Fourth with the Folks

What a fun filled, adventurous trip Joseph Celia and I had to LA for the fourth of July. There was some traffic on the way down due to accidents in Northern Cali, but Wednesday night at around midnight, I flew through the Los Angeles area with out any slowing. It was kind of fun since usually there is so much traffic there. Fourth of July was nice. We enjoyed the many flags everywhere and of course the amazing Fireworks on the golf course. I love to hear the music play while we lay on blankets and watch the aerial fireworks explode up close.  There weren't as many people there as in years past, so we were glad to still have it be going on. 

On Friday we did some swimming and realized Joseph has a love for snorkeling! We were going to snorkel in Laguna, but we kept changing our minds and ended up in Tijuana, Mexico! We found a nice area on a hill far from downtown that had a grocery store, candy shop and a Chinese restaurant. It made me laugh that we were eating Chinese food in Mexico. It was delicious and definitely tasted more like Mexican food.:) We shopped the vendors on the way home . I got a beautiful blue Mexican blanket, Joseph got a great full sized guitar, and Celia got a Large hello kitty piggy bank.~ We were pleased with our souvenirs, the trip and was happy the border police let the kids back in despite their lack of passports!

The sun was setting on the ride home coming back from San Diego. It was nice. We saw the Temple there and we visited the LA Temple and Santa Monica at sunset the next day. I love the ocean at sunrise, I think I just like being where it is so open and knowing that I'm on the edge of something! I snapped  few pictures. We had such a great time, I loved learning about genealogy from my Dad, and having many great meals together.

 On the way home someone waved at me to pull over and look at my tire. The tread was coming apart and the sensor in the car hadn't gone off, since it wasn't leaking air. Crisis averted. AAA came and We slowly made it in to Bakersfield where Brian had searched out from his computer the place to go for us on a Sunday. We got a tremulously great deal on four new tires, and an alignment. We made it home safe and sound. The  kids were good on the trip, I came home with all sorts of goodies including loads of unique jewelry, a banjo, and a bunch of capris. I love how my parents are so fun and spoil us.

Social Summer

I've felt the desire to invite people over lately. Since Emmy has many things going on with her friends, she has had them over. Before her first ever piano performance, Emmy had Alyssa and Trace over. They made the brownies from scratch thatI was unable to make for Father's Day due to my tumbling scooter accident outside of CVS..lol. My forearm was sprained, but all these helpers were able to make a delicious dessert to bring to Emmy's performance.  She did a great job. Better in person than even the video I took seem to portray. It was a great evening of listening to bright piano players. Celia has interest in the piano, but we are going to start with swimming lessons first and she how she does learning a new skill with someone other than her parents.

Joseph is off to scout camp( He left at 4am on Monday and won't be back until Sat! I sent him a letter, I hope he gets it.) and Emmy to Girls camp. She had to say by to all her friends she texts for a week without electronics in the mountains.  What will she do without her music?!

Emmy is crazy for Dimple Records( a used music/book store). We went by Folsom to the American river the other day, but only after we checked out the Folsom Dimple and she spent all her money and then some on CDs..She also got grounded from her car for being out all day Dimple Records hopping when I expected and needed her home! When not grounded though, she is having friends over, and I'm driving her and her posse to church dances on Saturday nights. It is kind of fun, actually!

With Spencer back in school, Celia and I have a lot of time together. We play imaginary, do science experiments, and shop. She cooks with me and reads all sorts of Phineas and Ferb books Brian got her that are third grade level! Spence and the tutors and I have been going on community outings. I'm glad Spence is a bit more calm and is getting out a bit more. He was refusing to go into public places for quite some time. Too much sensory overload , I think. We are still working on church. He has shunned the building since they replaced all the carpet.

It looks like I may have another bone graft oral surgery coming up soon, I'm such a pro at them(a lot of experience)that I'm sure it will go fine. I did have an MRI the other day. That was pretty interesting and I was proud to make it through without too much claustrophobia. I have been watching a show on Netflix called "Alphas". Brian says it sound like a spin off of X-men. It probably is , but I like that they have an autistic boy on there using his extraordinary gifts to help solve mysteries, and find other people who aren't neuro-typical. They show MRI's on there too and brain images. It is all quite interesting to me.

Fourth of July is around the corner and I can't believe Tanya has pretty much moved to Hawaii. I'll go and still visit my folks and experience our tradition of fireworks at the Mulesteins, ribs, and celebrating Grandpa's birthday early. Times change and those traditions fade and new ones begin. All time together is precious and fond memories with the family are so important to me.

