💙CONGRATULATIONS LILY AND COOPER HICKS💙

Wednesday, January 8th

My parents and I flew to Houston, Texas for my cousin Lily’s wedding. When we arrived at my Aunt’s house, we caught up since we didn’t see her and my cousins for Christmas. After talking for an hour, we got ready for bed and crashed. 

Thursday, January 9th

Today was expected to be relaxing. When I woke up, dad and I took a trip to Kroger. When we got back, I helped Renae load her car with the gift bags and we dropped it off at the hotel. Afterward, we went to Michaels's art store and had to pick up flower petals for the flower girls. That wasn’t easy to find, but we found it. Our last errand was to pick up tanning cream for the bride. Everything was successful. We drove back home to their house. About two or three hours later, dad and I drove to the airport to pick up Grandma and Aunt Jena. When we got back, we greeted the rest of the family and had a delicious simply homemade baked ziti that my Aunt Bug made. It was so good I had three small portions of it. 

Everyone including my parents and I drove to the Marriott Hotel where we stayed for three nights. Grandma came over to our room and watched the first episode of the new Jeopardy Game Show. Then we went to bed.

Friday, January 10th

We drove over to my Aunt Bug’s house and has lunch with the family. I’m a picky eater so I had McDonald’s. After lunch, my dad and I drove to the airport and picked up Amy. Both of us got dropped off at the hotel so we could get ready for the Rehearsal Dinner. 

All six of us went to the dinner at the Sliding Doors. Delicious bbq brisket. As we finished eating, we listened to a couple of people’s speeches about Lily and Cooper. After the rehearsal dinner, we drove back home and watched the second episode of Jeopardy. Then we fell asleep in our beds.

Saturday, January 11th

After sleeping in, my parents, Grandma, Kathy and I went to the Longhorn Steakhouse for lunch. Their grilled chicken is out of this world delicious. We went back to the hotel and relaxed then got ready for the wedding. The wedding was so much fun. Apparently, during the ceremony, a bird crashed in the window of the church. Sadly he didn’t make it. But it was funny cause you don’t see something like that at weddings. We all went over to the venue where the party was in. I met a couple of people who knew me when I was little. Everyone was really nice. Dinner was oh my gosh, the best pork chop I ever had in my life. The gravy and potatoes were yummy too. After dinner, My Uncle, Cooper’s Dad, Renae, and the best man, all did their speeches. Renae’s was the funniest. I went onto the dance floor with my Aunt Amy and Jena. I boogied till I could dance no more. 

At the end of the wedding, we all lined up outside waving the Texas A&M towel as the newlyweds ran through the middle. 

A very fun, simple wedding. Congratulations to my cousin Lily and to my new cousin Cooper. Love you both. 

After the wedding, dad and I picked up some snacks from Walgreens. We then apparently out of nowhere got stuck in the elevator at our hotel. Luckily we got out without having to push the emergency button. The three of us stayed up till midnight and watched an episode of Friends before we crashed.

Sunday, January 12th

We got to sleep in a little bit longer before we checked out the hotel and headed to Aunt Bug’s house for brunch. Dad and I had McDonald’s again for lunch and ran some errands. I bought myself a JJ Watt shirt cause he’s one of my inspirations. Then we went back to my aunt’s house and watched my man JJ sadly lose to the Chiefs. I had a cup of tea and got a relaxing foot rub from my mom. I’m a mommas girl. 

Dad took Grandma, Jena, and Amy back to the airport. Aunt Jean, Kathy, and Rob also left for the airport. 

Aunt Lynn, John, mom and I stayed and just relaxed. Dad brought home Popeyes for him and I since I don’t like Texas Pizza(all jokes aside, who really does). 

The four of us watched the Ellen Game Show, then dad and I went to bed cause we had to be up early for our road trip home.

