Fireworks n' Family

I've lived out of suitcases for almost two months. It's actually not so bad. I'll save the post about moving to Las Vegas for later. I must focus on the fun of the past week! I fly back to Las Vegas in the morning so it seems I'm "home" here and then I'll be "home" there! Last week I jetted off to San Antonio where I first go to spend time with Tiffany and her family. We got to visit and just hang out. Tiff, JC and the girls took me to dinner where we enjoyed live music then we went home to just chat. The next day Tiffany had to work so her mom came and got me and the girls and we went to the movies and to lunch... then to a goat farm! It was so cool!!! Linda took me shopping around that night for something to wear for family photos... then the next day (July 4) Dad and Brenda came to get me and we all said our goodbyes. It was a wonderful time!!!

Hailey & Aubrey

 

Alyssa and her family drove in from North Dakota, Steven and his family came in from Oklahoma and we all gathered downtown on the RiverWalk. Brenda's brothers and their families were able to join us as well! It was like a mini reunion. We walked around and showed Henry the Alamo... he is from Nigeria so this is all very new to him. We took family photos all dressed in our red, white and blue. My room had an amazing view of the fireworks so we all piled in there for the show. It was so much fun to have everyone together just laughing and talking. Saturday we crazily decided to go to Sea World. Dad stayed back and enjoyed time with other family members. Steven, Ashley, Rylie, Saige, Rex and I watched a bit of the beach show and noticed a little basketball thing next to it. Steven went first and won a mini basketball. I had to win one for the sisters, too! So I shot the 3 pointers with the men's basketballs and boo-ya, I won!!!! Then we stood in line forever to see Shamu. Shamu isn't as cool as when I was little. It's all too political and they don't get to ride them anymore blah blah. It was great, but different. By this time we were all so tired of waiting in lines and the crazy crowds. We decided it was time to get back. We gathered at the hotel where Brenda's brothers, Jay and Jimmy brought their entire families to meet us. This was a very special time to get everyone together. We all went on the RiverWalk to eat and just hung out for a bit longer at the rooftop pool.

There was a point when I looked at the crowd and just thanked God. I always say Dad and I got a second chance. God provided us with this lovely family. I'm so blessed to be a part of it.

When we got back we took Dad in for his angiogram. His stress tests showed some blockage on his heart. I wasn't too thrilled, but I wasn't worried. They did not find any blockage so he was free to go after two hours of sitting still. It was a scare for him for sure. I hate health issues and know we must fight them as we get older, but it's just a scary thing. I try to workout and eat healthy, but we just never really know what is lurking within us ready to harm us. Again, what a blessing that he was just fine and went through all of it for basically nothing... well, except peace of mind and a regimen to be a bit healthier which just might be worth all of it.

Ahhh so the suitcase travels back West. Then it will hit San Diego this weekend. Hey, I'm not complaining. This is an adventurous time. I miss Nick and the cat though. I will have to pack them in my suitcase next time.