My Fam.

I am grateful for the family that I have. For Traditions that keep us together and help us grow, and for the opportunity I have to learn of, and from their past.

Each year for over 20 years, my Grandma and her Sisters have been going to Laguna Beach for the month of February. It started out as a time for them to visit their older sister who lived there but after she passed away they and their husbands have still kept the tradition. Same time of year to escape the horrendous amounts of snow they get at their homes. And same hotel.

Last weekend I flew over to visit them in California and had a wonderful time. This is the third year I’ve gone, always just a weekend but filled with great memories. What I love most about this opportunity is that I have finally gotten to know my Great Aunts Helen and Doris who I always heard about growing up. I regret that Helen (93) wasn’t able to make it this year but I have learned much from these great women. They are some of the most caring and witty women I know. Much time is spent telling stories of their lives growing up, what they used to do and like, and the challenges they faced, and many hours are spent playing rummy or knitting for the next Bazaar at Helen’s church.

The most surprising part of the weekend happened just as I got to the airport. Sam and I had kinda been playing phone tag for a bit so I left him a message to give me a call cuz I would just be chillin’ at the airport for the next hour until my flight was to leave. A few minutes later he calls me again this time not even saying Hi but, “Carly what gate are you at!?” I freaked out! Sam had just landed at the Salt Lake Airport and was only a couple gates away! I grabbed my bag and ran! Hahaha It was so much fun and a total coincidence! He was flying to Arizona for a job interview and just happened to have a layover at the PERFECT time. So we got to hang out and chat until we both had to leave. I haven’t seen him since May and that is waaay to long for me! God is really great. I know this wasn’t just a coincidence but an example of the tender mercies of the Lord in my life.