We're Home!!!

Last Thursday we took off for David's brother Benjamin's graduation. Three of his brothers have attended Shasta Bible College in Redding, CA, so we used to travel down there quite a bit. Somehow life has gotten a little more busy and we hadn't gone down since Jonathan's graduation two years ago. I was super excited about the trip and especially the time spent with dear family members.

All packed up and ready to go!

Our sweet Ella's first road trip!

The handsome driver. Nothing like spending the whole day driving with your very best friend! I'm so blessed!

We left on Lydia's 5th birthday so we stopped in Weed for some birthday ice cream.

Despite all the bad said about Weed, you can't dispute how amazing it would be to look at that mountain (Mt. Shasta) every day!

Our trip down went great! The girls had fun looking at everything around them, Ella slept almost the whole way and Havi only fussed for about ten minutes when it was an hour past her bedtime and she couldn't fall asleep! The only major bump along the way was..............

Yup. A flat. But God was so gracious to us and landed us at a huge pull out and just enough light to get it changed easily. Thanks again David! You were amazing!

It had been a very long day, but finally we arrived at...........................

(Picture wasn't taken that night as it was pitch black when we arrived!)

Kathy's (David's mom) uncle owns this beautiful house up in the hills outside of Redding. They are such generous people and have offered for us to use it whenever we need.

David's family has eight sons and one daughter. Two are married and one is in the works. When we all get together, it is a BLAST!!!

Talia ( on the right) is our only niece and cousin so we were sooooooo excited about spending some time with her. Talia and Ella are two and a half months apart.

Saturday was the graduation. We are so proud of you Benjamin!!! Here he is with his beautiful Melissa. Aren't they so cute?!?

(Ella getting to know two of her great-grandmas)

Many family and friends came up after graduation. It was such a special time.

This dear, dear lady is Aunt Millie. She is Ella's great-great aunt and is one of the most precious people I have ever met. Every moment spent with her is a treasure. Ella was named after her mother.

I had to add this picture because I just love it! Two of my very favorite people. Miss Mary ( who lived with us for nine months) and Laura, my amazing sister-in-law.

I ate up every moment I could have with my precious niece. They live five hours away and while that is much closer than many aunties get to be, it is much too far for me! I love that girl!!!

My girls had a fun time with Lilly. Lilly and Bethany were babies together, then her family moved back down to Redding. It was so fun to see the girls playing together!

Laura and I were confusing everyone the whole time as we traded babies back and forth.

On Sunday we headed up to Dairy, OR ( near Klamath Falls) where we spent two days at Jonathan and Laura's house. That was such a special time. Laura really is a sister to me and I came away so encouraged by the time spent with her. Plus, she is an AMAZING cook! Yum!

The uncles made a great fort for the girls!

(Talia, 6 months old. Ella Joy, 3 1/2 months old)

Talia did so good with her cousins. They adored her!!!

We had such a fabulous time the entire trip, but I am so thankful to be home. My blog will come back to life now, I promise!