Davis Dad

Brian is a great Dad. He loves to tease and tickle. We went for a family ride today. We had a picnic at a park nearby under some tall sequoias. It was so beautiful out. Spence was done so we road around in the car some more. We picked up strawberries form the local stand(grandma's) and they are delicious. Emmy took some pictures for me and they turned out cute. Happy Father's day to my Great husband. He is a getting a drill to do that honey do list hehe and a mini fridge to keep those cool drinks nearby.~

The Good in Playing Music

Time away doing something he loves and we've had a productive week, what a good deal. Joseph loved band camp. He didn't even play video games. He went Monday thru Friday 8:30 am to 11:30 pm. He was in an intermediate band class, had fun activities, snacks, and learned a lot as assistant to the counselors. He a lot learned a little percussion on top of playing his prime instrument, the trumpet. After camp each day we would do a help organizing the house activity. We had a lot of fun working together. Joseph got a new desk and it was a great find since it look almost exactly like Emmy's desk which he had been hoping to have.

 Spencer went with me one day to get him a new mattress for his bed. He sat in the front seat on the way home and was pretty pleased with the mommy son time. Pedicure and haircut, lunch out. Those were some of the busy activities. I'm a little excited to get back into the quiet time of having Spencer in summer school.  Emmy is teaching guitar to my friend Laurie's daughter. Now Celia wants to learn the guitar. It will be nice to have so many musicians in the house. Emmy has her first piano recital on Monday evening. I'm hoping it will be a nice, happy and memorable summer.

Around town

On Friday, I took Spencer to school. We all were a little sleepy and it was nice to drive out to his school. They have a beautiful garden on campus, and seeing all those special children is heartwarming to me. They are aided and loved and many are patient with them. I'm glad Spencer attends Odyssey Learning center.

It is pretty close to the temple too. I have been throwing on a skirt and visiting the temple after I take Spencer to school. I was able to do family names this last time and loved the feeling and spirit I felt there. I forgot my recommend in a different purse and they checked online that I had a current one and was able to get in. There was a gentleman waiting to see if he could get in since his recommend was expired and he was there to see a friend be married. I love the temple and am glad I can go and go inside and help those who cannot help themselves. It is heartwarming as well.  The beautiful grounds there are inspiring; the flowers, trees, and fountain are conducive to peace and loving feelings.

After the temple, Joseph Celia and I went to Round Table to redeem Celia's coupons for free personal pan pepperoni pizza. She got it for her achievement in reading. She shared a free pizza coupon with Joseph. We sat at the one round table in the restaurant and Celia had an ornate carved wooden chair. I reminded her of the high chair she had at my mom's house. She now wants to go visit grandma and sit in a princess chair there.  We visited the Library and the recycling museum. The kids did all the activities so they received a earth protector wrist band.  Emmy and I went to the mall and got t-shirts(an Edward one for me, haha) and got this cute hat that is used to block out the sun like SPF 50!

Spending Time with the kiddos

Emmy has been outta school for a few days and we have been productive and had fun. Ross was nearby and we hit hot topic. I forgot how much I love to shop when its just Emmy and I.:) Today we took Emmy's car to be fixed. it is making a rattling sound. I put oil, gas, and coolant in it yesterday. I am getting to spoiled by having her drive her self around, we have to keep that car alive! Joseph and Celia have their last day of school today. It has been a great year and it will be nice to not have to be so many places. We all have our own goals for summer, so it should be great! We will be gathering pioneer clothes for Emmy's Youth trek and finding a family name to walk in honor of on the trek. it should be a great experience for her!

Celia and Joseph are my buddies. We dance around and play games. We took a few candid photos in my bathroom yesterday,. I love all the happy smiles!

Finishing Up. Time to Reap What We've Sown.

Summer is coming. The end of the school year rush was here. Emmy had flute section senior celebrations, performance at graduation, and a pool party at a friend's(Trace) house for his graduation.  Emmy also raised  grade up in Honors English two marks through hard work and mom nagging a lot.:) Joseph had a court of honor where he got his tenderfoot rank. He also had to make a board game project, and had a great Spring band concert.

Celia graduated from in home programming. She met 100 percent of her goals last quarter including ,among other things; riding a bike without training wheels, tying her shoes, and coping with her brother teaser her without her punching him.:) I went to her IEP yesterday where she will be getting adapted PE on top of general ed PE. They will be having her do plank exercises for her core(we'll see how that goes) and helping her aim when hitting and kicking a ball. Everything we teach her takes extra effort, but is so exciting when she learns it and does well!  I attended her school LUAU..those are crowded activities, I'm glad it was just her and I.

Spence has been unpredictable in his behavior. He hulks out sometimes, so we are having him try a new medicine during the day. So far so good. He loves his IPAD and communicates with us on it when we model or when he clearly has something to say. I'm happy it is June. It seemed like May 31st was the deadline for too many things. I'm feeling accomplished and ready for this month.