One of the highlights of our summer was a visit from my Mom's best friend, her sister. Aunt Susan, her son Travis, daughter in law Julie, and granddaughter Elisa flew all the way from Alaska to spend days that turned out to be very special ones indeed. We packed in as much as we possibly could in that time, and enjoyed every minute with them! They came from Alaska to sunny California, so we spent as much time in the water as possible. Sailing at Huntington lake, a girl's shopping trip, beach time, slip and slide fun, a weekend all together with Max and Jenny, and Daniel and Kendra, topping it all off with a backpack trip for the guys. We love and miss you Semmens!!


Kisses at Huntington


Julie and her precious one, Elisa.


Aunt Susan braved the possible 'tippiness' and took a ride with Julie and Simon. :-) Whoo-hoo!




Time with Family





Happy Mother's Day to Grandma!

Time at the Beach





El Pizmo Taco came highly recommended by the Telian family, and we enjoyed the yummy Mexican 'belly stuffers' found there. :-)



All the guys on the backpack trip. (picture courtesy of the Telian's)


When the backpackers returned home, the Telian's invited us to a barbecue in their honor. :-) We laughed at the slideshow of pictures from their trip, enjoyed the fabulous food, as well as great fellowship!
Travis set up the slip-n-slide and they all had a great time splashing about.


None of the Orange Cove Parishes had ever met Julie, so we had a great time catching up on lost time. :-) We love you Julie and Elisa!!

While at the beach, we took the opportunity to visit Hearst Castle. The word that springs to mind is . . . WOW! I couldn't help pretending I was one of the fancy ladies who would visit the castle when Hearst still lived there. The pools were my favorite, taking you away to the time of the Greeks. :-) And his library? One could turn into a dusty relic if you were allowed, exploring Hearst's extensive book collection. For some reason, I always feel a bit tingly whenever I visit a place that was once filled with laughter, misery, gay visitors who would worm their way into Hearst's affections, and most of all, a man without the light of God in his heart, searching for happiness through his antiques and his gigantic home.







We rode a bus all the way up to the castle. On the way, the remains of the largest personal zoo ever owned was pointed out to us.


Today, the Hearst ranch is used for cattle farming among other things.

The new visitor center was quite interesting!

Little Girls

"Little Girls Are . . .

A sweet new blossom of humanity,
fresh fallen from God's own home,
To flower on earth. "

~William Massey

The asters are in full bloom, swelling with a profusion of purple. While gathering a bouquet, I was seized with an irresistible urge to make a flower crown. One led to the next, and before I knew it, I had my camera in hand. :-) Funny how that happens.

The Flight Museum in Seattle, WA was amazing. I would recommend it to anyone, airplane enthusiast or not. Real, full size airplanes of all times in history were sitting everywhere complete with their life size plastic pilots. All the guys took a dizzying ride on a simulator while we girls strolled around 'ooing' and 'ahhing' at the displays. One of my favorite exhibits was one portraying the evolution of Stewardess uniforms. Some of those outfits were quite well . . . interesting! :-) Cute!


Waiting, waiting, waiting . . .
These fellows popped up all over!


Pinkness=cute!
Hi Jayni!


Someone needed help with their paper airplane. :-)



Hi Jacob!


President Parish!


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After we finished at the museum, everyone piled back into the car. Traveling down the highways of Washington was lovely. Lush greenery, blue, blue skies, and dear friends just up the road. The Butler family have been longtime friends and brethren in Christ. Donna was my Mom's homeschooling mentor, and her girls, Breta and Codi, my adopted older sisters. Now we are all grown up and most have families of their own. The hospitality of the Butlers was warm and loving and it was special to be together again.


Donna, Codi, and little Andrew


Sitting around the Butler table once again, enjoying a delicious meal together.


Mom and Donna have been through much together.

Our last stop was to see a new friend, Kathy Lewis. She served us a delicious lunch with the added blessing of great conversation. Thanks Kathy!

We have new baby!

Simon came in one morning with exciting news. We had a new baby on the ranch! A brand new little heifer arrived; healthy, and looking just like her Momma. We trooped out to see her, but Momma wouldn't let us close. This was the best we could see!