Tonight is our last night here in Patterson for awhile....we have enjoyed being so close in distance (only 74 miles to be exact) for so many years. When we wake up tomorrow, we say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa....our hearts are already heavy thinking about it! As we tucked Abby in to bed tonight she showed signs of sadness as she spoke about a dream that she had last night. As best as I could, I tried to help her through the feelings that she was having - careful not to dismiss them, but also gently reminding of the positive. A mother's heart is burdened seeing the sadness of her child....it increases the difficulty in my own goodbye preparations. I do find some comfort in knowing that although the quantity of our visits will decrease, the quality and length of our visits will increase. It's been nice staying a whole week (first time we've done this)....it doesn't feel so rushed, there's just more time for relaxed visiting.

So tomorrow morning when we take off down Sperry Ave - we'll jump on Hwy 5 - but this time, we are going SOUTH instead of our usual North. It will be a strange feeling. Up till now, it hasn't truly felt like we've left home yet - maybe because Patterson feels so homey to us! - but, we're still so close....it's like we could just hit Concord again before we leave.

Next stop on the Road Trip - San Diego...

Today wasn't all heavy hearted....we had a fun night hanging out with Tito and Kim, as well as Mike's childhood buddy, Kevin (who we all call "Lopes"). Mom & Pop took us all out to dinner (Lopes came over later on) to "El Rosal" - Mexican food, yummy. The portions were out of control, but the food was very good. Especially funny was Mom & Pop's "number 2" that they each ordered. If you know Mom & Pop - they are like most 55+ - they eat very little and usually leave with a hearty portion in their doggy bag. Tonight was certainly no exception! There was so much food in their order, they had to bring it on 2 plates (4 between the 2 of them)....good grief. I looked over at their plates when the waitress brought their to-go box....there was barely a dent.

After dinner - Tito and Kim came back to the house and Mom served up some fantastic orangey-goodness bundt cake. Lopes rang the doorbell just as she was cutting up the slices (great timing, Lopes!). So we all got to sit around the table for one last dessert (although there's still breakfast tomorrow), visiting and telling stories.

Now, the night wouldn't be complete with out some Wii-ing....and, since Lopes has never Wii'd before, we had to break him in. Of course, after Mike showed him the official buttons and movements, Abby broke it down for Lopes and showed him how it's done.

We loved our time visiting family here in Patterson. It was the perfect first stop on this crazy adventure of ours....enough like home so that we feel like we haven't gone anywhere. It's been a great way to "ease" ourselves into a "homeless" state. Not sure about feeling homeless - I rather like the old saying that "home is where the heart is". Yep, I'll be hangin' my hat on that one for awhile...

virtual hugs and kisses,
k

Prayer Request: please pray for travel mercies for us as we hit the road...praise that we are blessed with good weather tomorrow.