Where the church bells ring, and strong love grows

Yay! I got to spend 4 days in the Central Valley! Sean and I took off Friday and Monday from work to spend some quality time with the family. It was a much needed trip.

We set off after work Thursday and arrived late at night to Janie and Poopas house in Visalia. I haven't blogged about the passing of Dicks parents. It all happened so fast. After being married for 60 years they only spent two months without each other on earth. Poopa went first and Janie followed. I wasn't able to make it back for Poopas funeral (trust me, I tried) and felt like I definitely wanted to make Janies Celebration of life they scheduled a month after she passed away. They had a beautiful party for her at the Visalia Country Club. A very classy and fitting venue for a classy lady. The room was packed, overflowing with friends and family. They had to set up extra tables. The food was fabulous and there were so many amazing things shared about her. It was beautiful and I am so thankful that I had the honor of knowing Bill and Jane and I am thankful the Lord brought us together as family. I am thankful for the times we shared and the memories I will keep of them fondly. Truely people who loved each other, loved their families, loved their humble community and above all loved the Lord.

 There were 3 posters of beautiful words of love about her.

 All of the flowers were beautiful.

This is my favorite picture of Bill and Jane when they were on their honeymoon at the Del Coronado.

 Sean and I outside the reception

 Taylor, Dick and my mom

After the party we had a nice evening of mexican food, a little T.V. and movies and some R & R. Saturday we woke up, went for a good run, and then started preparing for the party! The Cayucous Labor Day crew have 'Labor Day in November' cause they all love each other so much and love to get together. I couldn't be more thrilled, I freaking love all of them too and love crashing their super fun parties.

 Me and Sean and a quick snapshot in the backyard.

 And Kaelyn, Andrew and Erika arrived!!!! I picked up my sleepy baby out of my brothers arms and she snuggled on me and acted all shy. I love sleepy babies. This is a picture later in the night when the two of us were having fun. She's obviously not sleepy here! haha.

Janet and Dave Hawkins, Doctor Feel Good, and Big Dad

Big Mom was definitley causing mischief.

Poopa and Janie's presence was definitely felt by many as we enjoyed the evening in their beautiful home. I thought it fitting to have this picture out watching over everyone eating and enjoying each other.

Blessing the food.

Party um...in the bedroom...uh oh. haha

Fire pit!!! No outside party is complete without one of these bad boys. I especially like this picture because my brother and Sean are having some good conversation in the background about fishing or some other boy activity. That makes me happy.

Brad Pitt

Me and Kae having wayyyyyy too much fun!

"You better smile or I'm going to tickle you!! "

A+S=<3

Adorable

Okay, this is a funny story. When we arrived late to Visalia, I showed Sean where his room was and he came out and was like, "Amy, there's a problem." I couldn't imagine what it would be... "There is this really creepy doll in there." I LOL and walk in to check this doll out. Yup, its creepy. I vaguely remember that doll from last time I was there. I go to move it so it isn't watching him while he sleeps and as I lay it in a crib with other dolls, her eyes flip shut and her wig falls of!!!! LOL! No dolls were harmed in taking these pictures.

We put her back properly as to not upset or disrespect Janie.

Jane was the leader in the restoration of the chapel at the local cemetery. With $1,000 to start with she successfully helped raise $100,000 to the restoration of the cute little chapel. They presented a plaque that will be placed on the outside of the chapel stating that she helped save it. Isn't it adorable?

Ahhhh the fall colors!!

After 2 days in Visalia, we packed up and headed to Merced to spend the rest of the trip with my brother. We went on a walk while we waited for Dick so we could all go eat La Nitas.

On the walk by my brothers house, I took this picture. We spent Sunday together and then mom and Dick went back to Visalia. I was looking forward to Monday because Andrew and Erika went to work (Erika had orientation as a medical translator at the hospital. It seems like the perfect job for her) and I got to spend all day with Sean and my baby!!! We started by grabbing coffee (hot cocklet for Kae) and meeting up with one of my friends from Color Guard in High School Sandy and her baby boy Cooper who is 6 months old. It was great to catch up...she hasn't changed a bit and her baby is adorable. After we headed out to Snelling's Henderson Park. Yes, I know there are much closer parks in Merced, but, oh how I love Henderson and I wanted to show Sean how beautiful it is.

Check out this giant tree that got hit by lightening.

Yea I'm wearing galoshes. It was muddy.

Doing a one hand cartwheel and Kaelyn is trying it too.

Shes almost got it.

Monkey

Havin fun with Auntie!

Even though this is blurry I still love this picture. 

Helping her learn to climb and making sure she is safe.

Kisses in the sunlight

My cutie!

Peek-a-boo!

Now auntie needs to rest a bit haha....

...I think she does too.

After the park went to lunch with my dad and got sandwiches at Togo's. I was exhausted by that point and expected Kaelyn to crash but she barely slept on the way home. It was nice to have Sean's eyes not only to snap pictures of us playing but to keep an eye on her while I shut mine. He also was a huge help on the way home. I can't even remember the last time I got to be a passenger on that trek.

Sean really enjoyed meeting the family too and seeing where I grew up. He said he can see why I needed to get out of there because he can't picture me living there. He can picture me growing up there but not being the person that I am now and living there. He said, I'm too big for the little town. haha. He also hung in there like a champ the whole weekend and never complained once. I am glad he was comfortable and happy the whole time. It must be a tall bill to say, "Hey, I know we've only been dating two months but come with me and spend 4 days with my family." It's a whole lot harder than just grabbing a quick brunch. haha.

Of course everyone enjoyed meeting him too and had the best things to say.

My heart is full.

This is a song I've been wanting to post in here for a long time and am finally getting around to it and since my recent homesick blog it seemed fitting. Sometimes I just need to get home, get back to the simple things and even though I grew out of it, I still need to get back there, back home and back to that girl that I'll never grow out of.

American Honey - Lady Antebellum

She grew up on a side of the road
Where the church bells ring and strong love grows
She grew up good
She grew up slow
Like American honey

Steady as a preacher
Free as a weed
Couldn't wait to get goin'
But wasn't quite ready to leave
So innocent, pure and sweet
American honey

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowing in the wind
Calling out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summer time
And American honey

Get caught in the race
Of this crazy life
Trying to be everything can make you lose your mind
I just wanna go back in time
To American honey, yea

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowing in the wind
Calling out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summer time
And American honey

Gone for so long now
I gotta get back to her somehow
To American honey

Ooh There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowing in the wind
Calling out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothin's sweeter than summer time
And American honey
And American honey