Family Time Extraordinaire

Not only did we get to see our college kids this year, but we were able to have their bestest companions come with them to the festivities. There was so muuch activity and adventure, I don't know where to start. We had a time on New Years eve where we talked about our favorite trips and highlights from 2021. We had Pre-Christmas with Tanya and Kieran at the Granparent's House. We had Christmas Eve dinner at our house with yummy Ham and a glaze aI looked up online and scallop potatoes from my Holmes family recipe. We had such yummy food and fun and friendshipping and going out around town. We took Jordon to Santa Cruz and silicon valley. Had the best mexican food and walked in the rain. Celia was the leader and there was no complaints. It was nice we had gone to Salt Lake in early December and got used to having so many of us around. We moved together going to places and playing games. Blessed is what I feel. overwhelmed by the wonderful time spent with those we love the most. Brian and I had some time alone to go to the family history museum right by our condo, The Kimball. It was very touching and spiritual to see the manuscripts there, the early books and to think of the sacrifices of the early saints for access to the knowledge we have now of Heavenly Father and Christ. It really was an end of the year filled with Peace, Love, and family.

Thankful for Thanksgiving

It was so great to gather for Thanksgiving. I prepped little by little with setting the table, thinking about what food to cook and who would bring what. I made a bedroom in the laundry room and welcomed the college kids. I love that Bri had a email off for Red Lobster on the day they were coming in from Idaho and Utah. Having Steak and Lobster together was quite the welcome back. There was so much to catch up on, it was a great meal switching subjects and asking a lot of questions about Emmy's new beau. Celia didn't come. but she came to the late night run to get ingreidents for laura's apple pie. I felt glad we have both the grandparents over and had a blast questioning Emmy and being gathered all together in the front room. There were so many fun activited in just those few days. We made it to Magic card stores, the Auction, Beach Hut, and Build a bear. The house was full and bustling and I loved it. I also loved our impromtu complimenting time. Joe seemed to get the most and I was glad of it. We all came together after a few months of trying times and having quality family time and food seemed to make us all a little more happy. I can't wait for a SLC trip soon and Christmas time together again to rejuvenate with the family. Brian and I both taught at Church, him in Elder Quorum and me in RS. It was nice to be reminded of the Conference talk: One Percent Better by Elder Dunn. Doing good little by little helps us exponentially. I've taught two other times this month in Sunday School. It is great to preapre and try to have the spirit with me, it made for a very grateful attitude this November.~

Tahoe is a Thing

My parents and sister love Tahoe and it seems going there a few times a year is kind of a thing. I went up to visit my folks in Tahoe on Emmy's Birthday. It was sad seeing where the fires had affected the area, but so heart warming to see that Tahoe was untouched. There were flags and signs thanking the emergency responders who helped in the Caldor fire. I only had a day or two so I went and used the amenties. I got a change to go to Yoga and name that tune at the Hotel. We shopped and ate at some really fantastic places. Beacon Bar and grill right on the lake and the most amazing Italian resturant, Izzabellas. I saw a rainbow across the lake and used a cot to sleep.So, it was roughing it at the Grand Residence Hotel, if you can even do that.:) We also got to go see the salmon run and walk in the rain. It was so beautiful and full of wonderful nature. It made me happy and I was even more pleased to hear I was accepted to the Master Garderner Program. I'll start classes in jan and it should be a wonderful education and volunteering experience. My friend got in too and our daughters will spend time together when we are away. It is going to be great and definetely gives me soemthing to look forward to for 2022. -HB8TORgQUxg/YaeiiS6MpqI/AAAAAAAAm7E/WNNds7qzclwu4d6uqV7GXE2eyDu_0u77wCPcBGAsYHg/s4000/IMG_20211105_174341.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; ">