Mexican Cruise

In January we flew to San Diego to take a cruise with Dennis and Phyllis Allsop.  

I'm always amazed at the size of the cruise ships.  Dennis's former mission companion and his wife were also joining us.  

We had three ports of call.  Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

While we were walking the boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta, I noticed this statue which isn't a statue at all.  Someone dresses like this a gets paid in tips.  There were a few of these individuals.

This was the way to get off and back on the ship for only one port.

This is Scooby-Doo island.  I can see it!

We attended a Mexican "dance" party.  The costumes and dancing were so fancy.  I especially thought Lydia would love this dress.

This was a mostly LDS cruise.  We had entertainment each day.  Yohosh Bonner was one of the final performers.  He talked about growing up and singing with his siblings.

It was really nice to be in the sunshine and warmth in January.

We stopped and watched the cliff divers.  They too, do this for tips.

This cathedral was pretty spectacular.  Interestingly enough there were "money changers" outside selling souveniers.

The Jewish community helped the Catholic church finish the cathedral so they were honored with the Star of David inside each of the windows.

Outside there was this statue of Christ.  If you look closely enough you'll see the spikes on his arms and head to keep the pigeons off of the Christ.

Us with the Allsops and Kathleen and Richard.

We went whale watching again.  It was a good time but I don't need to do it again.

Nathan Pacheco was our final performer.

Jasen Wade was the master of ceremonies.

Jenny Oaks Baker gave an amazing performance of The Redeemer on Sunday afternoon.  The Spirit was strong!

I loved the giant Christmas trees on the boardwalk.

We met the Stevens who served a six month mission in Antigo a few years ago.  We also ran into Charlie and Vickie Monaco.  What a small world!  A great time with some great people.

New Year’s Eve

 New Year's Eve at our house included a lot of snacks and appetizers as it always does.  

There were some games and silliness. 

We played a new game called "Hitster" (I think).  It was a lot of fun.

The "Cup Game" is always the biggest hit.

Tom won the big money.

Pat didn't make it past 9:30 but then he was up very early.

It was nice to have Cami home between semesters. 

At midnight we all popped our noise making poppers in the kitchen as we didn't want to wake Eloise.  We don't do anything crazy but we have fun together.

Happy 2026!  May is be a grand year!

Koa’s Blessing

Cierra's parents and brother Samila came for a visit the day after Christmas and stayed for a week.  They needed to meet the newest member of their family.  It was decided that since Cierra's brother is getting married in Hawaii in June, that her parents probably won't visit again before then so Koa's blessing needed to happen while Dave and Marla were here.  

Andrew pronounced a very lovely blessing upon his son.  We were able to do it in a private setting at their home.  It especially worked since Jeff is the bishop.

We are so blessed to have our children's spouses have wonderful people as their parents.  How we love them all!

Tom was willing to have his photo taken with Koa since they share a name.  When I told Tom that Koa's name was Hawaiian, he was impressed.  When he learned that his middle name was Thomas, he was thrilled.  He told me that Koa had a very good name.  I asked him if he would like Koa when he grows up and he said, "Maybe."  

 

Christmas 2025

I love Christmas! I don't take nearly enough pictures to document it though.  It was the first time since Andrew and Cierra have been married that they were not in Missouri for Christmas.  I understand though since Koa is only weeks old.  It was wonderful to have everyone together.

Since the sale of Hoffman Wood Fiber went through and we finally got the bulk of our payout, Pat and I gave each of our children $1000 and each grandchild got $100. It was a fun to watch the surprise on their faces!

Tom was thrilled to get a new electric razor.  Now to get him to use it. He was using his dad's razor since I took his out of the medicine cabinet.  We have now remedied that situation.

I know Jacob and Erin wanted to have their own Christmas morning but since they moved in with us, that wasn't quite how it worked.  Still, so fun to have little Eloise in our home. 

I always struggle to find something special for Pat.  I once again hit a homerun!

I asked all everyone (not Eloise and Koa) to share a testimony, answer to prayer or spiritual experience.  There were tears.  I loved reading what everyone submitted.  We have an amazing family!

Christmas day was the perfect time for a nap.

On New Year's Day the Hoffman family got together to celebrate being a family.  So many were home sick and I certainly appreciated the fact that they didn't bring their germs to share.  Mike and Oakley surprised us by showing up.  Not as many as last year but still so fun to get together.  The White Elephant gift exchange is always a hoot!