In the basketball world it can be quite the struggle to make friends and keep them. You are constantly moving all over the place and sometimes don't get a chance to form real relationships. Although we were only in Finland for 4 months I met a forever friend. Sara was the sweetest person and stood by me through a whole lot. She was first to know I was pregnant(even before Brad), she gave me advice, lots of hugs when Brad got injured, and all around was the best friend I could have asked for during the entire journey. It was probably the best thing yet to live the same building as her. Finland can get extremely cold, but we never had to brace the outside to hang out.

Coming to Luxembourg I knew she had two Aunts that lived here. We always talked about her visiting, but never knew if it would work out. Finally, what we had been waiting for happened and she spent a week in Luxembourg. We spent lots of time just talking and catching up. You know lots of shopping and food came along with that as well. Her trip here couldn't have come at a better time. We had a blast and I promise it won't be as long of a break next time I see her. 

Here are some of the highlights from her trip:

-We went on lots of gorgeous walks through the city. A lot of things I had never seen. 

 -Strawberry Margs are a must. 

-She got to catch one of Brads games. 

 -Lots of Brynn time. They fell in love very quickly. 

-Yummy Italian food and wine

I can't wait to see you again my sweet friend!

XO, Brooke

Girls trip to Paris

HAPPY MONDAY! Finally getting around to share Paris trip #2.

 I waited all my life to go to Paris and now I have been there twice in the past month in a half! SAY WHAT?!

The minute my friend Jayda(from college) and her mom found out they were visiting we immediately started planning our trip to Paris. We decided on a short trip so they could see other parts of Europe, but knew we wanted to cram in as much as possible.

 SO let me be honest, Brynn didn't do so great on the train or being dragged around all day. It had to of made me a better mom. At least I am counting on that anyway. I decided that will be the last time I travel with Brynn alone. Unless I'm forced to of course. None the less we hit a lot of hot spots and even got to see two things that I didn't get to my first time around. I was impressed by how much I remembered and being a haas at the metro system. We had such a good girls trip. I am thankful to have had some much needed girls time. Plus, a first of friends coming to see us in Europe! Yep, all the rest of you I'm calling you out. ;) Get your booties here ASAP.

Oh you know, photo dumpin' on ya……

At the train station in Luxembourg headed to Paris!

 Our first meal at Le Deauville on the Champs de Elysee and it was so delicious! Brynn was a huge fan of our waiter too. 

We then headed to the Louvre. 

 Brynn enjoying the beautiful art all around her. 

 Aphrodite

I still can't get over I saw the Mona Lisa in person. 

After our Museum wandering we got some late night crepes. Banana and Nutella for me, please!

 We woke up early and headed to see the Eiffel Tower from a different view I had never seen. The view never gets old.

Made the must have bakery stop for some goods.

Brynn wasn't having the cold at this point. So I made a mommy decision and spent some time in the hotel letting her relax. 

Once she was geared up and ready to go Jamie(Jaydas mom) and I headed to the Sacre de Coeur before leaving back to Lux.

 I was absolutely in awe. The inside was even better, but no photography allowed to be taken. 

 The most amazing view of the city even through the fog. 

Hope you enjoyed my recap of Paris trip #2! I finally have my travel page up and running so check it out.

Last trip to Lubbock before our little.

On Friday we made our journey up to Lubbock for our last free for all with friends before Brynn makes her appearance. I can't believe we already only have 14 weeks left so we are calming down our travels a bit to prepare. 

We stayed the weekend with our friends Eli and Ashley to celebrate her early birthday since we won't be able to be there on Easter. Our weekend was mainly focused around food and shopping that we have missed out on. Typical right. 

-Of course our absolute first stop on Friday night was Steak 'n Shake. I got the Chocolate Banana shake and Brad got the Cookies 'n Cream. 

-On Saturday the boys headed to the Texas Tech Spring Football Game and us girls started our shopping trip. Getting coffee before you shop is always a must. Decaf for me please! 

We stopped off at La Madeline for lunch and it was a good different meal than what we always get. It reminds me a lot of McAlister's, even though nothing trumps McAlister's Chicken Salad Sandwich. Our shopping trip was quite the success for my baby shower dress, clothes for Brynn, pillows for her nursery and of course some random nonsense I really did didn't need. 

I mean looks at Ash's miss smarty pants pup… Cute or what?!

This is Addie ladies and gents.

For dinner we met up with Brads best friend Kolby and his girlfriend Rema for Hibachi at Hayashi. We didn't sit at a table where they cook in front of you because we are way too classy and needed our own room ;)

We had to end our Saturday night catching up on Scandal. That show quite frankly runs our lives from time to time.

-On Sunday Ash and I woke up bright and early to go get donuts and kolaches from Rise 'n Shine. YUM is all I have to say. I hadn't had donuts in so long and they hit the spot. We made our stop by Red Raider Outfitters to check out the latest and greatest before leaving town. Brynn and I lucked out :)

You know I can't go without a lavender Tech shirt. 

-On another note, while we were away our beautiful fur baby Allie turned 1 year old! I remember bringing her home at 5 weeks and how tiny she was. She weighs in at 5.5 pounds of pure sweetness.

I hope all of you sweeties have a wonderful week!

House guests

I finally found a down moment to write my post about our house guests the past week or so!

As I mentioned, my friend Ashley from college came to stay for a weekend to start off her Spring Break. We did the typical girls reunite thing and shopped, ate, got coffee, and shopped some more. Was able to buy myself some much needed Spring/Summer clothes that will grow with me and get Brynn some things. I swear I now go into every store leaving with something for her. I truly miss Ashley's company when she isn't here. In college we did quite a bit together and she literally lived down the street. I miss her so much already, but husband and I are going to visit her and her hubby April 12th weekend for her pre-birthday celebrations! :D

I think my belly was on big mode because now it isn't that big. 

Our second house guest was my brother Brady from Iowa for a week. He works at Iowa State and so they were on their Spring Break also. We were so happy he got to come down again. The last time he came was Brad and my Spring Break 3 years ago. This time around we didn't do anything too huge except walk our KOA so he could see the view and the pretty houses, had a fro-yo date, and celebrated St.Patty's. I was their lovely DD. My dad, Brad, and Brady did go out to the ranch to shoot and all those kinds of things too. It was so good to just spend time even if we were just watching TV together until I went to work. I really miss him being around and wish we all lived closer. We will get to see him, my other brother, and the rest of our Iowa family in September when we take baby Brynn!

I have some of the best family and friends! Thank you for coming you two! 

Have a blessed Sunday you guys!