California

We headed out to California a few weeks ago for my brother Jeff's wedding. The girls and I were able to make a whole week out of it. Andy was only able to join us for the last couple of days. Everyone took time off from work and we all met in Fresno. Family members traveled from Texas, Indiana, and various parts of California. It was so fun to be together - all of us - it hasn't happened in over 4 years. A lot has changed since then... It was good to be together again as one big family. Hopefully it won't take another 4 years for it to happen...

My parents drove down to Houston and flew out with the girls and I. It was so nice to have their help on the flights. The girls loved all the special surprises Grandma packed for the airplane and enjoyed being spoiled by their Papa's attention. I think from Houston to L.A. Rachel talked nonstop to Papa. So, we gave him a break from L.A. to Fresno and switched seats around a bit. Once we arrived in Fresno the fun began!

We spent lots of time just having fun and hanging out. I was able to meet up with a few friends from high school as well, which is always nice. Andy was able to fly in late Thursday night right before the wedding on Friday. Here are a few of the highlights:

Monday morning I was able to meet up with Jennifer, a friend from high school, at a local park. Our kids had lots of fun playing together and we enjoyed talking. And then that evening we carried on a Michaelson tradition - Family Home Evening at Woodward Park. And just like old times we enjoyed a KFC picnic and playing softball. This time we were able to add a special event - a baby shower for Ken and Jenny's baby girl due to arrive in mid-February...

Rachel, Ashlyn, and Aaron had so much fun together throughout the week:

Helping Papa in the outfield:
Watching on the sidelines:
Papa helping Rachel hit the ball a few times:

On Tuesday all the adult girls went out to lunch to celebrate with Amy and give her some gifts before the big day. It was fun for all the girls to get together and the guys did a great job of entertaining the kids while we were gone. Tuesday night we went over to Jeff's house and hung out. The girls had fun checking out his dogs - as long as they stayed outdoors. Here's Rachel having fun with her Uncle Jeff:

Wednesday morning Paul, my mom, and I took all the little ones to the zoo. I was able to meet up with Sarah, another friend from high school. It was so much fun to be able to see her and catch up. It's been too long! Every time I have the opportunity to see old friends I realize how much I miss them and how much fun it would be to live closer to them. Between the 4 adults we managed to keep track of 7 little ones. We enjoyed the zoo and then a park nearby.

Audrey kissing the frog:

My mom then kept the girls while I went out to lunch with Nhung, another friend from high school. It was good to see her as well and so nice to enjoy another lunch without little ones! The girls hanging out with Grandma... The weather was in the 70s the whole time we were there and the outdoor pool just wasn't quite warm enough to enjoy...

That night the fun continued as the grandparents treated everyone to Chuck E. Cheese. They have this tradition with their grandkids who love and expect it. We spent a few hours playing and eating.Audrey really got into playing some of the games this time. And of course she loves collecting the tickets! All the kids were able to get a few prizes.

Thursday we kept busy as well. All of us went miniature golfing in the afternoon and that was a lot of fun... Until Rachel feel down and skinned her elbow pretty bad. Luckily Aunt Rachel was prepared with neosporin and she was back to normal pretty soon. It had been years since I had been to Blackbeard's, and it was fun to return to an old favorite.

Drum roll, please... Friday came and it was the most fabulous day. Words cannot describe the experience as we (meaning all the siblings, their spouses, Mom, and Dad) were able to be in the temple that day. That's the first time that's happened and it was wonderful. And of course Amy was an absolute gorgeous bride and Jeff was one handsome groom. Here's a picture of the adults right after the temple sealing:

We then celebrated by going to lunch. Later that evening we returned to the temple with everyone (kids included this time) to take pictures. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the wedding photographers work! But for now, here's some of ours and Jenny's shots:

Family pic (thanks Jenny!):
Grandma Lola (or I guess Great-Grandma Lola to my girls) came in to town for the wedding. It as so good to see her! Audrey meeting Great-Grandma Lola:

My amazing parents:

From the temple we headed to the reception. It was definitely a day full of celebrating. And I think the bride (which that's the only one who really matters) loved how everything turned out. The three girls headed into the reception:

Audrey WAY excited for the bride to make her entrance!

More hanging out time for the cousins:
Rachel whispering secrets with her Uncle Ken:
Cutting the cake:
Dancing (check out that smile!):
Ashlyn and Audrey with the man of the night:
Audrey chilling with Uncle Steve:

Besides the bride and the groom, I think our little family made the most use out of the dance floor. Rachel loved it! She was so sad to have to leave, but once the bride and groom take off, what's the point of staying? Rachel is ready for another wedding... Here are some pictures of Andy dancing with the girls (and yes, I did cut in at one point). Rachel was lucky enough to dance with her daddy to "Brown Eyed Girl". We certainly had fun on the dance floor!

Twirling away:

Saturday was spent just hanging out and getting ready to travel back home on Sunday. That morning we joined the bride and groom as they opened their presents. Ken and Andy played some golf as well. On Saturday night we finally put together a game night down in the lobby of the hotel:

Audrey happy to chill with Grandma Lola while the others played games:

Andy spent most of Saturday night and a good chunk of time at the airport on Sunday getting some things straightened around. Somehow the lovely United/Continental systems had my parents as no-shows on the flights to Fresno, so they just went ahead and canceled their reservations to go back to Texas. Needless to say, everything worked out, but what a pain!!! Anyhow, some final fun pictures:

We landed around dinner time on Sunday. On our way home we grabbed some dinner. And let's just say, Audrey made a mess of my frosty in the car... Luckily it was all over her though and not the car.

California was such a good time. It was so much fun to see everyone and to have everyone together. Andy met Rachel (who's been married to Steve for 2 1/2 years) for the first time and we all met Amy for the first time. We are so happy for Jeff and Amy. Marriage is a wonderful thing and it's amazing when you are able to find that "one". We wish Jeff and Amy the best in the years to come and are glad that they were the reason for all of us to get together!