Monday, January 13th 

Drove from Katy, Texas all the way to Louisiana. Stopped at the Welcome Center to stretch and use the bathroom. Then continued on to for the next long few miles. Next, we took a tour of LSU as I found a Wendy’s but realized it was for campus students only. So we drove a few miles more and dad found a Chikfila. Stopped there for a delicious lunch. After lunch, we continued on for the next long hundreds of miles to the Welcome Center in Alabama. We booked our one night stay in Motel 6 which by the way, surprisingly got a 4/5 star rating. Afterward, we drove fifteen miles to our hotel. After we got settled in and recharged our phones, we went to Golden Corral for dinner and then stopped at Walmart. When we got back to our hotel, we stayed up for a little longer then went to bed. 

Tuesday, January 14th 

We got up early and had breakfast at Burger King then we hit the road towards Our next destination, North Carolina. 

We made it to Georgia, but it’s currently lashing. We drove all the way to Greensboro North Carolina. After we dropped off our bags and got settled into our hotel, we drove a short distance to Denny’s for a late dinner. After dinner, we went back to the hotel, and unwinded then went to bed.

Wednesday, January 15th

We actually slept in a little bit today. Then went to Burger King for breakfast. After breakfast, we started our journey to Chantilly Virginia. When we arrived, Dad and I got to tour the Air Space Museum. Tons of different planes and the history behind them we finished our trip to Hanover, Maryland and went to Walmart. After Walmart, we drove to our hotel in Laurel Maryland. Only a short drive from Hanover.

Thursday, January 16th

We got to sleep in an hour or two extra which was nice. Dad and I started our journey home to Brooklyn from Maryland. On our way home, we finally found a Sonic. The milkshakes and their popcorn chicken are to die for. After lunch, we found a Welcome Center and took a photo in front of the Delaware sign. Around three in the afternoon, dad and I made it home safe and sound.

Here are some photos from our trip 

I'm back after taking Christmas and New Years off to spend time with my family. Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hannukah, I hope you all enjoyed the holidays. As the first week of January comes to an end, I still can't believe it's the year 2020. 

On Saturday, December 21st, it was my Dad's birthday so my parents, brother Brendan and I out to dinner to China New Star. Our favorite Chinese restaurant. Wonton Soup and Fried Rice are delicious. Oh, can't forget the noodles they are yummy. 

After dinner, the four of us had an early Christmas by opening up our gifts from each other. My brother and I got my mom a Roomba. Unfortunately, it doesn't empty itself or mop. But it does a great job vacuuming. Much quieter than a regular vacuum. Defiantly recommended if you're looking for something to keep your floors clean. 

For my dad's birthmas (birthday/Christmas), I got him two gift cards for Sonic, chocolate and a Manchester United singing birthday card. My mom got him a vacuum that he can use to keep his car clean. 

My parents got me one book about the history of planes, a book about different airlines and the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book. I also got a twenty-twenty calendar of photos of planes, a one-year subscription of the Beano Comic Books. One of my favorite comics from famous in the United Kingdom, and Ireland. My brother got me an iPhone case that has a metal pop socket in the back. He says one more thing is coming but it hasn't come yet. 🤷 It remains a mystery. 

For Christmas, my brother got lots of clothes. I also got him a candle and a hoodie. 

We finished my Dad's special day with Carvel ice cream cake. It was shaped like a snowman. It was delicious. 

On December 22, my grandma, Aunt Jena, Aunt Amy, Henry, and William came over to celebrate Christmas together. We had a buffet dinner. Grandma made eggplant and cornbread. My mom and I made Turkey mixed in her famous homemade gravy and stuffed shells. I really loved Turkey and stuffed shells. 

After a delicious meal, we digested then went into the living room to open presents. Brendan was the elf who handed out the gifts. Every year we do a secret Santa. My Four cousins and my brother and I pick who buys for who. This year I had to buy for my cousin Renae. My cousin Lily had to buy for me. Henry had to buy for Brendan and Brendan had to buy for William. 

