Posts under ‘Visalia’

It is a tradition that every year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving to have a Christmas Party with family and friends. The tradition started over 30 years ago with a few couples and it has now grown to three generations and about 30 people. The married couples and families pass out photo pages of what has happened with their families over the past year; and the younger non-married kids exchange gifts. Since Bryan and I live so far away we aren’t able to attend most years, but this year we were lucky enough to be in California for the party. We had lots of fun seeing everyone and getting to catch up!

When we were visiting my family for Thanksgiving we all went bowling. It was supposed to be a fun and friendly game until my brother-in-law showed up with his own custom bowling ball. (Unfortunately, for the rest of us he has an extensive bowling background outside of the wii.) So, I tried to lay low because I usually bowl an 80; or a 90 on my good days. I lost the first two games but progressively got better each game and I ended up schooling everyone on the last game. My highest score was 149. Yes, that was without bumpers. (That is also my highest lifetime score) No one could believe it, but I have pictures to prove it. Shelby did very well for only being 5. She took second place on the girls lane; and even beat her mom. We all had lots of fun!

For Thanksgiving Bryan and I surprised my family and went to Visalia. A few days before Thanksgiving we were in San Jose with Bryan’s family and watched Bryan’s sister present her thesis. *Congratulations on finally finishing and your amazing presentation Michelle!!! After being in San Jose we took the train to the valley. My brother-in-law brought my sister with him to the train station to pick us up and I really surprised her! I had my back turned to the car with my hood on and my sister thought I was a bum at first; but at least she was surprised. Thanks a lot Allison! We had the traditional Thanksgiving at grandma and grandpa’s house and it was delicious as usual. After lunch we played apples to apples into the wee hours of the evening. Bryan and I had lots of fun spending time with both our families and playing games.

Bryan and I made a quick trip down to California a couple weeks ago for my grandmother’s birthday. The whole family got together (All 27 of us!) and celebrated on Saturday night. Even though we practically melted (it was in the high 90′s and in the 100′s some days) while we were there we had an awesome time with the family making wonderful memories. Somehow Bryan and I didn’t get very many pictures while we were there so I just posted a couple of the family from the party.

Another year . . . Another wonderful Christmas. Bryan and I love surprises, so we decided to tell only my dad (as he was our ride from the Fresno Airport) that we were coming for Christmas! Imagine the looks on everyone’s faces when they saw us. I think the best surprise was my aunt Leslie. We visited her at her office and when she saw me she threw her hands over her mouth and rocked backwards in her chair and for a moment I thought she was going to fall out of her chair; luckily she didn’t. My sister was super surprised also because the week previous I told her I had mailed her something and it was supposed to be there on Thursday. Luckily she had to go home that day for lunch and we were totally able to surprise her. Bryan got a great picture of her surprised face and I added it below. We weren’t able to see my grandparents surprised faces because my grandma caught Bryan walking to the door. However we did hear her joyous exclamation, “Oh my Gosh! Bryan’s here!” It was so nice to see their happy faces when they answered the door.

We had the most amazing time while we were in California. However, my mom and I had planned on making tons of Christmas cookies for everyone and I managed to not make a single cookie. We were able to visit with family and friends and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you to everyone who truly made it a Christmas to remember.

 Surprise! Needless to say she didn’t want to go back to work after lunch.

Mariah playing in the leaves . . . right after Uncle Robert had raked them. 
                      Sorry Robert, I just couldn’t pass up this cute picture!

 Grandpa helping the Great grandkids blow out the candle for
                                  Jesus’ Birthday cake . . . someone put some pants on that kid!

Bryan and I were fortunate enough to visit my family in California for Thanksgiving this year. Even though I was there for almost two weeks the time flew by. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving I helped my grandmother prepare for Thursday’s big meal. Actually, I’m not sure how much I actually helped because all I did was make some blueberry and bran muffins, and chop celery and onions. It was a day I will remember forever . . . There was a lot of smiles and memories made. Even though my grandma has no formal culinary education she is one of the greatest chefs I know.

On Thursday, my sister and some of her co-workers did a “walk for the hungry”. I decided to join my sister and her husband on the walk . . . however, since I was not registered for the walk I didn’t feed any hungry; I only became hungry.

Bryan’s sister came and stayed with us for a couple of days and that was super fun. Michelle and I actually got up early on Saturday morning and visited my favorite store, Joanns! I felt a little silly since we were the only ones in the store below 60 but we still had fun!

As I look back on my time in California I think of all the wonderful blessings in my life. I feel so truly blessed with such a wonderful family. Bryan and I were able to spend so much time with the ones we love as well as some good friends. Thank you to everyone who made our time in California so memorable and full of joy!