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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Visit To Bakersfield To See Cousins and Special Blogging Friends

We took another mini vacation up to Bakersfield (about 3 1/2 hours away). My cousins moved up there last year and we hadn't been up for a visit yet. Also, Emily and Justin http://emilyquicknfamily.blogspot.com/ were also in Bakersfield visiting Emily's parents so we had another great reason to visit. As it turns out, Darlena and Brayden http://lehnickfamily.blogspot.com/ live only a couple hours away and also came down for a visit. So on day one, we visited with my cousins and spent the night with them sharing a couple of yummy meals. Then the next morning we drove a whopping 9 miles to Emily's parents home and enjoyed a yummy lunch and some great conversation. My visit started off a little shaky as Ella decided to show a new side of herself. Let me preface this by saying that it was her naptime. But as soon as we walked in the door, she started crying...hysterically!!! Every time Justin would do a little play yell (which Ella does ALL the time) she would break out in hysterical crying again. I have never seen her do this before. Finally, after a few trips outside, she fell asleep on my shoulder for a few minutes and then woke up ready to join the party. She finally joined the boys on the floor and started to interact. (whew!!!) I can't begin to explain how nice it is to meet up with families that I have gotten to know so well online. It really feels like we have know each other for a long time. All three of our kids are within a month of each other so it was fun to see who has mastered which skills, who has how many teeth, who eats what, etc. etc. Let me tell you what I really learned. All of our children with Ds will do things at different times and at their own pace. One may crawl sooner, one may stand sooner, one may get teeth sooner...you get the picture. But the main thing they all have in common.....beyond adorable!!! All three of these kiddos knew how to smile when the camera was pointed at them. Poor kids...obviously their moms are picture crazy!! Emily and Darlena...I had a wonderful time with you and look forward to our next visit. Emily, please thank your mom for opening her home to us. She was wonderful!!! I think my goal in life is going to be to hit the road and meet as many of my "blogging" friends as possible. Every visit fills me such joy and truly gives me another friend for life. We have a family wedding in TX coming up and we are hoping to take the long way and visit some friends in Utah (not on the way to TX) as well as meet a few in TX.


Ella sitting in the child seat in the
Wendy's bathroom on the way up to
Bakersfield
Me with my cousin and his wife



The girl cousins (minus my oldest who was
in Palm Springs with a friend)

Ella meeting my cousins BIG dog




Doesn't it look like she is being surrounded
by a pack of wolves??



Big sisters with Ella and Justin



Ella and Brayden



Brayden and Justin



Ella, Brayden and Justin right as Ella
was finally warming up


Brayden and Justin


Ella admiring her homemade bows given to
her from Brayden's mom Darlena....thanks!!



Brayden, Justin and Ella. I think Justin is
thinking about pulling Brayden down!!



Finally got them all propped up on the couch



Me and Ella, Darlena and Brayden and
Emily and Justin















9 comments:

Lacey said...

Can I just say I'm so jealous, even though we live close to sweet little Justin, they are in California. Hopefully we'll be back down there again soon, if we have any money left that is. I'm praying for financial aid.

Anne and Whitney: Up, Down and All Around said...

that is awesome you were able to meet up with darlena, brayden, emily and justin while you were travelling to see your cousins. i love the pics and glad you guys had a good visit :)

Heidi said...

What a great visit! I'm glad Ella warmed up after a little while! All of the kids are so cute! It was really nice to look at all of the pictures you took!

When we are in California next I will definitely let you know so we can meet you too!!

The Lehnick Family said...

Denise...I am loving the picture of Ella in the child seat...I am always in that same dilemma, I haven't seen one of those seats! Guess I know Wendy's will have one! LOL...We also had soooo much fun! Can't wait til the next time! I would love to go on the mission and find everyone in the blog world too! You and Emily are so sweet and I also feel like I've known you forever! Thanks again...

Heather said...

What a fun mini trip!Those boys are absolutely darling and the three of them together are just so precious.How lucky you all were to get a chance to hang out if only for a bit.Hope to see you soon.Really soon?

Emily said...

You took such great pictures too! I can't wait to get home so I can get my blog updated as well! We miss you guys already. I loved every second of our visit. You said everything so perfectly! I absolutely love this world of blogging and would be extremely lost with out it. Justin really opened up some amazing friendships for our family! I hope you are able to fit Utah into your schedule, but I totally understand if you can't! Can't wait to see you again!

Sophia said...

That's one big dog you got there.

Kim said...

That is so wonderful!! I'm glad it went so well.....so I guess I'll be seeing you when you take a trip to NC? What?....it's only on the other side of the country!

The kids are absolutely adorable!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness, those pictures are priceless! 3 little perfect angels all together! What a great day that must have been! Wish 'P' and I were there too! :)