God Bless America and President Obama

What a day of hope! I got chills listening to Aretha Franklin sing the "Stars and Stripes" with all her whole soul. This is such an historic inauguration day!! How far our nations has come in providing opportunities for men and women of all backgrounds and creeds. May God bless this most important family in the days and months ahead. May we pray for them and lend them our support. May we live up to the "price and promise" of our citizenship in this, the grandest nation on earth. And let the light of our testimonies shine!

Highlights

What a Wonderful Week!!!

We had such a great time with Natalie and Jeff and their delightful family. This was such an adventure! My flight over on Thursday, the drive to California the next day. Natalie and I conversed and listened to Pride and Prejudice on tape as we drove. What a delight to spend time with Katherine and Andrew. Our week included trips to the park--including a fun new one in Thousand Oaks with Jeff Williams--a fun evening with Laura and Blaise at their home, a hike and trip to the beach, a drive to Santa Barbara to pick up Jeff and a lively evening of January birthday celebration at Mom's house. (Six of the 13 family members in attendance celebrate January birthdays!!). Katherine is a house afire. She is full of energy and conversation. She is crazy about horses and gallops everywhere she goes (she can make plastic horses gallop, spoons, her cup, any object gallop). Such a loving, gentle little girl, goofy and fun loving. Friendly and affectionate, curious and bright. Such sweet times we shared! She saw my sadness when they left this morning and talked to me later on the phone. "I'll come see you tomorrow when I wake up!" she promised. "Are you happy?!" Andrew is handsome and full of noises and expressions and smiles. So very kissable! He is very ticklish and giggles delightfully. Natalie and Jeff are such caring and devoted parents!!! We will miss them and look forward to our next reunion. Families are joy. A bit of heaven on earth......

Cousins Come Together

Once the wind died down, all the cousins with their respective mommies and grandma all got together at the park for an hour. Katherine, William and baby Andrew. Happy day.

Two years in the making! Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Derek Williams!

Best wishes to Derek and Hillary on their second anniversary! Very productive two years in Laie, Hawaii. Your blog has kept us fascinated, entertained, inspired. Bless you for sharing your wonderful lives with your family. You are dear to us! Hugs and kisses to baby Jocelyn--one blessed little girl!

He's Two!

It was an evening of excitement and fun for Will and family as he celebrated two years on planet Earth. Look out planet Earth! Highlights: Will racing back and forth at immense speed; the lighting of the candles on Laura's deep chocolate double layer cake with chocolate frosting and vanilla bean ice cream; Will's expression of astonishment and thrill as he opened every gift; Will immediately playing with every gift!; fun chance to visit with Jeff and Morgan, Steve and Chris, GiGi and the Harris' after the holidays; a ride on the Plasma car. At two, Will can sing songs, identify a huge variety of marine and insect life, kick a ball, run very fast, entertain anyone, give delightful hugs and kisses. It is exciting to think what this next year will bring for Will and the Harris family!