Into California

What a couple of days we have had. Left Suzie's around 8 a.m., got our Starbucks coffee (thanks family members who realize that is the best gift you can get us) and left Vancouver. Rainned all day, what fun passing the 18 wheelers, so bad at times you could see NOTHING. As we neared Medford, OR, we remembered we have a couple nieces that had moved there within the past couple of years, so made phone calls, got their numbers and arranged to meet them for coffee. Meriah's husband, Jay was unable to meet with us, but she brought their three children, Renetta, Jonathan, and Jacob. Julie, our eldest niece, was also able to make it and we had a nice visit. We especially were amazed by Jacob, he has just turned three and is a ball of fire, couldn't take our eyes off of him as he was either trying to crawl up the wall or undress. Keeps his Mommy on her toes.

Leaving Medford we continued on to Etna, CA where we spent the night with Ken and Jeanie (Ken is Doug's Mom's cousin). What gracious hosts they are, they gave us their bedroom!!! Arlene, Ken's sister, came over and we had a great visit and a wonderful dinner, Ken BBQ chicken and Jeanie made a salad, potatoes, peas, and brownies. Etna is in a beautiful valley off of HWY 5 and if you don't know to look for it, it is easy to miss, which I'm sure the residents don't mind.

Today, Dec. 28, has been uneventful, we got up, had coffee with Ken and Jeanie, went out for breakfast, then got on the road. Lots of snow, slush and traffic. Coming over Mt Shasta was exciting and scary. We had planned to spend the evening in Bakersfield but Jeanie told us of another way to Las Vegas that would take us through Death Valley, so change of plans. We're spending the night in Visalla, CA and will head out in the morning for Seunota Natural Park and Death Valley and then Las Vegas.

Below I will add some pictures that Bryan sent us of the day we left Renton, you can see why Doug keeps saying if someone wants to gives us something say NO, but Jeanie gave me two jars of Sweet-N-Spicy Red Pepper Jelly that I couldn't leave behind.

I want to thank everyone we've stayed with, we have so enjoyed your company and know how fortunate we are to have you as our friends and family.

Love you all