Solstice Mornings, Family Breakfasts, and the Road Home

Happy birthday to Mom, and happy winter solstice—the shortest day of the year and the turning point back toward longer days ahead.

4 generations of fun

S was dressed just in time for Papa to knock on the door at 8, ready for their breakfast outing. B and I took the dogs out, then settled in with Grama for coffee. They returned with three breakfasts for us, which we enjoyed with another cup of coffee. Candace came by to join us for the visit.

Breakfast is served and below the fun at Whitney's for the little girls

After 10, S headed out to load the bison meat. The Boysis crew arrived around 11, dropping Kaylin and Renn at the door while Nathan went for gas. We toured around the building and then headed up to their apartment. Poor little Renn had been awake since 3 a.m. and was clearly overtired, but a bit of chocolate revived her into full dance mode—though I did manage to get half a banana into her as well.

We all headed out shortly after noon. The Boysis car went west toward Cowtown, while we loaded up the dogs and headed west too, following behind for part of the way. We stopped in Brooks for fuel and lunch, then continued on home.

Once back, B fed the horses and then she and Cooper headed home. S settled into the TV room with sports and his laptop, while I retreated to the bedroom for a Palm Royale marathon, feeling especially sluggish in the warmth and sunshine pouring in.

That was our afternoon and evening—quiet and low-key—with a break for supper. S had a yogurt bowl, I opted for ice cream and a cookie, a small but fitting celebration for Mom’s birthday and a quiet close to a full family weekend.