Life in Texas, McNeely style: Bakersfield

It's a good thing I am not one of those "real bloggers" who have add and sponsors, I would dropped like a hot rock. Blogging is getting VERY hard to do, it used to be that things just didn't seem very interesting, and that I used my free time to rest and get my house in order. Well, things can get pretty interesting around here, but free time is almost zero, so my house is not really in order....ever.

So, after nearly a month, here is the rest of our trip to CA. The final stretch was in Bakersfield with the Steinerts. We mostly just hung out at my parent's house, family came and went and Mom even hosted an open house on our last day there for people come say hi and meet Xander. I actually don't have any pictures of that, I was busy chit-chatting with friends!

Xan and Mace at the table Nana borrowed form Aunt Delores especially for them!

Each time we are in California I make a point to see my best friend from high school, Kristi. Sometimes I get to see all of her kids, sometimes only one or two of them, sometimes I get to see her husband and sometimes they get to see Kevin. But, Kristi and I ALWAYS get enough time to give each other a hug! This time everyone was together and the kids had a great time playing while we talked. In years past Kristi and I take a picture together, but our kids are cuter than we are, so here they all are! :)

Special friends Tyler, Kate and Breann

Those of you who know my grandparents know that their life journey is amazing. You also know that in the last two years it took a turn that no one could ever have imagined. Regardless of that, my grandparents are two of the most admirable people I know. Taking whatever life sends their way and relying on God to supply their needs. So spending time with them is always precious. It has been about a year and half since Macey has seen my grandparents, so warming up to them took quite a bit of coaxing (just like with everyone else), but quick thinking by Daddy and Great Grandma and Grandpa were handing out chocolate and the kids came running!

Xan getting a piece of chocolate from Great Grandpa Marvin with Great Grandma Nadene looking on. (Macey got her piece from Great Grandma!)

We were able to spend a little time with some of Kevin's family. Kevin's Aunt Sue, cousin Scott, his wife Tanya and their kiddos, Taylor, Justin, Travis and Reece. It was such a wonderful time. We felt privileged because the kids actually stayed home from school (shhh!) to spend time with us. Come to think of it, I never heard one of them tell me thank you for getting them out of a half day of school! ;) We played, talked and ate lunch, and had a really great time!

Macey, Xander and their 2nd cousin Reece!

Whenever the four sisters are together we take a picture. Sometimes we are REALLY happy with the way it turns out, sometimes we hate it, but all of the time we just love that we were together! You can't see them in this picture, we have our matching Mickey Mouse shirts on!