from 15 years ago.

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time is a real thief! 

so long 2024

we spent new year's eve at home hosting grandparents and our aunt who was staying a few nights with us while in town from washington state.  i finally had the chance to make the ham dinner with all the comfy sides that i had planned to make closer to christmas eve or day.  it was nice to enjoy a warm, cozy meal with family.

family dinner

more hanging out with cousins this evening.

 

wedding day

today started with little sister and i sneaking down to the hotel restaurant (while the other 2 slept in) for the yummy buffet breakfast. it was fancier than we are used to, complete with individual jars of jelly that gave little sister a bit of trouble.

once everyone was ready to start the day, we walked over to the nearby mall and later met up with grandma and grandpa for a late lunch.  then it was nearing time to get all dressed up for the wedding.  before getting on the shuttle bus, we took advantage of the holiday decor in the hotel lobby and posed for a few quick pics.

then we loaded the shuttle bus to the venue.  so fancy!

the photo booth was a huge hit!

axe throwing

we started the long-awaited, j + k wedding weekend with a fun evening of axe throwing.  none of us had ever done it before, and some of us caught onto it pretty quickly.  others of us just never did get the hang of it.  it was a fun time regardless.after a few practice rounds and short little games, we ended the session with a tournament to see who could earn the most points in 20 throws.  i came in third in our group of 9 throwers, so i was rather proud.

mom: lumbergheni 28

dad: i am groot 27

little sister: chop shop 23

big sister: i'm bored 7