April in Utah

I spent many days in April In Utah. I love that our little family went to Visit Joseph for his birthday. We drove through the night which helped curb some winter weather, but we proved that we were young again and can have fun on only a few hours of sleep. Joe got a phone for his birthday and I loved seeing how excited he was about as it was a surprise to go and pick one out. I was surprised there was $200 difference between the two t-mobile stores for the same phone, but we weren't complaining. The kids and I went to a store nearby to check on getting a case and it snowed on us. I haven't had that experience in quite sometime, so it was a little magical. Cold, but magical. We had a great evening and enjoyed soo much brazillian BBQ and met up with Maddie and Kieran. They came back to the house and we played games toegther late into the night. It was greeat family time and we were making wonderful memories. Well, just a couple weeks later Celia and I were back in Utah with my sister and folks. We got to go to a wedding, see Kieran in concert, have more game nights and shoppoing fun. The weather was wild again and I did get hailed on going into Target, but over all spending time together was amazing. It is hard that half of my kids live so far away, but visiting them and them visiting us makes it all worth it. Celia had a great 18th birthday party at home then got to celebrate with everyone in Utah as well. Emmy decorated a Hello Kitty cake that turned out so good! They all know and love Celia so much, it makes me happy!

Beginning of a year, end of a semester.

After the Holidays, I packed up Christmas and Celia and I worked on her semester end. It was so much work and Celia worked like a trooper. We had an extension of time. This was a godsend, a tendy mercy, or relief. many great gains were made. Because of the extra time, moving back to in person school wasn't made a viable option to the disdain of Celiabear. She wants friends and daily interaction with kids her age. She earned getting her hair cut and colored. I felt like her extra time working hard paved the way for success with so many B's and and A. I was glad the boys (Joseph and Patrick) were coming around, even to the house. Celia had some other friends from Westpark High School over here as well. With the big push to finish and all the excitement with friends, there has been a little bit of burnout. During this busy tme, Im still writing for the Auburn Journal and going to Admin meetings for the Demonstration Garden at Loomis Library. I attended book group and have been doing so much for Master Gardeners that I've logged 100 total hours, which should earn me a busy bee pin. All these busy days are a shift in things we do, but I feel there is significant growth in Celia and I. I can't forget Spencer. There were two spcialize dentist appointments and a Quartely meeting for him in January. He has quite a few changes going on in his world, but is supported and is so smart. He finds ways to get himself more groceries and popsicles by demanding a second ride to the store and refusing to eat the normal Little Ceasars Pizza we order for him. January did not fly by, but much was accomplished. We also had three weeks of significant weather. Raining and flooding were abounding. I feel fortunate that our home and property remained in tact. Im hoping for a wonderful February getting into the groove of things and healing up any wounds that needs to be bound, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Kauai, Firsts

Kauai was so wonderful. I was so happy Brian could come to Hawaii with us. It was our first time visiting this island and it did not dissapoint. There were so many parts and pieces to this vacation. We had different arrival dates for different family members. Emmy was Surpised to have Jordon decide to come along and they enjoyed it so much. The first group with her, and my folks, Jordon, Tanya, and Addison got to tour the Napali Coast. They loved seeing dolphins and whales and couldn't say enough good things about their time. They hiked and had fancy shaved ice. We all got to go to a luau together(except Celia opted out.) and enjoyed many a sunset and explored the whole island. I am a big fan of Princeville, It was so well maintained and quiet and having a condo near the cliffs was extremely relaxing and beautiful. We loved seeing the Fern Grotto on a boat and our Napali Coast boat ride was quite adventurous like a roller coaster. I was glad I had a waterproof jacket as I was pelted by the waves on our way to the viewing area. Once arrived, We got closer to the land than anyone, I bet. I saw the back of the boat only a foot or two from the island. The food was good and the sunset did not disaapoint. Joseph really enjoyed the ride and that made me happy. I saw waterfalls and got to stay two days later after most of the family had left and going to the gardens was quite the treat. Everything was great. Church was spiritual, The Big SUV was fun to drive around, the food and trips to costco were wonderful. I went into jaquzzi every day. Stresses happened, but were resolved and I have a new dislike for cerain loud birds, but the positiviely of the area trumps any ill feelings experienced there. Emmy and I got to stop at a pond that was so clean and clear and still. I can see why the island wants to protect the area and keep it free from polution. I also like the cave we went in. It isnt like me to explore a cave, but I felt like it was a cool place with a history and I loved the nature and experience there. Hawaii is expensive, but I hope to go again someday. It is a treasured place to see and experience.