California Trip Part 1

Last Saturday I got a call from my mom informing me that my aunt Amy was in the hospital and probably wasnt going to make it. She has been battling cancer for the last 12 years. This was a bit unexpected considering that the last few emails I got from Amy, she made it sounds like she was doing well and the treatments were going good. My mom and everyone had been out to California because Saturday the family was going to celebrate Amy's 50th birthday, but God had other plans. We held a memorial for her Thursday, which I was out there for. I drove to Utah to pick my sister up on the way down there.

When I first got to Utah, we took the kids to a play area thats new at Riverwoods. We let them play for a bit and then headed home for dinner and bed. We headed to Cali the next morning. and was greeted at my Momo and Popo and family. It was emotional yet so great to hug everyone and spend time reminiscing about Amy.

Her memorial was very beautiful. I was able to finally say my good-byes, which help me have some closure. For those of you who dont know my Aunt, she never once complained about having cancer. She was always positive and saying things like "I'm going to fight this Rocky balboa style" and "This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it." Her Facebook profile was always filled with pictures of her grandson, Owen, and pictures of her garden. She loves talking to me about Glee and love being with family and friends. She loved books and was an inspiration to everyone she knew. Its tough losing her, especially since we only recently became closer thanks to Facebook.

After the memorial, we headed back to Oceanside to be with my dad's family for my Grammies 90th birthday party. The day before the party we helped set up and then just relaxed by the pool. The birthday party went amazingly well and we all had a total blast.

There is one thing I have learned from this trip: I LOVE MY FAMILY MORE THAN ANYTHING. Family is so important, if not the most important thing in this life. I love spending time with them. It truly is a little peace of Heaven every time I am with them.

Now we are back in Utah and I will post more pictures next week when we get back home. But for now, enjoy.

Love my little niece Remee

Luke loves my green drink. I got a kick out his mustache.

Happy times at Happy Sumo

being silly with Remee's glasses

After the memorial for Amy.

my very first flower arrangement

playing in the pool with "auntie" Jordan ( Luke calls Uncle Jordan "Auntie"

dont worry, he has plenty of sun screen on his i

playing with cousins

grammy and dad

can you believe she's 90?!