September 2025

We went up to the cabin for a super fast Labor Day visit with Katie and the George kids. We left after church on Sunday, so the turnaround time was just about 26 hours. It was totally worth it, though! We played lots of games on Sunday and soaked up the lake on Monday. The rope swing was used to the max, and some of the group experimented with paddle board yoga. 

We had Noah's parents, Rebecca and Levi, over for a cheese and game night. It was Hazel's idea. She wants us to be besties with them. The night went well. Everyone had fun. Noah said his mom was raving about us on the drive home, so I'd call that a win. 

We had dinner at Chrissy's. After eating, the kids played games in the house while the adults chatted in the back yard. It's always a nice time when we get together. 

Fall means volleyball. We all try to come support Hazel at as many games as we can. Todd goes to literally all of them. I go to all the home games and some of the away games - dependent on the other kids' needs. Jack and Gemma come to all the home games unless they haven't finished their homework by the time we need to leave. They stay home for the away games because we get home late on school nights. 

Jack hangs out with Ella Andrus at many of the games. She's on the JV team, so she has to stay. I've caught them multiple times taking absurd pictures of each other and laughing hard. 

Todd spends so much time after the games talking shop with Coach LeMay that she called and asked him to substitute coach the game after Labor Day when she had a migraine. Todd was so excited to be in the thick of it! And then, wouldn't you know it, all of a sudden, Todd was an assistant coach, involved in ALL the games, and before long, helping out at practice as well. Todd is so supportive of our kids in their sports, and he is so opinionated about athletics, and he's so overly enthusiastic about how much he can get done in a day, before we knew it, he was committed. 

Noah officially asked Hazel to Homecoming after one of her games. He made a poster with encouragement for the game one one side, and his invitation to the dance on the other. 

Gemma had her first cross country meet of the season and completely blew her only competition, a girl named Maggie, out of the water. She left her in the dust halfway through the course and made Maggie work her tail off to catch back up. Gemma still managed to cross the finish line first. She was on such a high - her first time winning a race! 

Because it was on our campus, her friends Lia and Lydia were able to come watch and cheer her on. It was so kind of them, and so exciting for Gemma to have witnesses for her win. 

The primary had our annual talent show that night. I MC'd the evening and did a magic trick. After the event was over, I got out the push brook to sweep the floor, and several kids ran in front of the broom, asking me to chase them. We played like that for a good chunk of time - sweeping the gym ain't no one minute job! I found joy in it and felt grateful to be serving in the primary. 

It's so cute to see Todd in the team huddle at the volleyball games, but we miss him in the stands! 

All the kids were given a new set of scriptures to keep at seminary. Hazel brought hers home and customized the covers. I think they're so gorgeous. I love it when she paints. 

I went with Todd on a few ministering visits to people in the ward; a family who had just lost a husband and father, a single dad, and a woman recovering from a mastectomy. I felt useful and full of love for those we went to see. 

Hazel "invited" me to go get my nails done with her before Homecoming. I could see right through her tricks for a free manicure, but I was happy to agree. We got gel nails - I absolutely love how they still look amazing ten days later, but I am nervous about the damage that I might find on my brittle, dry nails when I take the gel off. Totally worth it at least once, sitting side by side and getting the dish from my girl. 

Hazel had Delaney and Marrit over for a chick flick. We ended up watching "Runaway Bride" and I completely cracked up at the girls' reaction to the romantic ending. So many tears and giggles! I loved it 

Hazel pulled together a ton of fun activities for the day of Homecoming. She invited a crew of ladies over to make breakfast together at our place - scones and eggs and bacon. Then they went up to Joaquin Miller State Park to do some hiking. Back at our house later in the day, with a revolving door of ladies coming and going, she had a posse getting ready together, doing hair and makeup, listening to music and chatting. Jack and Gemma were very invested in the hangout as well, which was cute to see.  I took their pictures out on the trail. We have here Hazel, Delaney, May, Mallory, and Katherine. 

It''s become a bit of a running joke that Jack makes Delaney's boyfriend Nelly "jealous" by proximity, so I took a picture of them together as well, which made Delaney dissolve in giggles. 

Then the teens parted ways. I drove Jack downtown where he met up with his crew at Bruno's for Italian dinner before the dance. Hazel, Delaney, and Katherine went to Noah's house, where Noah and Nelly made them dinner. 

Todd borrowed a huge camper van from his friends the Prusso's and decorated it with lanterns, glow sticks, and balloons. He made treats for the kids and dressed up, then picked them up from dinner and took their pictures at Concannon Vineyards before dropping them off at the dance. 

Gemma, meanwhile, had a pizza and movie night with her friends Imogene and Fiona at Fiona's' house. I was glad she had something special to do, too. 

