Breezy

October is here! That's hard to believe! Weren't we just in Colorado soaking in the mountain breeze?!

Is it just me, or does this time of year seep with nostalgia with even a hint of sadness? My first major spell of homesickness hit this time last year, and I'm feeling those pangs again this season! Maybe it's the change in the air, the longing for Gator football with my dad (IT'S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR!), the missed Disney outings, the pictures of the nieces and nephews growing way too fast, or the thought of warm chili made by Mama or Mommy.

I love everything about this time of year; but while I'm reminded of just how blessed we are, I'm also feeling the loss of having family nearby. It's a strange reality, but we're simultaneously rooted and uprooted. We are surrounded by a community of believers who care tremendously well for us. For example, while we were sick last weekend, six different friends/families checked in on us and asked how they could help. We are convinced of God's will for us here, at least for now. And yet, I feel separated from part of my own heart, and that hurts.

I decorated for Halloween on Friday, and it was good for my soul. That might sound odd, but I can't remember the last time I've had an hour to spare during the school/workweek. I took my time exploring World Market, enjoying the festive displays, dreaming up my home space, and feeling human again. Did I mention my mom is visiting this week? Wednesday can't come soon enough! And after that, we're looking forward to Giving Thanks with Ty's family on Turkey Day! The thought of these visits is more invigorating than the 60-degree Dallas air!

One of my childhood friends moved to Dallas recently. Our schedules and community circles are different, but the times I've spent with her here have been encouraging to my heart. Her visit today was well timed!

I don't have a conclusion. Just thankful for time to muse here, while my theory textbook remains opened and untouched.

Christmas in July

Ty and I took an impromptu weekend trip to Florida at the end of July. By any logical estimation, it didn't make sense. I flew in on a Thursday evening after work, and Ty came late Friday after work. We flew home together Sunday. Sure, two days doesn't seem like much. But these two days were packed with people we love! Worth every effort and every penny!

Friday morning, my sister (who just happened to be in town from overseas), my parents, my cousin, and the niece and nephew went canoeing at Wekiva Springs. It's a family favorite!

First time for the Littles! Isaac loved fishing off the side of the boat. Alice just silently observed everything with wide eyes!

At the end of our trip, just as we were nearing the shore, a huge Florida rainstorm blew in -- the kind that you can barely see through! Our picnic plans were foiled, but we couldn't stop smiling. When was the last time I played in the rain? The Littles were great sports!

My newest niece just happened to be born a week prior, so I got my newborn fix!

Sweet Annie Jean!

Impromptu trips don't change the fact that you're marathon training. I had a 12-mile taper run to fit in, and Erin and Scout were sweet enough to accompany me for 6 of those miles! I got lost (in a circle, somehow) in Oviedo, caught in another rainstorm, and enjoyed running in the cool weather. Did I just  describe Florida summer as "cool?" It was overcast, rainy, and breezy. Can't remember the last time I've had that kind of running weather in Texas.

Saturday was Welsh family day, and we all hung out at the newlywed's place and celebrated Glenna's birthday. We had a blast just being in one another's company. I won the daughter-and-sister-in-law-of-the-year-award by falling asleep on the couch while the ladies prepared dinner. Oops. Four hours of sleep + twelve miles of running = afternoon crash. Thankfully, they love me regardless. :)

Sunday was another packed day, as I accompanied a close friend for special music at church. She is on her way to India, and it just so happened to be her last Sunday before her departure. We've collaborated a lot in the past, so this was a special treat! I even managed to fit in breakfast with my small group girlies between rehearsal and church!

Speaking of special treats, my bestie (who lives in the Moscow of the US) just happened to be in town with her hubby. I truly thought I wouldn't get to see her this summer, so this bonus time was a blessing!

My parents' house was packed with good food and the best folks around! We couldn't have asked for more!

It seriously felt like Christmas -- except better, because we didn't get that Christmas evening let-down. We flew home to Dallas Sunday evening on cloud nine! Our souls were refreshed by sweet time with the people we love the most.

Remembering Papa, Part I

On the morning of June 10th, I received a call from my mom that my Papa was declining and would likely go to be with Jesus that very day. He'd been unwell for quite some time, suffering from Dementia/Alzheimer's, but this final decline was incredibly rapid.

Thirty minutes later, I was en route to the airport, with the hope of saying my final farewell to Papa. The Lord had other plans, however, as I received word that he had passed while I was still waiting to board my flight to Orlando. It was hard to be alone, in a line of strangers, when I received the news, but I was surrounded by family the moment I touched down in Orlando.

I was only in Orlando for one night, but it was important time well spent.

Most of our family was able to gather together for dinner and just be with one another. It was exactly what we needed, and I can't imagine having missed out on that sweet time.

