Visiting SLC before Christmas

Brian had a great a idea that I should visit the kids before Christmas. It had been since October since I had seen them and I was excited to go. Jordon had been mentioning as well. I wanted to see their new townhome they were interested in and of course wanted to come see them and celebrate pre-Christmas. I had a few fun times with all them and Ethan going out for Ice cream and visitng my favortie Utah eating spots and places to reminicse. We passed by our first home, the Draper house. I was glad it was looking good. The kids were working all day so I had time to visit my friend Alex that lives in Lehi. She invited me over and we watched her granddaughter and had lunch brought in. We shopped and attended the Mount Timpanogas Temple. It was great to spend time with Alex again. Emmy and I shopped Minky and went to Kneaders. I appreciated all the time I was there and felt the need to make meals and found some fun recipes on Instagram. I loved heading back in the car with Joe and Ethan, all the conversation and fun made for an easy trip! My pickelball friend told me about The Forgotten Carols and my kids and I went to the Play/Musical. I really enjoyed it and got the CD. Micheal McClean led us in a sing a long at the end with our arms linked and it was a very warm feeling and place to be. We all will be together forever someday!

Emmy's Turn

Emmy might be the kindest kid, well in ways she acts towards me. I think it has to do with age and being thankful. Well I'm thankful for her and what a great support and friend she is to me. She has help alleviate some pressure off me in my child care duties these past few months since she has been home from school. I was pleased and relieved to get a chance to go overnight to Monterey with Emmy.  We had a family Annual pass, but Emmy hadn't had the opportunity to go since she watched Spence last time. I appreciate Brian going to work late and coming home early to support us in our journey. It was a lovely drive down with little traffic and beautiful vistas of greenery.  We went straight to the 17 mile drive when we arrived Emmy got very excited and the rocky beaches and we stopped at almost every cove or outlet on the tour.  We walked around Carmel and generally stayed out of the rain and enjoyed Hotel was great. I loved the fireplace restaurant in the lobby and the roaring firepit outside. It was very relaxing.  The next day we went up and down cannery row and we so happy. Emmy seemed to love the turtles, sea otters, and going to Bubba Gump's fish restaurant. I loved a  rainbow we saw and the sun coming out. It was so warm and colorful outside and I truly was happy.

North Shore and Christmas with the Hellum's

I felt a strong desire to show the kids the North Shore. We had one full day left and we planned to tour the island! We were making our way to the North shore and deciding which way to go. I decided to let my mom decide and have her way. Boy was I blessed for that decision. We stopped off at the Dole Plantation first for my mom to shop. Celia and I had an adventure and good fortune. We tapped on and opened a close clam an there were two beautiful purplish pearls inside. We made earrings out of them and it was a sweet and special bonding time with my daughter.  After that we were off to see the Waimea botanical garden. I love the canopy of trees there and the waterfall you can swim up to at the end. Joseph was missing the internet, but the rest of us loved the nature. I did break my flip flop and walked back with one shoe. In the gift shop they had a great pair of comfy flip flops and all was well. We ate lunch there and saw to green geckos! My Dad was sore from all the walking so I got to drive. it was neat running around in an SUV in a mountain area, so beautiful.  We found Hoomaluhia  Botanical garden, It looked and felt like we were in Jurassic park, the movie. Joseph and I took a walk and saw the beautiful plants from all over the world.

We went to Tanya's for an early Christmas dinner.  We were still waiting for dinner and it was suggested we go and explore the spitting caves. It was a nice hidden spot just a trail off of a residential street near the ocean. It was so windy and beautiful. The sun was starting to set and it reminded me of the headlands in Mendocino and I was protective of the kids near the cliff and rocks and we hurried home to Tanya's House.  Dinner was lovely and we were very happy celebrating together and opening gifts for each other.  After dinner Christian suggested we go night Kayaking. I was a little nervous about fish in the water and not being able to see much. We went and and I was glad I did. The water is so relaxing and checking out the holiday lights of the houses on the marina was fun. We rode around everywhere.  It was a lot of exercise and my calves felt it the next few days. It was worth it. I have a new love for the water and for living near the ocean!