Jack skipped out on the photo taking with his group, so this is all I've got. He's halfway down the table on the right. He also sent me the picture of the school gym all decorated for the dance. 

It seemed like all the kids had a great night. 

I met Chrissy at Quarry Lake in Fremont and we went paddle baording together for my birthday. It was a beautiful day and we lost track of time talking with each other. I love how comfortable and loved I feel around her. 

My actual birthday was on a Sunday this year, and we had Stake Conference. That meant Todd was home most of the day, so hooray for that! I woke up to a cheery sign on the floor from Gemma, and found Hazel making pumpkin French toast and sausage for breakfast. 

After church, we had all afternoon to relax. We played a lot of games, the kids scratched my back, and Todd and I went for a walk. Jack made homemade cinnamon rolls for my cake. Todd bought me a new laptop, which I am happily using right now! 

The next day, I had my birthday massage with Stephanie. Tuesday I went to a soft yoga class that incorporated massage balls. Thursday I met up with Karrie Harrison for a morning walk. Ah, the luxury of birthday week! 

Maggie was ready for Gemma at the second cross country meet, and although Gemma pulled ahead, she wasn't able to hold her lead. She finished two seconds behind her opponent. It's an exciting season! 

Leaving the house for a volleyball game, I was the last to head out - grabbing water bottles, turning off lights, locking doors, I'm always the last one out - and when I stepped out, the van was at the end of the culdesac instead of in the garage. Todd the teaser turned around and came back for me, only when they got close, I could see that it was, in fact, Jack in the driver's seat! He was thrilled for the chance to circle the culdesac a few times while waiting for me. Yikes! I am not ready for that! 

Todd and the girls went to the ward father/daughter campout at the beach. They all came back tired. 

Jack and I spent the night with the Wilmoths - so, so fun to see them!  We stayed up late chatting and playing games, then did more of the same the next morning. All April's kids seem exactly the same, personality wise, just in bigger bodies. Then Jack and I bought 300 pounds of apples from an orchard in Placervile. We are gonna make applesauce, baby! We also had the most scrumptious apple turnover of our lives. It melted in our mouths! 

We did have to sacrifice three bushels of apples, though, for apple cider with the Ellsworths. It was a cool experience to use their press and experience that, but it seemed like a sad waste of apple to me. Todd swears it was a one time deal! We shall see... 

Gemma went to Clara's birthday party. Hazel and Noah had a special date celebrating their six month anniversary - so cute! Todd took us past an enormous pumpkin he discovered on a morning run. We have a neighbor hoping to win a prize, my friends! 

August 2025

We soaked up every minute of our last couple weeks of summer.  Todd and the kids went on a youth boating and camping trip to Lake New Hogan. They came back tired but reported that they had a blast. 

While they were gone, I went up to the cabin on my own. I'd invited Chrissy for a girls' weekend, but she had to back out last minute because her vertigo was acting up and she needed to rest and take care of her health. I decided to still go because we'd left behind a mountain of laundry the month before as we wrapped up our family reunion, and I wanted to take care of that and get fresh sheets on all the beds. 

Besides doing housework, I kayaked around the lake, read in the hammock, went for walks, and enjoyed the art and music festival that was ongoing. It was relaxing and comfortable. I also got some work done by making myself write the blog for July before I could head home. 

Sunday we went to "family dinner" at the Dix's. 

Monday, Todd and the kids left for the Channel Islands. They drove down - it's near Los Angeles - and spent the first night at a hotel. The next morning, they picked up a rental kayak and road a ferry over to the island, where they spent the next three days camping. 

I voted not to go on that trip, mostly because I hate camping and I don't like fishing, either. I decided to use the time I had to myself to make good on my promise to Grandma Holley to visit Yosemite for her.  I invited Katie and Karrie to come with me, but the timing didn't work for either of them, so I went on my own. 

My first stop was Bridalveil Falls, which I hadn't seen up close yet, since the trail was under construction when our family was in Yosemite during Covid. It was lovely, and a significantly different half mile experience than the top of Mount Edgecumbe had been. I was shocked at the abrupt ending of the trail. I hadn't even finished eating my pear yet! 

Then I drove through Tunnel View for that iconic opening look at the valley. 

I was singing along to Taylor Swift and ogling at all the glorious granite walls and majestic views. It was surprising to me how free and happy I felt. I kept channeling Grandma in my thoughts and trying to honor her throughout the trip. 

Because I waited until last minute to decide how many nights I'd go up and if I'd stay in the park or without, when it came down to it, I really wanted to maximize my time by staying in the park, but there weren't many options available. Todd helped me ignore the price tag and book what I could. I ended up with one night at a cabin at the Ahwahnee Hotel and one night at Housekeeping Camp. Riches to rags. 

