Back home in CA

Francis and I finally made it home about 3:00a.m. this morning. Many things to do today to catch up on work, but I just can't get all you guys off my mind. Yes, Debbey, I know how you feel, sad and happy at the same time...it's crazy. I just don't know the words either to say right now. My heart is so full, but I will try. This was a dream come true for me! I will never ever forget it. We shared so many memories and yes I do love all the stories and the history of our family. I kept thinking, if only my dad were here, he would share some stories, but for those who did know him, they can tell you that he would have shared the same stories over and over again! lol...but he did love all his family soooo much.

First I want to say, thank you again to all those that worked so hard on this event. It was perfect. I love that we were able to sit in the "Ladd Cafe" as long as wanted and to share our lives with each other. Where else could we have been that comfortable. Yes, the mosquitoes were hungry and I'm not sure who got the most bites me or Lisa...I think I counted about 10 on each leg!!

Jodi, Brent, Brennah & Kelsie, thank you so much for sharing your home with us and for picking us up at the airport. You went above and beyond and we thank you. Jodi, I watched you work so hard getting all this together and I know it took much planning before we all got there...you are awesome.

Debbey & Cloud, what a wonderful job you did on the Mystery Dinner. We enjoyed that so much. Debbey, thank you too for all the work you did putting this together and for the thoughtful gifts you gave us. It's great to have all the names & addresses of everyone. Vicki and Mandi so glad to see you again too and Mandi's sons. Also was very nice to meet Dennis. Loved his singing, kinda got us all stirred up "Hell No" lol.

Sandi, what can I say, you are the life of the party, what would we have talked about if you didn't have so many interesting stories. Thanks for making me laugh so much that my sides hurt. And Jack, thanks for marrying her 4 or 5 times, it made for such a great story. Lori, it was wonderful to see you and your beautiful daughters again too.

Jim & Charlotte, loved your singing and who would have thunk it....Charlotte can really shake that thing! Asa, what a handsome guy you are and Breann it was so good to see you and Ransom again too.

Sarah so good to see you again and hear more family history, Orrin and Gail Shailee, I can't believe I finally met you after all these years. Orrin, you're so handsome but when you cross your eyes you look a little scary lol and Gail, yes you do look so much like Gabby. It was so much fun getting to know you both.

Cory you were only 3 when I met you and look at you now. Loved visiting with you and Lisa and Dylan. You guys are so much fun can't wait to party with you again.

Donna & Cathi, so glad I got to see you both again. We've been together a few times over the years, but it's just so fun to get to know you better. It was nice to finally meet Louis also.

Gabby, Arlene & Gail so nice to see you again and to meet Kendall. Gabby, you look so much like my dad now I didn't know whether to hug you or cry, so I did both. Can't wait to see you all again.

Bob, thank you for driving us back to the airport and for all you did.
Aunt Aud...thanks for being our fearless leader...you look great in your tiara. Thanks for dinner our last day there.
Aunt Shirley....thanks for driving all the way from Fla. It would't have been the same without you.
Aunt Earnie....thanks for the family history stories, and the great food you prepared for us.

I love you all so much and I hope I didn't forget anyone, cause you all made this so special for me. And this is only a little of how I feel. Okay, I'll stop now, cause you probably already quit reading it anyway. lol...