We were in Medford over the weekend and had a great time. Here's a recap.
FRIDAY
Naomi, Tyler, and I hit the road first thing Friday morning. But not before laughing because we'd set the timer for way too long on the camera and were hitting the awkward smile phase. (And I mean even more awkward than my brackets and rubber bands smile already is these days.)
Last year Devon challenged Tyler and a friend to keep their fingers touching the roof for as long as possible on a road trip. They lasted about forty-five minutes. Winner got a pack of gum. Naomi did a modified version for Tyler this time, asking if he could do it for the last twenty minutes of the trip. He did. She gave him candy.
It's been almost a year since Dad and Debra lost everything they owned in the Almeda Fire. Having a rental to live in for the past nine months or so is a privilege that many who lost their homes haven't had, so I'm incredibly thankful a home was available and that their insurance paid for it. However, being able to settle in a permanent place is a huge blessing and I was super excited to visit their new home with two of my kids. It's a fantastic place, filled with lots of natural light. I'm so happy for them as they move into this next season of life.
Our weekend was dedicated to family stuff, but Carol, who I'd invited to stop by the gallery, asked if we could meet for a meal. We couldn't, but we did happen to have a little block of time to squeeze her into. We met up for ice cream at Sweet Cream and had time to visit, both with and without the kids. I've only known her for ten months, but she's one of those people I loved right from the start. She's kind, gentle, a wonderful encourager, and truly cares about everyone who crosses her path. I appreciated being able to share some of my life with her and hear her words of wisdom.
FRIDAY
Naomi, Tyler, and I hit the road first thing Friday morning. But not before laughing because we'd set the timer for way too long on the camera and were hitting the awkward smile phase. (And I mean even more awkward than my brackets and rubber bands smile already is these days.)
Last year Devon challenged Tyler and a friend to keep their fingers touching the roof for as long as possible on a road trip. They lasted about forty-five minutes. Winner got a pack of gum. Naomi did a modified version for Tyler this time, asking if he could do it for the last twenty minutes of the trip. He did. She gave him candy.
It's been almost a year since Dad and Debra lost everything they owned in the Almeda Fire. Having a rental to live in for the past nine months or so is a privilege that many who lost their homes haven't had, so I'm incredibly thankful a home was available and that their insurance paid for it. However, being able to settle in a permanent place is a huge blessing and I was super excited to visit their new home with two of my kids. It's a fantastic place, filled with lots of natural light. I'm so happy for them as they move into this next season of life.
Our weekend was dedicated to family stuff, but Carol, who I'd invited to stop by the gallery, asked if we could meet for a meal. We couldn't, but we did happen to have a little block of time to squeeze her into. We met up for ice cream at Sweet Cream and had time to visit, both with and without the kids. I've only known her for ten months, but she's one of those people I loved right from the start. She's kind, gentle, a wonderful encourager, and truly cares about everyone who crosses her path. I appreciated being able to share some of my life with her and hear her words of wisdom.
Sidenote: I found out at Dad's that he and Debra know Carol. And they met her eight years ago! I guess I'd never mentioned her name to them and she never made the connection because she didn't know my maiden name. I love small world moments.
My sister, Belinda, is such a talented artist! To spend the evening with her at Art du Jour Gallery during the Third Friday Art Walk was a huge treat. There was a steady stream of relatives both local and from out of town (I hadn't seen some of my brother-in-law's relatives in several years, but we're all from the same town), friends from different parts of her life (it was fun for me to meet them), and people she'd never met before who came and supported her as this month's featured artist at the gallery. I think I'd previously seen all twenty paintings either in her home or on her professional social media pages, but it was pretty impressive to see them all on display at once. I'm so glad I was able to be there for her big night!
She took the next three pictures and passed them along to me because they have me or my kids in them. First, sisters.
Second, my sister with her son, her niece, and one of her nephews.
Finally, the three Perkins girls.
My sister, Belinda, is such a talented artist! To spend the evening with her at Art du Jour Gallery during the Third Friday Art Walk was a huge treat. There was a steady stream of relatives both local and from out of town (I hadn't seen some of my brother-in-law's relatives in several years, but we're all from the same town), friends from different parts of her life (it was fun for me to meet them), and people she'd never met before who came and supported her as this month's featured artist at the gallery. I think I'd previously seen all twenty paintings either in her home or on her professional social media pages, but it was pretty impressive to see them all on display at once. I'm so glad I was able to be there for her big night!
She took the next three pictures and passed them along to me because they have me or my kids in them. First, sisters.
Second, my sister with her son, her niece, and one of her nephews.
Finally, the three Perkins girls.
Some of my friends came to the gallery (two who'd never met my sister, two who met her at Silas and Natie's wedding, and one she's spent some one-on-one time with) and it was good to see them. It was special to see Don and Katy. We'd had a few minutes to visit at my church when they were in town a few weeks ago and thought that was the last time we'd probably ever be in the same place. To see them again for another few minutes was great. I also appreciated Carol hanging out downtown for a while in order to come and Nicole and Brittney rearranging their evening to allow for a gallery visit.
Sidenote: I found out Katy and Ashley recently met, but neither of them knew about the other's connection to me. Now they know! Have I mentioned I love small world moments?
SATURDAY
Ashley, one of my step-sisters, lost the home she shared with roommates in the Almeda Fire last September. It was a horrible experience that turned out to be the catalyst for buying her own home. She's lived there for several months now, but this was my first time visiting.I also got to bring two kids who were seeing it for the first time and another who saw it in the bare bones days right after she got keys. It's perfect for her! It was really cool to see such a huge blessing come from such a huge tragedy.
Tim wasn't expecting to be able to join us for the weekend, but plans changed and he arrived mid-day, and Silas had come down separately. The temperature was perfect and the smoke cleared, so my family, my sister's family, Dad, Debra, and Ashley enjoyed hanging out in the back yard for lunch, floats, games, swimming, a contagious case of the giggles, conversation, and even a haircut. It was a perfect way to spend an afternoon! I'm so very thankful we live close enough to make these family gatherings possible from time to time and that Beep took this group shot of the whole crew.
Later in the evening we had the kids find something to do while Beep, Josh, Tim, and I played Drawful 2 and Fibbage via a TV screen and our phones. Both games were new to me and Tim, but they were easy to learn and made me laugh. I love laughing, but don't do it enough, so ending a fun day by playing funny games was pretty awesome.
SUNDAY
Sidenote: Melinda recently met my sister, but didn't know we were related because we have different last names. Another small world moment this weekend!
We'd planned on stopping by to see Shon, Devry, and Michael on our way out of town, which turned into meeting them for lunch. The plan was to head home once we were done, but our family traveling in two cars meant the W guys were able to make a spontaneous decision to stay longer. Naomi and I headed out after lunch, but the guys spent the rest of the afternoon together.
I was able to say a quick hello and give a hug to Cindy and Betty after we gassed up for the drive home. Less than five minutes together, but it was still good to see them.
Three days of important milestones, special people, and positive experiences filled up my emotional tank!
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