I wanted to get my money's worth, so I spent Monday evening at the Ahwahnee. I picniced outside my darling cabin, walked around the nearby trails, and enjoyed the sunset from the hotel lawn. Then I took a nice hot shower and basked in my fluffy robe while I read my book until bedtime. 

Tuesday morning, I slept in, did yoga in my room, and started the day slow. Then I checked out the museums at Yosemite Village, bought a big lunch, picked out a postcard for Grandma, and enjoyed the long, scenic drive up to Taft Point. 

The hike out to Taft Point wasn't too long, but had major bang for the buck. I was a little afraid to be there on my own, but I watched cautiously for the fissures in the ground and was careful near the edges so I didn't fall to my death with no one to notice my absence for days. The views were literally breathtaking. The contrast between the dramatic overhanging cliffs and the wide open vistas we were so far above was stunning. I found a place kind of close to the edge, but remained mindful of my own clumsiness and didn't dare risk walking somewhere I could slip and become a catastrophic news story. I was really glad I went. It was quite satisfying. 

I overprepared for the summer crowds and totally could have fit in another short hike in the valley before arriving, but ended up with a four hour wait for sunset at Glacier Point. I bought myself some ice cream and a sweatshirt, pulled out my camping chair and my book, and sat and read while soaking in the views all evening long. I munched on another pear and a protein bar and called that dinner. Slowly, the sun lowered and the shadows rose, and new colors melted into the skyscape. I loved my views of the gibbous moon, Vernal Falls, and Half Dome. 

Then I drove down the mountain, singing with Tay-Tay again, and faced the reality of my night in a tent cabin. My heart sank as I realized I'd brought twin-size sheets for the double bed, but don't worry, they fit. I brought thermals and gloves because I was afraid I would freeze overnight, but it was quite a warm night and I actually didn't need half the blankets I brought. I was grateful, however, that I packed ear plugs, because I sure did need those. I had chatty neighbors! It wasn't too bad of a night, but I did pack up and leave soon after my neighbors woke me up at 6 am. My period came a few days early and I did not have my beloved diva cup with me, so I voted for an early drive home and a shower in my own bathroom. 

While I was in Yosemite, Todd and the kids were partying it up at the Channel Islands with some friends from the stake. They saw thousands of dolphins on the boat ride over! It sounded magical. 

They camped, hiked, spear-fished, snorkeled, and kayaked through caves. If they went again, I think I'd make myself go. I hate camping and fishing, but this did sound like an amazing trip and I think I really missed out. 

Todd and Noah bought a spear together and were so excited to spear fish. Noah fried up his catch and Hazel reports that it was delicious. 

After getting back home, Jack and Hazel both had a beach day before the Santa Cruz region dance. This has been a very beachy summer for my teen kids! And I don't think I went with them even once. That's crazy. We've hit the phase of life where they are having adventures without parents. 

Grandma got my Yosemite postcard and was excited about it! 

There's this boy in our stake, Ryan Paradise, who orders these tiny ducks and leaves them everywhere. It is an honor to find a duck on your car, or in your backpack. Jack has started a collection, and currently has nearly 50 ducks of his own. They caused my kids a serious distraction during Sacrament Meeting one Sunday. 

Our primary held a service activity organized by the leaders and the older kids. We held a children's book drive for about six weeks before the event and gathered boxes of books. The kids had made flyers they posted all over the building. It was awesome! The books are going to the East Bay Children's Book Project, an organization that takes donations and turns them into a free bookstore for people who work with disadvantaged children. 

We sorted used crayons to be melted down and made into new crayons. 

And we made cards for kids with cancer. 

The project seemed like a big success. It felt good to be a part of something to helpful. It was the church's first year asking the primary kids to organize an annual service project done by kids, for kids. 

My kids went back to school. Jack started high school. Gemma is excited to be at the middle school on her own. Jack and Hazel enjoy driving to seminary together to start their day. 

I made the first day of school cookies big enough to make the kids happy. They are obligated to tell me massive amounts of detail about their day while they feast. It's a popular tradition. 

I got to fill up the font for a baptism. It was interesting to see the behind the scenes and learn where the water handles were and how long the font took to fill up. I had to fish out and flush down a live cockroach, so, you know, I faced my fears and all that. 

Gemma beat me at Othello on Grandpa Holley's birthday. 

I absolutely devoured The Gospel of the Beloved Companion; The Complete Gospel of Mary Magdalene. It was stunningly beautiful. I ache for more women's inclusion in our scriptures, and this made me feel well-watered. It is going on my shelf next to the rest of my scriptures, to be pulled out, marked, and frequently referenced. 

Hazel's volleyball season started up. So far, so good! She's playing outside hitter and it's fun to see her on the court. She has, however, been wrapping her wrist because she's hurting it with all her hard hits. It makes me a little nervous. I hope she's not signing on for a lifetime of wrist issues just to play a game.