Rosie and Cupcake

The past two weeks included some ups and downs for our family. We acquired a goldfish named Rosie, but she died in a little over 24 hours after moving to our house. We were stunned and saddened by the loss. I had to wake Chris up to decide what we should do. We decided to wake Elena up and ask her if she wanted us to take care of Rosie's body, or if she wanted a chance to say one last goodbye. She wanted one last goodbye. Then Daddy did the honors of flushing little Rosie down the toilet. I had to go give a lecture on statistics, so Chris, Elena, Eva, and Christopher all got in the car and went on a search for a new Holmes Family goldfish. Elena settled on a beautiful goldfish with a bright orangish-red upper-half, and a white lower-half. She originally named her "Daisy" but has now settled on the name "Cupcake." We're happy to report that Cupcake is still alive and well after 3 days of living with us (now 10 since I wrote this last week, but didn't get to post it until today!).

Aside from the goldfish, we're all just beginning our summer vacations (except I'm not really supposed to begin until my students take their final on June 16th). Part of summer break has included cheerleading camp at Springville High School for Elena and Eva. This Wednesday they will perform in the Cheer Spectacular at the high school. Then, on Saturday, they will get to ride in the Art City Days parade.

Summer break also introduces the commencement of many family get-togethers. Rich and Maren (Chris's brother and sister-in-law) came to town for a visit this week. We enjoyed dinner with them three times this week. It was nice to learn a little bit more about their career plans, and their lives in Trinidad. I was sad to see them go. We also enjoyed a Kramer family Memorial Day barbecue, and an extended Kramer family get together for my cousin Kaitlyn's baptism. I have thoroughly enjoyed so many wonderful opportunities to be with my family these past few weeks. When I sat down in the chapel for the baptism yesterday, I was overcome with deep gratitude for families. It is wonderful to be connected to and supported by so many people in my life.

Eva would like me to tell you that I love her. And it is true. I love her very much. This week, Eva says she "goed to primary, and goed to church, and it was so fun." She also wants you all to know that she likes my shirt and my earrings. Can you tell that she is in a wonderful mood right now?

Christopher is adding a few words to his repertoire. He now says "taco, kitty, choo choo, bowl, and here-you-go." This week he kept saying "lellow" and pointing to one of our kitchen cupboards. I finally realized that he wanted me to get out the strawberry quick syrup which happens to be in a yellow bottle. I don't know if he always recognizes the color yellow, but I was impressed. He also did well in nursery today.

I (Elena) have been thinking about auditioning for the Springville community talent festival, but I want my friend to do it with me and she gets kind of stage fright, her name is Sophia. And I will probaly perform the song "Too Cool" from Camp Rock. And I have been visiting my aunt Maren and my uncle Rich a lot because they came to town.

I (Chris) manage to always have some singing project in the works, which is nice because it is nice to put something on its feet instead of just singing for the walls of our music room. Last night was the Art City Days Talent Festival. I sang the "Toreador Song" from Bizet's Carmen and Clara Hurtado Lee joined me for a couple of duets, "People Will Say We're in Love" and "One Hand, One Heart." It was also an opportunity for me to give a shout for the Utah Lyric Opera and the major events we have planned this year.