CA Vacation Day 1 and 2

The next few posts are meant to testify to God's goodness in our lives as He allowed some special times for us in CA as we vacationed with family.

We flew into LAX at midnight (PST) on April 30 which meant we didn't arrive to the place we were staying at in Riverside until close to 2 a.m.  By the time we crawled into bed it was around 2:30 a.m. which meant 4:30 a.m. our time ( CST).  Our kids, however, still woke up the next morning by 8 a.m.  Fun times ahead!!!

Day 1:  Tuesday, May 1
We knew this would be a transition day so not much was planned.  What was planned was to spend time with some special people in our lives.

Kevin had a long lunch with his mentor/friend Richard Gregory.  Richard serves with the Navigators and discipled Kevin.  Kevin even lived with the Gregorys for almost 8 years.  It was a special couple of hours for these two men to catch up on life, sharpen each otherd  and pray for each other.

While Kevin was meeting with Richard, the kids, my sister Ashley and I headed over to my dear friend Wendy's place.  Wendy and I began our relationship as apt. roommates almost 20 years ago.  It is now a friendship that is deeper than words.  It was great to watch our kids play together, eat El Pollo Loco (don't have in IL), and enjoy catching up over a good cup of coffee.

Wendy and me

That afternoon, the girls and I took a nap while Kevin drove a sleeping Isaiah around in the car for a couple of hours.  We knew that sleep, however it came, and whenever it came, was crucial.

We ended the day at my brother Kirk's home.  This was a special time as we met Ezekiel, my nephew, for the first time.  Many of you prayed for EZ as he spent his first forty days of life in NICU.  He is a miracle baby.  Healthy and happy.  Oh boy is he happy.  ALWAYS smiling.

Sofia and Selah love their cousin, Ezekiel

What a wonderful first day.

Day 2:  Wednesday, May 2
The family was all getting together for lunch at In N Out.  However, that wasn't until 11:30 and being that our kids were up at 6 a.m. Kevin and I decided to head over to CBU.  We loved walking around the campus, running into long-time friends, visiting the bookstore, and showing Sofia the on-campus house we lived in when we brought her home from the hospital.

Our kids in front of the CBU Globe.

My Uncle Galen and Aunt Sondra were able to meet with us at lunch.  It was so good to see them and catch up.  My uncle gave us a dvd with old family videos on it.  Later that day, Kellli, Kirk and I had a good laugh watching our selves at 8,7, and 4.  One part was of Kelli and I singing a duet for the extended family at Gramma and Grandpa's house.  It was also special to see video of my Grandpa who passed away over 15 years ago.  It allowed Kevin to catch a glimpse of the man who meant a lot to me.

We enjoyed burgers, fries and milkshakes at In N Out

My dad and step-mom (Leesa) recently sold their home. After 6 kids and 8 foster kids, but only one still at home, it was time to downsize.  That afternoon we headed to Pomona to see the new place.  It was fun touring the new condo-style home that they will move into at the end of June.

We ended the day by eating at Pick Up Stix then heading to bed early because the next day we had a surprise for the kids.  :)