January 2025

January, our cute niece, Aubrey, came to stay the weekend to celebrate her graduation from HS.  She has some neat plans and I love how much zest she has for life. She's overcome a lot of obstacles and is soaring high.  

They went mini golfing, rock climbing, for food, etc....

Sam has been doing his instructor drives with Robyn.  He gets nervous and she pauses to explain things.  They're both working hard and I'm so proud of Sam.

Janine's son, Joe and our sweet neighbor, Quincy, got married too.  I love them both so much and I'm looking forward to the life they create together.

Sam got his braces removed!!!  He was both excited and nervous at how it would change his instrument playing.  (He promptly threw away his retainer at lunch during school, but we figured it out).  Just two more weeks of wearing a retainer during the day then it will be just nights from here on out.

While he was getting them off, we tuned into our cousin, Josie's adoption hearing.  

 

New Years Eve 2024

 

We had only planned on having our immediate family for New Year's... It grew to Ada's friends, Beth and her kids, and us.

Emma, Ada, Elise, Alexx

Misc Christmas 2024

 

Seth goes out and brings in the cats from the outside cat patio almost every day. They let him carry them just like this until they get inside and then they struggle to get down and run off to groom themselves.  It's very funny.

The kid's HS was on the news.  Sam was actually in the video twice playing in the Jazz Band.  

Sam working on his piccolo piece for April.

Sam "studying" for drivers ed.  He's fell asleep and it was really cute.  He's finished his course and only has one more drive with the instructor, the proctored test, the drivers test and then his practice hours. 

Seth makes a good napping buddy.

We got to the Giving Machines and Ada noticed that her and Grandma were matching.  So we got twinner pictures.

We got to go to Camila's bday party.  It was fun to see her in her home environment and see how she's growing.  A Cabo Verde birthday is very similar to a latin american one.  Lots of rice, picture in front of the birthday wall and cake.  Such a sweet heart.

Jer got a shed put up in our backyard.  The kids helped build out the shelves for it.  I'm so proud of them.

Sylphrena loves to watch Evelyn's fish, Senor Pescado.   Unfortunately, he died.  She then got a Betta named, Mustard.  He died in just a couple of days so we gave it one last attempt.  Evelyn has a blue Betta named Mayo.  Syl still loves to watch him and meows at anyone until they open the door to let her in to watch the fish.

Jer was able to take the kids up to go ice skating with Amy's family on their day off from work/school.  I had daycare, but they brought me pictures.

Grandma and Grandpa were able to spend Christmas with Margaret.  I'm glad she's doing well and has been able to get set up with what she needs.

We were able to celebrate the adoption of cousin, Josie into the family.  I can't wait to meet her.

The Lindon temple is almost done.  It's beautiful.

Aquarium visit 2024

Sharon had one weekend to come hang out and do all the Christmas family things.  We did the giving machines. We were going to do the lights at the aquarium, but they weren't open yet, so we went to the aquarium itself instead.  It was fun. I haven't been to this one in almost 10 years and I don't think Seth has been since he was a baby.  It was fun.  The penguins were a definite highlight and the turtle that had problems staying afloat.