An added bonus was extra time with my niece and nephews! They bring so much joy!

Mom and I looked through old photographs and just remembered Papa's legacy.

Here is something I posted on social media...

One of my most favorite photos. I didn't know then that this would be my last chance to play piano for my Papa. Today he went to be with Jesus. I will forever remember his love for Jesus, faithfulness to his wife for more than 50 years (even in dark times of Alzheimer's and cancer), and support of all my musical endeavors. Thankful to be in the company of my family as we grieve our loss and celebrate Papa's gain. We are sorrowful, yet rejoicing. #Godisgood #ilovemyfamily

Enjoy some old photos I found while reminiscing! So incredibly grateful for the time I had with my grandfather, especially the seven years he lived with my family.

More on his beautiful military interment and memorial service next time.

Florida Like a Tourist

May was a whirlwind! A week after school concluded, I hopped on a plan alone and headed to Florida! What I didn't know then was that I had three more Florida visits coming my way later that summer.

I had quite the welcoming committee when I arrived! These littles have done a lot of Auntie airport runs lately!

When I touched down, I hit the road running...literally!

From the airport to Tijuana Flats (priorities)...

Still my favorite Tex Mex

...to visit my Papa...

I didn't know then that this trip would be our last visit this side of Heaven. This silly selfie is so special to me!

...to a wedding and face time with so many good friends.

And that was only the first day!

Unfortunately, I had to leave my better half and our wild Weim at home. Ty kept me supplied with plenty of goofy Brook photos to ease the separation. :)

Yeah, she didn't miss me at all. :)

Each new day brought more reunions and hugs! This trip was a reminder of just how loved we are! Everyone asked about Ty and Texas and genuinely engaged in our lives. I felt like a celebrity!

My friend and SMU classmate, Mary Anna, joined the party on Sunday night, and my focus turned more to hosting and showing off my beautiful home state.

First stop, Wekiva Springs State Park! 

My favorite non-touristy attraction!

That evening, Mary Anna and I gave a joint recital at a local Steinway Galleries. We both played solo repertoire, and then we collaborated with some four hands, two pianos, and even six hands rep! There were about fifty people there, and I was once again blown away by the avid support of my family and friends!

We were privileged to play on one of Van Cliburn's pianos!

Even Erin joined the fun for some six-hand Rachmaninov!

After the recital, many of our friends returned to my parents' home, where we enjoyed snacks and great conversation. This recital provided an opportunity to see so many wonderful people at once!

Post-recital shenanigans, the tour of Central Florida began. Next stop? St. Pete Beach and Anna Maria Island. Beach + lesson with my former teacher = win!

We didn't stay the night as originally planned, but we did catch a gorgeous sunset! And we may have taken advantage of Taco Tuesday and hit up Tijuana Flats. I mean, we couldn't let MA miss out on that experience!

Wednesday was a lazy day -- the first one both MA and I had since finals. We sat out on the patio most of the day, just enjoying Florida living and storing up energy for our big day ahead at The Magic Kingdom!

Obligatory Castle photo!

When Disney World first came up in conversation, MA said something to the effect of, "Is that like Six Flags?" You can imagine my response. Ever since that day, I determined to show her the wonders of Walt Disney World.

My parents spent the majority of the day with us, and then my in-laws finished out the evening with us for the parade and fireworks show. We even had some time with my SIL and the Littles, too! Overall, we did eighteen attractions, so I'd say we had a productive day. 

Favorite part? Dining at Be Our Guest for lunch. It was a first for everyone in our party except for me. (My fifth time, I think?) This is hands-down my favorite quick-service in all WDW. It has free refills, an easy allergy-friendly ordering kiosk, servers who deliver your food, and the best decor ever!

After lunch we talked mom and dad into riding Splash Mountain with us. I didn't tell Mom about the drop. ;)

It never gets old! And my parents are the greatest!

Dumbo with Caleb!

Dad and I are considering going into pirate modeling.

We hit up the traditional Dole Whip stand, my favorites Jungle Cruise and Big Thunder, and even some attractions I hadn't done in forever, like Tiki Room and Hall of Presidents. We even closed out the night with a ride on Mine Train after the fireworks show. It was a packed day, but I think we successfully gave MA the WDW experience. She called her brother on FaceTime during the fireworks show, so he could experience the magic of Wishes, too.

One park down, three to go!

Mary Anna left the following day, and I snagged some sister time with these two! An evening of great food and even greater company. Family. Family style Asian food. Asian food. Enough said.

I flew back to Dallas on Saturday evening, so the morning was spent patio lounging and swimming. Like a true Floridian.

Other notables include: morning coffee with my mom, a trip to Track Shack (love, love, love my Glycerins!!!), running through my parents' neighborhood, and a date with Gabe and Sophie.