July was a happy and a difficult month. We tried to soak in all the goodness around us, the special events, the friends, and the beauty. Knowing that we had to leave at the end of the month made it bittersweet, so we tried to focus on how blessed we are and have trust that we will continue to be blessed in the future.
On July 4th we went to the Turlock parade. It was fun to see Landon, Keegan and Ava in the combined high schools band and color guard.
In the afternoon we were invited to the Weatherbee's Family's home for swimming, a cookout, and fireworks.
We are grateful for the Weatherbee's friendship and all they have done for us!
On July 5th we had a pool and game night with the Laras, Sixtas, and Liljenquists. We are blessed to have all these sweet families in our lives!
On July 6th we went canoeing with Activity Days and YW. Thanks to Rex Oppelt and Judy Payne for all they do to support our youth and our ward!
For the next week we enjoyed soaking in summer fun...
Shopping
Fresh watermelon
Swimming with friends
Get Air summer pass
Lunch with church friends
Flexing for fun
My birthday, Eve surprised me with a little surprise party where she invited my friends for games and snacks. It was SO thoughtful! I also enjoyed shopping with Michelle and a massage (courtesy of my realtor). I feel very blessed and loved!
L-R - Michelle, Timber, Nancy, Me, Fabiola, Amy, Alma
Thursday, July 21st - 23rd was our stake Pioneer Trek. The Primary kids had day activities on Thursday and Friday.
The youth went to the high Uintas for 2 1/2 days. I am so glad they had this time to connect with God, appreciate their heritage, to be uplifted by their trek "families" and make some fun memories with friends!
Eve was part of the band for Trek. Here she is playing at the Stake picnic dinner on Saturday night.
The following day, Sunday, the Tilby's hosted a Farewell potluck dinner. It was so good to be with friends for a final goodbye! Here are some of the friends and families that we have loved while here in California:
Emily Delay and Krissy Hamilton
Brody Riddle and Diego Cruz
Louisa Weatherbee (and her family-not pictured)
Ava Weatherbee
Renee Wooley and Chris Martin
Bishop (Matt), Amanda, Harry, and Grant Day
King Family (Grace, Katie, Alicia and son)
Jack and Ian Riddle, Jack Weatherbee
Brody Riddle
Riddle Family (Derek, Ian, Brody, Jack, and Ariane)
Bishop Day made this for Sterling. He made it for him with special engravings. It is just one of the MANY ways that Bishop showed his love and dedication for the Young Men! We will always be grateful for his Christlike example (there is no better adjective).
Estella and Joe Eniquez
Johanna Partridge
Renee and President Stuart Wooley
Lexie Grizzle, Allison and Aubrey Harris, Charlotte Hershberger.
Charlotte
Allison Harris
The Tilby's (Ashlyn, Landon, and Trent) (also Nancy, TaylorAnn, Weston, Dallin, and Justin -not pictured)
I love and appreciate Nancy! She was one of the first to befriend us as we entered the ward and she loved and served us to the very end of our time. We truly admire this family who does there best to love others in Christlike ways. They are amazing examples of love, diligence, sacrifice, wisdom, and joy in life- like so many in the Turlock 2nd ward!
It is painful to leave those you love so much! We are so grateful for all who have loved us while in California! It is a piece of heaven to find a community of love like this.
Wed, July 27th the packers/movers came and packed the whole house in one day. It was quite a crew.
The kids went to one final mutual activity, slip and slide kickball.
Thursday the 28th was cleaning, last minute errands, and final play dates.
Saying goodbye to the beautiful yard was difficult as well. It has brought so much joy to us in the last 3 1/2 years.
Here we are on our way to TX. How does one let go of people and memories so close to the heart? With trust that we will experience them again if only in heaven, but hopefully sooner. Also with faith and hope that that there are many new beautiful vistas to discover, new exciting pathways to take, and wonderful friendships to create.
