"Freezing Hell Hole Corner of the World" :)

He, he! That's one description of Minnesota. Another is "God's Country". You pick which you prefer. :)

Trav and I have been able to spend the weekend up here to meet one of our newest nieces, Kherington Noelle Braun. It's been so fun to hold her, love her, tease her (lovingly), and get to know her. Nolan and Katie are so incredibly attentive and sensitive to her needs. They are great parents. It's obvious they love her more than anything. It's inspiring to watch them with her and with each other. They are united in their love and desires for their family. And of course, Grandma and Grandpa Braun are as madly in love with her as the rest of us! Every child deserves to be smothered in love. Kherington is getting what she deserves!!!



Uncle Trav just loved cuddlin' up to Kherington. I think she liked it too.



Aunt Addy and little Kherington



Uncle Trav thought a nap looked pretty enticing.



And here are the proud parents!



Saturday evening Dad & Mom treated us to a night on the town! We got dressed up for the occasion and had a GrEaT time together. Thanks Dad & Mom!



We also had a great time with Trav's buddies. Good food, fun games, great company.



Kherington wanted in on the action! At the Braun residence it's never too early to play cards!



We, of course, had to take some family pictures before leaving tomorrow. So we put our little Princess in a pretty little dress and snapped as many pic's as we could. Isn't she just adorable?


Proud Grandpa & Daddy with the girly (she was getting a little hungry here)



Mommy, Daddy, Grandpa Braun, Grandma Braun, & Kherington



Aww...so cute!



The happy family of three


We are so grateful we were able to spend a weekend here in Minnesota and meet our precious little niece. Babies really are miraculous. They are gifts from a loving Heavenly Father. How grateful I am for the opportunities I've had (and will continue to have) to be an Aunt. I know Travis feels the same way about being an Uncle. There is a plan for each of us. Families are eternal.

Another to add to our wonderfully growing list!

Here's our newest niece, Kenna Faith Hasemann.




Congratulations John & Kahli! What a beautiful little princess...

Thisclose...dang it!

Trav's beloved football team

Thisclose....and we're left broken hearted. Trav was so excited and SO NERVOUS about tonight's game. How long has it been since the Vikings have been in the Superbowl? And how many Superbowl's have they won? OF COURSE TRAV HAD HIS HEART SET ON THEM WINNING AND GOING ON TO THE SUPERBOWL!

The first thing he said when he woke up this morning was, "I dreamt about the Vikings all night!" All I could do was freak out internally. What's a wife to do when her husband is so invested, so hopeful, so anxious?! Talk about some serious intensity. I think I've given Trav many pep talks these past few weeks. Here are a few lines from my pep talks:

1) "Remember Trav, it's just a game. When all is said and done, it's just a game."
2) "You have no control over their plays, which means you can't change if they win or lose."
3) "If they don't win, please don't let this ruin your week."
4) "The Vikings have come so far. It's great they've accomplished so much."
5) "I love you, Cutie. I love when you're happy too."
6) "There are no losers...remember?"

(He, He) I just felt it was important to...give these pep talks. But I didn't want to crush the hope he had in his team. I'm a firm believer in the saying "Hope for the best, plan for the worst" because that way you're always prepared.

We were able to record the game tonight and watch it later (that way we didn't have to watch the commercials or sit through half-time). So while we were having family home evening (family time) he was physically shaking, his palms were sweaty, his heart was thumping. He could hardly wait to turn the tv on and dive into this all-important game. I mean, we're talking some serious faith this adorable husband of mine had in his team!

Thisclose, people! THISCLOSE!

I'm so heart-broken for my boy. Dang it!

Ice skating anyone?

We went on a group date Friday night. Well, a group date with my family. :) We went ice skating! It's the first time we've been ice skating together. I think we figured both of us haven't been ice skating for 10 years or so! CrAzY!

It was fun! I skated the entire time with my butt sticking out, my arms stretched as far out to my sides as possible, while everyone passed me up. But hey! It was still fun! Trav was a natural. It seems like he's been skating his whole life - despite the ten year absence. :) He was FLYING around the rink! The guys were playing tag (no one could catch Trav!). It was fun to watch him. He was like a little boy!


