Home is where the heart is.

Well, it's been well over a month since my last post. Bad, bad, blogger. In my defense, things have been crazy. The day before my 29th birthday, on July 25, my step-dad, passed away. I was going to blog through this whole ordeal, thinking I should share what I'm going through, but it was too hard. I spent my birthday, flying back home to Kansas, dealing with delayed flights, and a sick child to boot! Not the most enjoyable birthday ever. The sad thing about the everything was I had my tickets bought already to come home on August 10, so I could say my good-bye. I am always a day late, and a dollar short. It would be nice to come back to Kansas just to have a visit, but instead, every time I come back...I'm dealing with death in some form or fashion. He was a good man, and though I never got the chance to tell him good-bye, he knew I loved him.

My dad  =)

The first two weeks of my visit where bittersweet. My younger sister, Miranda, drove down from Tacoma, WA, and made it to town just as I was flying in. It was awesome to see her, and my two BEAUTIFUL nieces, Alexis and Cheyenne! Miranda and I got to spend a great deal of time together. Tristan, my son, finally got to spend some quality time with my family! Grandma Da had him made toffee and homemade hot cocoa, and though she had just lost her husband...I have never seen her so happy! She had all of her grandkids, including her oldest, my niece Faith, cheering her up! My step-dad found a way to bring us all together again...it was a blessing. It has been a long time since I have had such a quality visit with my family! I even got to spend a couple nights at my grandma's house!! It's been a long time since I've been able to do that! It was just what the doctor ordered!! Grandma always has a way of making you feel better. Tristan and her danced and did karaoke, on top of painting many pictures together. My heart was on cloud nine! He finally got to see how wonderful my grandmother is, and I know that he will never forget that time we shared with her.

Karaoke with Grandma

I'll be honest, it was hard to be sad, with all the joy I was experiencing! God has His way of making it okay. I also got to spend A LOT of time with two of my very best friends in all the world. My friend, Amanda, came to pick me up at the airport in Kansas City! Boy, was I happier than ever to see that beautiful face!! We got to have coffee together again, and sit on her gorgeous front porch to her stunning new home, and talk our faces off! It was FABULOUS! Another friend of mine, Brook, kidnapped me for a couple of nights as well, and for the first time in many years, I was able to celebrate her birthday with her! She had an amazing toga party for her and her son! I had never officially been to a toga party before...I can now cross that off my bucket list!! I am so glad that I have such great friends. They would do anything and everything for me, and I know that without a doubt. It was incredible seeing them.

Manda and me =)

Brook and me =)

Soon enough, my handsome hubby joined me in Kansas. I knew the second he got to town, we were going to be busy...and, we were! The day after he arrived, he was playing a gig with his good friend, Harely. They have an amazing chemistry on stage...it's truly magical. The following Saturday, they both played another gig at a local bar owned by a good friend of ours. WHAT A BLAST!! All of our nearest and dearest came out for it!! I was in heaven!!

Aren't we cute?

                                                           

Harley and Matt gettin' er' done!

So, after all that fun, we had dinner with my grandma, sis, and my beautiful nieces at my favorite hometown restaurant! Matt and I decided to give my sister the night off, and take the girls (our nieces), and Tristan to the county fair. Before we could get started though, and huge storm blew through town. As quick as it came, it was gone, leaving us with a double rainbow! I had been craving a storm like that...hadn't had the chance to see one in over four years! 

Dinner at the Creamery!

Double rainbow! <3

Next, we were off to New Mexico to celebrate the best mother-in-law ever's birthday!! It was her and my Uncle Jimmy's 60th! I was able to con my little sister into joining us, as well! It was incredible! We had a giant pig roast, live music, and the best company you could ever ask for. It was truly awesome seeing all our family! We were able to scoop Bailee up while we were there as well! YAY!! We all had missed her soooo much! Such a happy day. However, my camera broke. =( I was devastated! This really upset me, and still does! I missed out on so many great shots! 

Breakin' out the claws! My sis and me!

On our way back to Kansas, I got to drive the 2011 Tahoe!! Although the trip was long, I didn't mind a bit! I felt like a hot FBI agent rolling around in that beautiful SUV!! LOL! Our vacation was also, finally coming to an end. Such a bittersweet visit. One I will not soon forget...if ever. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to see all my dear family and friends. It was exactly what I needed. It made me realize what's important in life. Home is always where the heart is, and mine is forever in Kansas.