For Christmas from my secret Santa, I got a Planner book for 2020 where you can also color a detailed drawing every week of every month. I also got a couch pillow with a pillowcase that said, "No Drama Llama!" Lastly from my cousin, William got me really comfy, soft, warm, waterproof winter boots. Thanks to my dad I have big feet. I'm a size 10 wide. So I usually go for a 10.5. 

Tea and dessert time. Grandma made a cheesecake and aunt Amy made a carrot cake. Mom and I made homemade chocolate chip cookies. The cookies were a hit. Henry and William had seven cookies. Who could go wrong with a cup of Irish Tetley tea? Not me. I have two cups of tea every day. 

On December 23rd to December 26th my parents and I spent Christmas in Philadelphia. When we arrived, the first thing we did was get settled into our room. My mom got a map from the front desk so we can plan for the next two days. We googled a Chilis restaurant and went there for dinner that night. When we got back, we digested and went in the hot tub. The hot tub was relaxing but it kept burning my eyes for some reason. Never had that problem before with other tubs. After spending forty-five minutes in the tub, we went back to our room and got into our pajamas. Then we watched Property Brothers on the HGTV Channel. Finally, I got tired and went to bed around eleven. 

On December 24th, Christmas Eve, we woke up very early in the morning around six. so we could get ready and have breakfast. For breakfast, I had a piece of toast without butter and a bowl of cheerios. My dad had a big breakfast. That's his favorite part of hotels. 😂 Mom had an omelet and a cup of tea. I like that you can have soda as an option for caffeine. Those that know me, know that I don't drink soda every day. I only drink water and tea. Sometimes, I treat myself to a cup of chocolate milk. Anyway, we headed out into the city. Very clean, friendly city. First, we checked out the visitors center. where I got a very delicious vanilla milkshake. Then we went into this other building and saw the Liberty Bell. The three of us got a nice tour of Independence Hall. Afterward, we walked to the Benjamin Franklin Museum. That Museum was very interactive giving you a way to learn by using these computer touch screens. After that, we walked to Betsy Ross's House.  That was a nice self-tour. Lots to see inside and it gave you an idea of what it was like living in her house. My parents and I got hungry so we walked what seemed like forever to find a place to eat. We found this market but it was too crowded. Instead, we went to a Bar Resturant. We met a waiter who was from Williamsburg in Brooklyn. He was really nice and actually told us how much cheaper it is to live outside of New York City. That I defiantly believe. After lunch, we went to the movies and saw the new Star Wars movie. I don't hate Star Wars but I will say this: The movie is way too long. Dad and I fell asleep through most of it. But most importantly, mom enjoyed it. She's a big Star Wars fan. After the very long movie, we walked over to Franklin Park where they had the Christmas Lights show. I got myself a delicious pretzel and a Pepsi. We finally walked back to the car and headed back to the hotel. We were tired. But it was a great day had by all. 

On December 25th, Christmas Day, after a long day yesterday, we decided to sleep in. Finally, at noon we got up and started our day. First, we drove to the Rocky Steps where the famous Rocky statue is. The steps lead up to the Art Museum but we didn't go there. At the top, you got to see a very beautiful view of the city. Afterward, we drove to the movie theater and saw Jumanji which by the way I LOVE the Rock. He's one of my top favorite actors. The movie was really funny. Of course, the first one was better but I still enjoyed the second movie. Jokes aside, anything is better than Star Wars. 😉 The three of us drove to TGIFriday's for dinner. One of my favorite restaurants. We shared a pretzel. The food was delicious. After dinner, we drove to Wawa and got a snack to enjoy at the hotel. When we got back to the hotel, mom and I went in the hot tub. We didn't last that long cause it was loud and our eyes were burning. But it was still relaxing. We ended our day by watching the movie ELF and Love it or List it on HGTV. 

On December 26th, we drove to Walmart and then drove home. It was a lovely short vacation. 

Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah! Happy New Year!