Fun Times With Friends

What's tiny, energetic, too-cute-for-words, and obsessed with her best friend Joel? Amelia, who came to visit her Aunt Em and Uncle Bryan just a few days ago. Of course, Jennifer and Francis tagged along too (but we know the REAL star of the show!). 

Although Bryan was working most of the weekend, the girls had a great visit. We went to the zoo (the same day every public school in Texas decided on a field trip), shopped til we dropped, and got lost on various occasions. I'm still learning the Texas roadways--ahem.

Thankfully, I experienced no medical mishaps this time, as I have been prone to do during the Morgan visits. I'm thinking Colby is the unlucky member of this equation . . . .

Mother's Day Memories

Right . . . Mother's Day was a few weeks back, but I am just now getting to the blog. It's called too many projects for May!

We traveled to Oklahoma City to meet up with Bryan's family for Mother's Day weekend. We went up a day early to visit the OU campus, where Bryan earned his undergraduate degree. It was really fun to walk the campus, see his old dormitory, and munch at an old college restaurant. And did I mention I learned the meaning of an Oklahoma sudden "shower." I believe I screamed, "Ruuuuunnnn."

The rest of the weekend we spent with the Youree family. This was the first time all the Youree kids and spouses were together since I have joined the family, which, of course, made for a great time! While there, we ate too much food, played in the hotel pool, watched OU and OSU baseball game (literally a view to die for from our room), endured a haunted house (NEVER AGAIN!), laughed at the grandkids' antics, and--the highlight of the weekend--saw the Lion King stage show. 

For me, it was great to see the dynamics of my new family. I chuckled a bit as I could see everyone fitting into their "roles" when they get together. Grown adults become mom and dad's pride and joy still soaking up the love and attention they provide, and the memories from years past fuel laughter and bonds. So great.

The pics are: the Yourees, the Thompsons, the Raineys, kiddos in the hot tub, the view from our room, and Mr. Hoops.

The Med School Scoop--Houston Reunion

Last weekend, we found ourselves in Houston for Bryan's medical school reunion at Baylor College of Medicine. Although the turnout numbers were low for his class, we had a really great time. It was so fun to see his old stomping grounds--class room buildings, hospitals where he did his clinicals, his apartments, favorite restaurants, etc. The opening mixer was fun (amazing to see those celebrating their 50th med school reunion!); we bumped into classmates and an old professor or two. They had lots of food, sweets, and a bubbling bar--and who could forget the photo booth and caricature artist . . . right. The next day we enjoyed a class breakfast, followed by some time shopping and drowning. Yeah, it rained 5 inches in 48 hours; we got "caught" in some troubling water, which prompted us to return to the hotel. Unfortunately, the rain hindered some of the festivities, such as the campus tour being canceled. The reunion weekend was topped off by a class dinner at a great mexican restaurant. So fun and interesting to hear the "old" stories of med school glory days.  Aside from the humidity, I had a great time and Bryan did too! I'm just happy to have a badge with my name on it that says, "Baylor College of Medicine." I'm so going to attach it my work bag . . . "Yes, that's Dr. Emily Youree. . . ."

An Easter to Remember

For Palm Sunday, we celebrated in Nashville with Tina and fam. Kristen and Kullen gave us the sweetest card and cute Easter baskets filled with candy--princesses for me and Superman for Bryan. Our Easter week was off to a great start--fun surprises and time with family! 

Easter day was low-key with our friend Andy coming over for lunch. Ah yes, lunch; that's an interesting story. Going against logic, prior experience, and the entirety of my cook book collection, I stuffed (literally) a l-a-r-g-e roast into the crock pot. Next, in genius fashion, I slid a few potatoes and carrots down the sides, hoping to fit them. With the lid barely on, I switched the "on-high" knob. I remember telling Bryan, "This is going to be all over the counter when we get back, and I bet it won't be cooked." Sure enough, I was right. After a panicky clean-up and hurried problem-solving, Bryan put the roast in the oven and headed to Albertson's to purchase chicken. I quickly peeled potatoes and steamed some broccoli. Thank goodness Andy was easy-to-please and not too offended! 

Easter 2010? Can we say "brunch reservations"?

Music City Weekend

Our traveling spurt continues; last weekend we were in Nashville (or NashVegas, as I affectionately call it) to visit family and friends. Although it was a whirlwind of a trip, we enjoyed every minute of it! 

We stayed Friday night through Monday with Tina, Brad, Kristen, and Kullen. They are doing great! Tina has added special touches to their new house, making it feel more and more like the Williams' abode. Brad is, of course, still busy with his job--watch out, Nashville criminals! Kristen is turning into a young lady, complete with iPod attached to the hip, um, ear. (I so remember those days, except I was plastered to a tape player listening to Mariah Carey's first "album.") She's doing so well in school and counting the days until the driver's permit. Kullen is cute as a button, and has a recent straight-A report card to brag about.

Throughout the weekend, we saw many friends. It was wonderful to be with dear pals again. However, we were taken aback by how many of them had new little ones around! Does this mean we're getting older???

In the fall, we hope to return to Music City, hopefully for more than a handful of days. But until then, we will enjoy the great memories made!

Bryan Is a Top Doc!

Bryan was recognized by Fort Worth, Texas magazine as one of the top infectious disease physicians in Tarrant County. He was nominated by fellow doctors in the area; thus, he was honored for his good work and dedication by his peers. I am so PROUD of him. We received complimentary copies of the magazine, as well as, enjoyed a Top Doc reception at Don Shula's 347 Grill.

 

April 1st Funny

We played a little trick on our neighbors--on April Fools' Day. Hee, hee. The last week of March we place these classy pink, plastic flamingos in our front yard. Then, on April 1st, we eased our neighbor's fears with the signs. Hopefully they got a laugh because we sure did!