A Trip for the Books...

In August Sarah and I made a quick trip to Cali. We were going down to pick up some furniture and things we inherited from our Grandparents, our cousins wedding and to just spend time with Dad and Mom. Well, we accomplished that and more! We left Thursday morning. It was such a fun drive together! We talked. A LOT! We laughed, cried, held hands and listened to lots of music. I adore her! I cherish our relationship tremendously. I LOVE Sarah's new dark hair! Not only does she look super HOT with it, but I think we look more like sisters now. :)We were very happy to arrive safely and see Mom and Dad. While there, we went shopping (for the girls' birthday gifts), ate lots of yummy food and even went to the movies. Here's a quick ice-cream stop photo-op.

Dad and Mom have a couple extra cars sitting around waiting to be sold. Sarah and I went to move them one morning to discover one being dead. Well guess what? We got to jump a car for the first time in our lives! Despite Dad feeling really crappy, he came out to walk us ladies through it so we wouldn't hurt ourselves. What a good Daddy! This picture CRACKS me up cause Dad was explaining what to do to Sarah and the look on her face says it all. Ha!

Here's Mom ready to go...

And me! We had success and now know how to jump a car. Yeah!

Saturday evening we went to my cousin, Tessa's, reception. The best part was getting to see my brother, Mike's, son Corey. It was amazing! It was precious the way he clung to Mom.

Corey is growing up so much and looks SO much like Mike. Getting to see and hold him made the whole trip SO worth it. We all miss him dearly!

This picture of Mom and Corey makes me tear up every time. It's beautiful!

I was also so happy to see Lisa and the girls there. It was fun having us Griffin girls together again. I love my sisters!

And I ADORE my sweet Nana!!!!

My older sister, Lisa, and I. ♥

My niece, Maddie, had just lost a tooth and was so excited.

My niece, Ava, and I. ♥ (have I mentioned that I LOVE being an Aunt?!)

My parents and I. ♥

Later that night I begged and convinced my family to join me at my favorite restaurant, Panda Inn. I couldn't leave Cali without it. I love this picture of my Mom and Grandma. They are two of my favorite women in the world!

And then there's Dad. Oh Dad. He, and Scott, are my favorite men in the world! Dad is going through so much CRAP lately with his cancer. It hurts me badly to watch him struggle with the thing's that once came naturally to him. He was once SO physically active. He was a marathon runner, a basketball and baseball player and so much more. Cancer has robbed him of all that and so much more! I'll tell you what though, it has NOT robbed him of his strength, his will and his countenance. He amazes me with what he endures.

Dad means the world to us! He is the definition of a "fighter".

Sarah and I couldn't resist a Lady and the Tramp moment with our delicious Lo Mein. For the record, I am the Lady... LOL!!!!!

LATE that night we went through some closets and found some irresistible items. We had a blast playing dress-up and laughed our butts off.

Goof balls as always!

Sunday morning we headed home. As you can see the car was packed to the top! It was insane.

Again, it was an awesome trip back. Sarah and I were so thankful for the time we spent with family. Especially Dad and Mom. They mean the world to us and we love them to death!!!