Brinley Turns 15!

If there is an advantage to having a December 27th birthday, it is the ability to "sleep in" every year ON your birthday.  So, Brinley did just that.  In fact, because we never did hear her stirring, I decided to make a quick breakfast-in-bed for her.  Just as I was heading upstairs, she appeared in the kitchen - fully dressed and ready for the day.  We laughed as it was a bit anti-climactic:).

Typically, the kids like to open one present in the morning. 

She was all smiles opening these boots from G-ma and G-pa P.  She picked them out during their visit for Thanksgiving and could hardly wait to wear them.

Cute kids in their new Christmas jammies - giving hugs to the birthday girl.

On the schedule for the day was to give G-ma and G-pa P a tour of the Windsor Manor student housing complex.  Brinley and Anna tagged along as we had a few other errands to accomplish afterwards.  Here they are standing in a 'secret chamber' on the 3rd floor.

I don't know the whole story about this 'secret chamber' room, but it's hidden behind this moveable bookshelf.  Wonder how long it will take the students to discover this one?

Anna, Brinley, G-pa check out the seating in the theatre room.

Great G-ma Annie is likely thrilled knowing this new facility will provide additional housing for her beloved students.  I do believe she may think it a bit "posh" with so many modern conveniences. In fact, I found myself telling my own daughters not to expect living in such a place while in college:).

Brinley, Anna, G-ma P at the front door.

All the details were considered when building this complex.  There is a lower level bike room near an exit for easy access, a weight room, a fitness room, study rooms, music rooms, gaming areas, BBQ grills, conference rooms equipped with the latest in technology, a longer term storage room, etc.  After personally experiencing college life with 14 different roommates in three different apartments (prior to marriage), I can really appreciate the two refrigerators per kitchen, washer/dryer in each unit with equal storage per roommate, and a shared bathroom for every two people.  Wow!

Each floor has a cozy gathering area as Rachel wanted the complex to have a 'welcome home' feeling.  The artwork on each floor depicts a different part of the world/country.  The photography adorning all hallways was taken by Rachel's husband, Matt, as they have traveled and lived abroad.  There is a certain cool-factor to it all. 

Entrance to the girl's building sits kitty-corner from the Kirkham Building - right across the street from campus!  Yeah, the location is amazing.  The manager's room sits above the entrance as noted by the rock exterior with the office directly below them.

There is underground parking but it's tight as the land these buildings sit upon is narrow.  They are counting on the students having small cars for sure!

After our self-guided tour, we finished up in town and picked up lunch on our way home.

Chinese take-out is Brinley's favorite birthday tradition.

It's the only time of year the kids experience Chinese food.  Well, American-Chinese that is!

We took turns reading our fortunes and chuckled at the "accuracy" of a few of them.

Can you all hear G-pa giving the pitch to sing the Happy Birthday song?

G-ma and G-pa decided to return home sooner than later to avoid the next big storm, so Brinley opened another gift before they left town.  It was the ultimate surprise of the year for her!

A homemade minkie fabric quilt for her bedroom.  I love talented friends who are willing and able to help make dreams come true (for Brinley and for me!).  It's SO soft and SO warm.  The colors match Brinley's new gray chair from Christmas.  She was ready to phase out lime green but wanted to keep turquoise.  The chevron pattern is all the rage which made it difficult to get our hands on (that fabric) so we had to keep the strips small.  Putting it all together was a bit of a challenge but then again, I would have never taken this on without Traci P.
Love that woman!

This picture shows the hoodie Brinley worked on over the summer before she decided to be done with 4-H.  G-ma P was sweet enough to finish it off before loading up and heading out.  Joining them on the road were Tanner, Jantzen and Anna.  They spent extra time in CV with grandparents before the rest of us joined up the following Monday afternoon.

Although we sang to Brinley throughout the day, she had a few friends join for an "official" birthday singing candle blowing moment.

Key Lime Pie

Haley, Brinley, Christine

These three turn 15 years old within days of each other.  Brinley prefers Dec. 27 over Christmas Day which is when Christine's birthday is...

Brinley likes to spread out the gift opening throughout the day.
She said it gives her something to look forward to.

Happy 15th Birthday, Brinley!

Here are just 15 reasons why we are grateful you are part of our family:

1. You are kind to others.

2.  We always benefit when you make yummy stuff in the kitchen.

3.  Listening to you play the violin is better than anything else.

4.  We love catching glimpses of your sense of humor!

5.  Your righteous influence on other young men and women is unfailing.

6.  You are well-mannered and respectful of others.

7.  Reading and writing and creating come easily for you.

8.  You are willing to play out in the snow with younger siblings:).

9.  You are beautiful inside and out and this shines through in a humble, modest way.

10. We appreciate that you are making good choices in your life.

11. You have a way of helping others feel comfortable in your presence.

12. You like to laugh and have fun!

13. You know you are a daughter of God and act accordingly.

14. As a very loyal person, others trust you easily.

15. The light of Christ is reflected in your life.

(And what a cool date to make a post about a 15th birthday...1/5/15).