Awww.....





Kody & Auriel were each other's "date" because they didn't have one. (my sister and brother)





My boy :)





Seriously? The boys decided to swing each other in circles to see who would be the first to get flung (is that a word?)





This is the end result from playing "fling"





Trav was my life saver. I wasn't very balanced but he kept me on my feet.





Nic & Ash (my sister and her hubs)





Kacey & Crystal (my brother & his wife)





Of course they had to do a train





Auriel, me, Ash, & Crystal


P.S. My professor was willing to credit me for my project last semester. So, I got my 4.0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wahoooo!

It's a love-hate relationship

I'm referring to the blessing/curse of school. I absolutely love, love, LOVE learning. But I dread the stress of it all. I know others feel the same way.

Travis is taking three classes this semester (last I heard)at Salt Lake Community College. He is working on getting his teaching license - trying to get as many classes out of the way as possible before next school year. On top of taking three classes he is still teaching art. He went back yesterday. It's always hard going back to work after a nice holiday break. But we gotta do what we gotta do. Travis will do very well at school, both in the taking and teaching part of it. That's one of many things I admire about Trav. He takes serious things seriously. He doesn't goof off, procrastinate, or get careless. He sticks to it and does so with strict dedication and determination.

I start school tomorrow. I will be taking 19 credit hours and am a little nervous. I will continue to work VERY part time (approx 12 hours each week). Music is extremely hard and time consuming. Not only are musicians required to read text books and fulfill homework assignments(like most majors out there), we're required to practice our instruments, write songs, analyze masterpieces, and memorize oodles of music. It gets a tad stressful. I know I can do it, though. I have to. I don't have a choice. :)

Oh, that reminds me! Here are my classes/grades from last semester:

FALL 2009
Private Guitar Lessons: A
Private Piano Lessons: A
Group Woodwinds: A
Group Brass: A
Intro to Music Ed: A
Advanced Music Theory: A
Private Vocal Lessons: A
Masterworks Choir: A
Intro to Theatre: A
Fund. of Conducting: B
*I looked online and my professor didn't record a major project of mine. Thankfully I still have the assignment and will be talking with him tomorrow to see if I can get credit for doing it (I had 100% on it) and hopefully raise my grade to an "A". If I can do this, I'll have a 4.0. This hasn't happened since Jr. High! Cross your fingers for me, please!

Anyway, with both Trav and I working and going to school it'll be a tough semester. We usually try to spend time together on a regular basis (we happen to like each other ;)) but I don't know how much it'll happen for the next four months. I'm kinda scared, actually. I love my husband. I don't want to grow apart.

(sigh)...just some fears of mine.

Wish us luck as we continue to dive into this crazy adventure called life. And remember, if I don't update the blog very often (or not at all) during this next semester, it's not because I've quit blogging. It's because I'll be going crazy! ;) No, I'll try to blog at least once a month. More, if possible.

We wish everyone a happy New Year! I'll also try to post some pictures of the holidays before tomorrow. It may not happen but I'll sure try!

Much love,
Trav & Adrienne

P.S. Congrats to Nolan and Katie (Trav's brother and wife) on their adorable little baby girl, Kherington. Our newest niece! Isn't she beautiful?!?


Little Miss Kherington



Loving Mommy & Kherington



Proud Daddy & Kherington

We are so happy for you! We love you guys and can't wait to meet that little bundle of joy!

Happy 2nd Birthday Sweeeetie!

Today is Mercydez'es 2nd birthday. It has been such a beautiful, peaceful day. There have been tears shed, laughter had, warm reminiscing, and a feeling of gratitude surrounding all.

I am so grateful for my Angel Mercydez. She is such an inspiration. She is my hero. She is my girl.

Happy birthday Sweeeeeeeetie!

I love you.
I love you.
I love you.


I love you too, Nic & Ash. You guys are an inspiration as well. Thank you for sharing the GREATEST gift with us. We are eternally indebted to you.

Love,
Uncle Trav (Frog) & Auntie Addy

P.S. Thank you to our wonderful neighbors, friends, extended family members, complete strangers...everyone for your love, concern, and support. Even now it is deeply appreciated and needed. Thank you so, so much.