A Really Happy New Year

Kieran was a lot of fun making origami noise makers for us and dancing up a storm. Joe loved having the kindle fire and even wanted it in the picture, silly guy.~

The kids tried the pool, but froze and soon headed over to the Jacuzzi.

My Dad with his great smile.:) He liked telling us of our ancestor George Albert Smith and I liked hearing it.~

Just Dance; "Who let the Dogs out?"

Moms shuffling too

I feel so blessed being able to take off for my parent's house on a whim. Emmy is such a good girl, going to seminary in the early morning, practicing her instruments, and helping out with the siblings. I really wanted her to have some fun before school started. She gets to fly back from grandma's house a little later then the rest of us. We drove down and dropped her off on the New year's weekend. We loved dancing to Just Dance, Just dance 3, and Just Dance kids for the Wii, making samosas and being with the family. We had real Holmes tradition; great food, and hospitality. Emmy, my mom, and I shopped all day on Saturday except for the great visit at the park with my long time dear friend Missy. It is really nice to soak up the sun and forget the worries of the day when I am down visiting Home.~ A great way to start off a new year! A special thanks to Brian and Spence for holding down the fort at home. Spencer enjoyed the quiet too right before school started. Win-Win for everyone.

Just the Girls~

Emmy is such a caring older sister to Celia. She has the most beautiful eyes too!

After staying home for a few days organizing and cleaning up after Christmas, I decided it was time to go out and take some pictures! The girls and I headed out at dusk to have some fun. We went to the Fountains. Celia said the lights were gorgeous. She loved the music, water show and general decor of the area. She was especially impressed with the train which is apparently free of cost to ride on Tuesday nights.:) Loved all her smiles, and spending time with my precious daughters.

Our Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was one of the best ever. We loved having Rah Rah and Papa come for dinner and to visit. The kids enjoyed opening their gift from them. Who wouldn't love opening Christmas Eve and Christmas day, right?! We played Just dance after and I was able to help a friend in need. The true spirit of Christmas was with us, such a lovely night.

Hanging with Spence

Helping Spence with his lessons helps build camaraderie and sibling peace.:)

Joseph doesn't even mind sitting in Spencer's swing waiting for Spencer to ask for it.

Last Thursday, Joseph was able to run some lessons with Spence for the tutors. We generalize the skills Spencer's learns with family. Joseph did a great job delivering the right statements and praising Spencer after. The kids earn Spencer points. This is a little token board type paper where we can give them stars of marks for helping out their brother. They can honor his PECS exchanges, help him with a lesson , play with him, or leave the area when we say the magic word; Flight. It is nice to have the kids listen to me and get positive benefits for it. Joe earns quarters for his points. Emmy earns chocolate or some yummy food. Celia earns many different fun things.

Emmy is really good with Spence. He wanted to watch an aquarium CD-ROM on his TV the other day. Emmy sat with him on my chair and play it with him on the computer. He loved the mock fish aquarium. At least the fish are safer this way.:)

Passin' Time

We have out of school adventures. With the entire day not as scheduled as it is when we are in school, the kids needs somewhere to go to get them up and ready. We met Brian midway to his work for Lunch. Joseph said it was the best meal he ever had. It was Arby's, curly fries specifically.;) He has commented that same way about customer appreciation day at 7 Eleven. We love that little Joe. Spence did pretty good there in the booth, but he teased Celia and stole her drink. Afterwards, we saw some beautiful trees in the fog and I just had to pause to take the picture. I took it with my telephoto lens from the driver's seat of my car. Perfect for a mom with a van full of kids. We went to Fair Oaks village to the park with chickens! Spencer smiled big when we turned the corner and he saw one. Celia did great meeting friends. She was able to share in giving the chickens some feed. She did taste it, but soon figured out she was to toss it near the chickens.:) This little outing made the time pass faster for Emmy to come from her last of school and finals for this term. We were able to wait easier for the tutors to come, and wait a little better for impending Christmas celebrations!

Brrr....,but with Color

Its cold outside. I am not a fan of the cold. We have had frost a lot lately. Here in northern California we have rain and fog, What is this ice business? Here are a few reminders that winter here should have color and greenery. Silly weather.