Sharing the LOVE kind of weekend!

Amy, Pnut and Daisy (her dogs) drove to Merced from Huntington Beach on Friday night. On Saturday, Amy, Pnut, Daisy, Andrew, Erika and Kaelyn had a road trip up to SF - arriving in the early afternoon. It was a Taylor weekend so the whole family was together - a BIG TREAT!!! This rarely happens and we were really looking forward to it. Taylor LOVES his step-niece and treasures the time spent with her.

They arrived HUNGRY of course so after feeding them, we were ready to start the day! Since we just had our 'tour of Nob Hill' the other night, we thought they would enjoy doing the same so we all hoped on the bus and headed over! Uncle David was finished with his golf tournament so he was able to join in the fun!

Here we are, on the bus. I was showing her the CITY!!

She listened and loved it!

While waiting for our connection, Taylor and I walked her around.

What a trooper!

First stop, Grace Cathedral in all its GLORY! They are celebrating their 100th year! We went inside and it was beautiful! At only 100 years old, just a BABY compared to Europe!

But still SPLENDID!

We also went up to the Top of the Mark! We planned on getting a beverage but there was a 30 minute wait AND a $15 cover charge/person!!! CRAZY!! So, the kids snuck around, took some pictures, (you can see some of the pictures on Amy's blog spot - get there by clicking on her blog on the right) and then we headed over to The Fairmont - where the photos of the earthquake and such are. We ended up, as we did a few nights before, in the courtyard and took a few more pics.

On Sunday we went to our church - Calvary Presbyterian Church. Going to the landmark hotels was enjoyable with the kids but I think sitting in the old pews, hearing God's words MAY have been a highlight of mine. Of course a goal in life is to ensure at least our children and grandchildren KNOW God, worship Him, and live their life according to His will. It did my heart good just being close to God, in this grand church, with its music, message and close to them, all at the same time.

After church we ate lunch then headed over to Golden Gate Park. When Taylor was 2 years old, Dick would take him over and feed the ducks and I wanted to continue this special tradition with Kaelyn. She was a little nervous around the ducks - she was also very tired and in need of a nap too - but enjoyed it.

Walking around the pond.

As you can see, my heart soars being with this little girl!!

I think she loves her Grandma too!! ;)

We had a lot of fun in front of the Mac playing around in the Photo Booth.

You can look at all of our other crazy pics by clicking here.

Many laughs, hugs and kisses - the PERFECT Valentine's Day weekend! Yea, I know, it is only a 'Hallmark made Holiday,' and really EVERY DAY we should be showing the ones we love how much we care for them... but it gives an excuse to show MORE mushiness than usual, and pairing it up with a 3-day President's weekend worked out well with the kid's work/school schedule. I hope it becomes a TRADITION!! Lots of love to share and so many blessings to be thankful for.

They left on Monday and the house was sooooooooo quiet!!! I remember my mom having withdrawals after family was visiting her...now I know the feeling. Funny how when your children are small, you think it will always be the core family, living together, forever. Then, POOF one day, they are GROWN UP, living their own lives..... such is life and the cycle repeats itself again and again.

Funny how God places people together. I ALWAYS placed my children as the most important, probably above my children's father too. At times I would feel that maybe it was the wrong thing to do but could not help myself! I always felt that Amy, Andrew and I had a very strong connection - the three musketeers, the three Amigos.... When I met Dick and saw how he places Taylor with such high importance, I saw myself!!! I appreciate how he is able to keep Taylor as a top priority. THANKFULLY we found each other and totally understand how much our children NEED to feel our unconditional love and how much we LOVE to show them!! THANKFULLY we are mature enough to know that we have our time when they leave and keep each other as a priority. Thank you God for leading us to each other!!

May you continue to feel the love and be near to the special bonds you've been able to nurture in your own lives, today and always!!