Color me happy. I spent a glorious afternoon with Ray; our daughters, Sarah, Liz, and Rachael; their partners, Gregorio, Ron, and Andrew; my grandchildren, Luna, Nico, Lyla, and Ethan; and Andrew’s mother, Martha. We ate, laughed, opened presents, ate more, talked, laughed more, and generally enjoyed each other’s company. Also, one of my former students, along with his brand-new fiance (who has also been my student), his sister (another of my students), and his brother all dropped in for a quick visit. I was so pleased to see them and hear the good news of the engagement! It made my heart sing.

I am very grateful to be surrounded with such love.

Thank you, my dear family and friends, for being such wonderful, loving, and kind people. I love you all very much.

Liz, Ethan, and Ron. (Can you tell they’ve been on a cruise recently?)

Granddaughter Luna, Age 11

Grandson Nico, Age 8

Rachael’s Boyfriend, Andrew, and his Mom, Martha

Ray and Rachael

Sarah and Gregorio

Ethan, 17 months, and Me

Lyla, Sarah, and Nico (Nico’s pointing to the card that he made for Sarah for Mothers’ Day)

Nico’s Card for his Mama Sarah. (He is in 2nd grade in Dual Immersion English/Spanish)

Sarah and Lyla (age 5)