My journey of hitting four states in 2 weeks started on Wednesday, May 6th. I left Dana and Rocky for a long plane ride to Minneopolis. I was so excited to be there that the plane seriously felt like it took 12 hours to get there. My cousin, Gwenda, picked me up from the airport, which was a perfect plan. Since she was graduating with her Masters that Saturday, she was going to miss the bridal shower in Ashland, so this was a great way for us to get a chance to see each other before I came back to San Diego. Our journey together began with a visit to my grandpa at the VA Hospital, close to the airport. He had been there for 5 months, while recovering from a hip replacement and the complications that came along with it. He was so happy to see us and was quite suprised by the visit. (I am happy to report that he has returned to his home and is now rehabiliating with a walker--and doing fantastic!)
Then, Gwenda and I headed to her apartment since I hadn't gotten a chance to see it since she's lived there. She has a beautiful place with her boyfriend, Matt right across from a golf course. She showed me some things she had been working on for her classes, and we got a chance to talk for an hour. It was great because Gwenda and I are best when we can fit in a good conversation with each other. We love to talk about life and all of its meanings and I always walk away feeling refreshed and so happy to have her in my life.
After that, we headed to my cousin Ashley's house where I got to see Max for the first time!!! He is her 1 year old son. All I can say is that it was love at first sight. He was sick, crabby, and had a runny nose and poopy diaper, and none of that mattered at all. I just couldn't get enough of him. Heehee.
I also got a chance to spend quality time with Ashley (who is 5 months preggers). We stayed up until 1am talking about everything you could think of. If we didn't know she would have to get up at 6am for work, we probably would've kept going. I always enjoy listening to Ashley talk about things because she likes to say it how it is, but she manages to use the right words so that it doesn't come across very abrasive. I love you for that, Ashley! She is always so on top of everything, which reminded me that when I need any advice on weddings, marriage, or babies, she's the girl to go to. :)