Blessed Boat Ride

I was enjoying visiting Oahu again. I felt like I had been so recently that I did not need to do the touristy stuff. I had my routines of walking the coves with my Dad in the mornings and hot-tubing at night. I often talked to people in the hot tub and they were locals enjoying Koolina and they had fun ideas for what to do around town that was extra special. I was so glad we visited the temple on the east side of the island. I felt quite a bit of peace there on the south side of the temple where there was so much nature and things looks undisturbed. The area is so lush and besides the bell, it was quiet. The right side of the temple had shopping and I did not feel the same peace there. We visited botanical gardens and made pearl jewerly on the trip and had so much fun relaxing. The highlight for me was the boat ride. We took a sunset cruise from Honolulu and sailed a bit while we enjoyed the deep blue waters. It was very calm and I was so relaxed and happy. I want to be a sailor now, but only if it could be so calm. I did get to see a whale show up and move quite quickly through the water. I saw the tail and all the spouting of water as it came up for air. It was a special moment. We also got to see a string quartet play at an old church in town and that was pretty neat too. There were delays with the flight and nothing was perfect, but the time there was appreciated and I feel so blessed.

Christmas Together Time

It was a blessing to have both my folks and Brians Folks for Christmas Eve dinner at our house. Jason came and we had Chacuterie, Tri tip, Posole and some pasta I learned to make from Instagram. It was a great time and we shared stories of Christmases from when we were younger. We enjoed it so much. On Christmas we had two parties, one here and one at grandmas.

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!

Thankful for Thanksgiving

I am glad there is a time set aside to be grateful and gather together as a family. Joe came for Thanksgiving and we had a grand time. We ate twice, once and Grandma's and once together here at home. We loved our Black friday tradtion and shopped for quite a while, seven stores. Good deals were found and Joe liked being in the know for what everyone was getting for Christmas. He helped me pull out the Christmas trees and wrap quite a few presents. I love that Spencer is in town and we stillget to se ehim weekely. My kids in Utah visit often and Im so pleased to have Celia dn SPencer in town. They are getting more and more independent, but they mean so much to me. I love spending time with each of our children. I am glad we have our health and friends that help shape our time and community. Ward Temple night has been nice and we will keep that going in the New Year. November is a pause in traveling for me. I really felt like staying home, enjoying routines and nesting. We celebrated Emmys Birthday from afar and welcomned the holidays. I am sure there are difficult things going on, but I love to focus on gathering family and keeping those essential relationsships alive and thriving.

Moab and Trunk or Treat

After Chicago, we got to go see the kids and spend some time together in Moab, Utah. It was such a great realzing time seeing all the desert beauty and play games together. We saw a water fall and went tot he beautiful Canyonlands. I was brave enough to try the food trucks and was glad we got to see the kids again this year. After getting home from Utah we had a trunk or treat for Church. It was a great time and Cleia dressed up for Hallween twice that day, So fun!