Summer Fun

TJ, Luke, Johnny and I in front of Bridalveil Fall.
It was early in the morning and still quite chilly,
thus the sweatshirts.

I sent my three older kids off to camp Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday, after dropping Laine off at the chapel, I worked at the Bishop's storehouse with Johnny. Then I cleaned house and eagerly waited for my friend TJ (a friend from high school) and her nephew to arrive. When she got here, we prepared dinner, talked and played some games.

Veggie Kebabs...we also ate plums and peaches from my trees,
hummus and pita chips, watermelon, salad, and tri-tip.
TJ didn't eat the tri-tip, though, since she's vegetarian.

On Wednesday morning (the fourth of July!), they went to her sister's studio for a tour, and Johnny and I cleaned up a bit. The rest of the afternoon was spent talking, playing more games, preparing food and napping (for TJ and Luke). I loved listening to TJ talk about her experiences in China, Russia, Costa Rica and other locations! She teaches for a Christian international school that teaches English to students in other countries. In the early evening, Keith came over and joined us for dinner: tri-tip, vegetable kebabs, sliced watermelon, and green salad. (Keith doesn't have any family here locally, so I try to include him when I can so he doesn't feel lonely on the holidays.) 


We drove over to Buchanan Stadium where we enjoyed the live music as we sat and talked to each other, ate churros, and waited for the firework show to start. Johnny and Keith wrestled a bit and Keith and Luke really hit it off and talked about Luke's two marathons and other topics. The fireworks were awesome! When we got back to the house, we ate blueberry cheesecake (yum!) and then headed off to bed after saying goodnight to Keith.

Yosemite Valley from tunnel view at about 7 am.

On Thursday, we woke up at 4 am and drove to Yosemite Valley for a day of fun and exploring. I drove while the other three slept, and as the sun came up and the landscape around me  began to be illuminated, I was so grateful for God's attention to detail in creating such a beautiful world. Once along the way, a tired driver crossed the center line and would have hit us if I hadn't just changed lanes. I was thankful that we had guardian angels round about us!! 

On the way up to Yosemite Falls.

Practicing for climbing the face of El Capitan one day.

  

Johnny took advantage of every rock climbing opportunity. He climbed up, slid down, went around and over every rock he could get to. He even said words I never thought he would say..."Mom, take a picture of me!" Yes, he even smiled!


It was TJ and Luke's first time to Yosemite, and they both loved the scenery and noted God's hand in everything. It's so nice to be with friends who share faith in God and aren't afraid to talk about it!

Lovely Merced River

This water had magical properties!

When we were leaving the valley, we stopped to put our feet in the water. The river was cold! It was just what we needed...it rejuvenated us. We drove down to Oakhurst and stopped for pizza at the Pizza Factory. It was so good!! TJ made Johnny laugh like crazy through dinner with stories of her times in China and Russia.We arrived back in Fresno around 9 pm. After unloading the car, I collapsed into bed while TJ, Johnny and Luke watched an episode of Leave It to Beaver. I was asleep in two minutes.

This is how I always think of TJ!
She loves her camera!

On Friday, we all slept a little later and enjoyed our time talking and sharing the pictures we took. 


TJ gave me a list of books and movies she recommends, and we watched videos of Christian poetry readings and chatted about all kinds of things. the time for her to leave came way too soon. 


I felt like we had grown very close during the time she was here. It was hard to say goodbye.