The Rest of the Story

On Tuesday we headed to Hollywood (can't leave the area without stopping at Pink's Hot Dogs). We stopped by Modesto and visited with my Aunt Terri; it was such a treat to visit with her. She has recently had some health concerns and lost her license because of them but she is in good spirits and always a kick to visit.


Wednesday we headed for Red Bluff. Our first stop: Hope's best friend Melissa. Hope practically jumped out of the car to see her. Then we went to see my parents. It was good to see them and catch up face to face. Thursday we dropped the girls off at their old schools which is ironic since it would have been their last day of school in TN. Hope spent the day with her favorite Jr. High teacher, Miss Rogers along with her eighth grade classmates and Grace ran into the arms of her old classmates. Her teacher, Mr. Threlkeld invited her to spend the day and even sing at the open house that night. We went and saw Bill and Vicki Greer while the kids were "in school". Later we went back to my parents house for dinner and then went to Jackson Heights to watch Grace and visit with the faculity. Oh, if we could only ship them to TN. What great people and what a blast catching up.

On Friday I went up to Graduation practice while Norm went to his old job to spend time with his former clients and co workers. I found out I made honors. We went back home saw Paul and Deborah Wright whom we are staying with but only briefly. We spent so much time at their home right before we left; it was good to see them. My aunt Carol came up for the festivities and we had dinner with Mom and Dad.
Graduation went great and reminded me of home since it stormed through the ceremony. Those should be some lovely pictures. I don't care. I was finished my last test yesterday and I couldn't be more happier.

Later we all went to Leatherby's, met my brother Gary there (he has a new job at Costco, yeah!) and visited with them and Kim and Dan Berry.

On Saturday (I can't believe we leaving so soon) we went to breakfast with Norm's family; Steve, Jay, Myrtle, Norma, Richard, Hallie and Michael. We caught up, passed the pictures and then went to Hope and Grace's pre-birthday, birthday party at my mom and dad's house. The girls had fun playing with Daniel and Matthew while we all chatted. My aunt Carol made Grace a beautiful dress (I see an opera in our future). We then went down to the Greers and met up with the Hagen's. Grace actually swam in the 60 degree weather. Once again we caught up and passed the pictures. These are what I miss; the people. It would be so great it everyone could come and visit.

That night the girls and Norm slept while I watched the clock; we left at 1:30am for our flight. It was sad saying goodbye, but I was looking forward to being home. We flew out, arrived in Knoxville by 5pm, picked up Mitchell (who had done great) and went home. It was a great trip and was such fun seeing everyone. We came home to beautiful weather and 8 foot tall bamboo.

-Tina