September 2021

Our friends Elaine and Andrew Haupt invited Todd and me to go axe throwing on a double date. Todd was a natural - practically hitting the bullseye every single time, while the rest of us fumbled around trying to figure out what to do. I hit the bullseye only once the whole night, but I also was the only one strong enough (awkward enough?) to break the axe. It was fun to try out a new activity. 

Our garage spring broke - Todd and I heard it snap and the heavy door fall. It sounded like someone had thrown a big rock at our garage door or something. Thankfully, my boys are resourceful and willing to work hard. Todd and Jack researched how to fix it, ordered a new spring, and installed it, all in just over a week. We plan to go out to eat at a teppanyaki place to spend the money they saved not calling a repairman. 

Emily, Doug, Isaac, and Grace came to visit us for several days and had the (unfortunate) timing to arrive over the weekend we were taking our pool down for the season, so they got to help us scrub it out and get it all cleaned up and packed away. Emily claims it was cool to see how our family works together, but I am confident everyone would have loved a trip to the redwoods or the beach more. But ... it was our stake conference weekend and Todd and I both had two meetings to attend Saturday afternoon and evening, so we didn't have a lot of extra time for adventure, sadly. I would have tried harder to get us out and about if I had known that Grace was going to get a fever that would keep us home-bound for most of the rest of their visit, but alas, I cannot see the future. 

The Burnetts sure know how to have fun at home, though. We made plenty of wonderful memories doing the high jump in the house, playing with kinetic sand, watching Survivor and the Harp Twins, playing in the backyard, jamming on the piano, playing lots of games, running errands in small groups ... and we managed one trip out to feed the goats at Holdener Park. 

It was a wonderful visit that, more than anything else, helped our kids strengthen their relationships with each other as cousins and with us adults as their aunts and uncles, and I am so glad the Burnetts took the time to come out and see us. I loved the chance to talk so much with Emily about everything in my life and hers. 

My kids knew my birthday was coming up and wanted to know what they could get me that I would appreciate. That led to a good, honest conversation about how I love spending time with them so much more than I enjoy getting things, and ended up with the brilliant plan of each child planning a one on one date with me as my presents. It was the perfect way for me to feel loved, and I hope it becomes an annual tradition. During the next several days after my birthday, we found time for each of us to have our special date. 

Todd took me out first, and I am sad to say I didn't take a picture. We went out for Italian food, then came back to the house to play games, watch a movie, and eat ice cream, while Hazel played with the kids in the playroom and then put them to bed for us. 

Hazel and I had a game night while we listened to music we both love, talked a ton about everything on our minds, and ended the evening with a yummy yoga session. I love so much how Hazel wants to talk with me and be close to me at this age. It is such a priceless treasure! 

Todd and I had another fun date night with several couples from our ward. Someone had planned a Family Feud style game for us all to compete in. 

Katie, Karrie, and I went on a bike ride through the vineyards to combine friend time and workout time. We were out for the whole morning and it didn't seem like we worked hard enough (we were definitely talking more than we were sweating!) but all of us reported sore muscles and exhaustion over the next 24 hours, so it must have done plenty of good while we were distracted by how much fun we were having together. 

For my birthday date, Jack planned a hike at Holdener Park. He had done his research and found one that wasn't too long, just a mile or a mile and a half, but that took us up a steep elevation gain so we would still be huffing and puffing. We had beautiful views of the Livermore valley and a really great chance to talk about lots of things big and small. We also went out to eat at Panera before coming back home. 

Gemma wanted to write a book with me and play Parcheesi. She colored pictures of our horse characters while we brainstormed what to say. I was the scribe, but we definitely worked together to write our story. Gemma was very pleased with it until I wrapped it up neatly too quickly. She hates writing conclusions. She has been obsessed with Parcheesi lately. She pulls it out to play every single day and will easily play three games in a row. If no one has time to play with her, she will play herself. She seems to be addicted to rolling dice, and she is a very clever strategist. Lucky for her, I am happy to play it every day, too.