Blevins Family Zoo: Trip to Cali- Part 1 (Sept. 19, 2014)

Joshua and I decided to make an unexpected trip to California. We knew in the back of our minds that we probably would need to before long depending on how Wendy was doing. Joshua has been in contact with his parents and they said that it probably would be better to go out now. Wendy's liver is failing and is functioning around 50%. Her eyes are yellowing and she is also forgetting things. We were going to go around the 26th, but we decided to go on the 19th and stay the weekend. It was expensive, but I am glad that we decided to go. The cool thing was that Joshua's brother, Daniel, was also flying out for the weekend. Joshua has not seen him for 4 years. We left Denver, Colorado at 8:00 am. So we had to get up really early so that we could beat the traffic and get there before our flights. It was dark and cold as we headed towards Denver. Somehow we always manage to get there just before our flight, even when we try to get there two hours before. We had a hard time finding a parking spot and then getting in the airport. Then we had to print up our tickets and find our gate. I was getting hungry because I didn't eat before we left (who would want to eat breakfast at 4 in the morning!), so we decided to eat there at the airport. We made it to the gate on time and had tiime to eat before getting on the plane. Joshua and I were able to sit together and we sat by a Chinese couple that Joshua started talking to while we were waiting to board. I think that it was ordained by God because the guy was brought up Christian, but didn't have any religion. They talked about many religious topics and the guy was open to talking about anything. I was so tired, but could not go to sleep. So I just read my book. The trip took about 1 hour and 20 mins to get to Phenix, Arizona. We didn't have that much of a lay over, so we rushed to the next gate, which was not that close. While passing we bought some travel pillows to use on our next flight. We boarded again and this time Joshua sat in front of me and I sat one row behind. I was nervous at first, but the two guys that sat on either side of me were friendly and willing to help me, so I felt pretty good. I used my pillow and was fast asleep the whole flight, which was about an hour. When we landed it was smoggy, hot, and plain yucky. I am so glad that we left! Since we had 3 bags as carry ons, we didn't have to wait for the baggage claims. So we took a shuttle to the car rental place. They were low on cars and it took awhile for Joshua to get done at the rental place. We walked out to the rental lot and were walking towards a mid-size car. We pasted 2 mustanges and I was teasing Joshua by saying, "We don't have the kids; We should have gotten the mustange." I was carrying on so that the lady turned around and said you want the mustange? I give it to you." So we got the mustange on the price for the mid-size! You should have seen us, we were so excited! We decided on the mustange with the convertable top. We could not wait to get on the road in our car! So we headed towards the exit and down the street when Joshua heard a thump sounds. So we headed back and found out that there was a screw in the tire. We went around and around with the rental company. We had to call the road side assistance and even had to pay for the tire to be fixed. Joshua was not happy and it kept getting later and later and so that made both of us not happy. We landed at 12pm and we didn't leave Ontario until 3pm. We had not eaten anything since about 7am and the whole deal with the tire didn't set well with us, especially since it was not our fault. So we went to the tire place and ate at a restraunt near by while they fixed the tire. We were feeling better after we ate and drank some water. We were on our way about 3:30pm. While driving, we hit some traffic, but nothing that bad. Joshua's parents kept calling us to see where we were, and we had hoped to get there and visit before the big gathering tonight. It looked like we would only have time to stop by Walmart real fast, take a quick shower, and then head over. I felt like a mess and wanted a shower before seeing everyone. So we made the quick stops and took a quick shower, got ready, and headed over. We drove with the top down and were so excited to get there because we knew that everyone would be excited. And they were, as some of the family was getting there as we were. I went in right away and Joshua talked to the people outside. I had brought an angel called "Courage" from Willow Tree and a necklace that said "Someone Special" on it. I think Wendy liked it alot. There was alot of people there: John, Catherine, and their girls; Grandma Jean; Wayne and Kathy; Bobby and Janice; Bill; Cathy; Deborah and her boyfriend; Daniel; David; Chris, Esther, and their boys; and Angelina. It was alot of fun with all the family there. I hung around Grandma, Aunt Kathy, and Bill. They took pictures of all the kids together and everyone seem to have a great time. Joshua wrestled with David and David over took Joshua and almost caused him to pass out! Great times (not)! I encouraged Joshua to take Daniel, David, and Angelina out for a car ride. They had alot of fun and Joshua had fun going 100 miles an hour down the street! Then I encouraged him to take his dad out and they had fun. Wendy was getting tired so we all left around 9pm. We headed back to the hotel and rested before going to bed.

Amy and Grandma Jean at Wendy's house: