The Start of Our Cross Country Road Trip...Here We Go...

Our first stop in May along our way was a surprise 60th birthday party for Sam's sister Mary-Alice in Arizona given by her husband Dennis.  

Our niece Gina took Mary away for the day so that we could surprise her on her special day.  All her siblings were able to attend.  It had been many years in between.

Sam and I.

Sam's oldest brother Michael and his wife Debera all the way from Kentucky.

My favorite sister in law Dorothy, favorite brother in law Gary, Gary's Mom Bette and his Dad Ike.

A photo of Anthony,  Sam's youngest brother.  

We had a wonderful visit.  Beautiful day!

On to Texas...

A Few Days with My Dad and the Oompa Loompas

We have had a lot going on this summer, so I thought I would try to break it all down every couple of days.  

Back in May (May 11-13th to be exact), my Dad decided to make a drive out from Arizona to stay with Sam and I for a couple of days.  First time EVER did I have my Dad stay the night alone in our house.  It was a nice surprise.  My parents would have been married 58 years on May 12th and he didn't want to spend it alone at his house.

He and I had lunch at The M just down the hill from me.   I had shown him how to play the Willy Wonka slot machine (he's a Blackjack kinda guy).  I told him it was one of my sister's favorites when she comes to visit. 

He said it was kinda "boring"...until he hit the Oompa Loompas and his chair began to shake, sugar sacks began to fall and he won about $200.00.

Then it was off to the Blackjack tables.

He has never been an easy man or one of those "Leave it to Beaver's" Ward kinda Dad to grow up with.  In fact, most of my life he and I butted heads.

He's trying to become a better Dad since my Mom passed away back in 2012.  It's been a long journey for him, but he's trying and I appreciate it. 

504 + 1 The Hardman/Bardos Planting Day 2

On Sunday Rob, Sandi, Sam and I went to an early breakfast so the Anniversary couple would be surprised when we got back to the house.

And what a surprise it was!  Adrienne had such a great turn out for her parents surprise planting party!  Many had already began planting.

Deyvn showing them how to plant.

Ryleigh and baby Kamdyn.

Adrienne digging holes.

Sandi.

Hard working (as always) Rob.

Phil taking turns with Sam with the auger.

Phil and Sam.

Saudi's brother Pat.  

A couple of neighbor's stopped by with their beautiful Vizsla dogs.

Starting to look like landscape.

Baby Kamdyn.

Baby Andrew.  The twins are getting so big!

And helpful Cinder.  

Such a wonderful turnout with wonderful family and friends!

Happy 39th Anniversary Rob and Sandi!

504 + 1 The Hardman/Bardos Planting Day 1

Our good friends, Rob and Sandi were celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary on May 1st.  Their daughter Adrienne (our flower girl back in 1982) called a few weeks back and asked if we would come out to Riverside, CA and stay with them to help surprise her parents.  She was planning a "surprise" planting party on Sunday to plant 503 plants and 2 large trees on their front slope and had invited friends and family.

Friday morning their landscaper, Dennis (a good friend too!) delivered the plants.  

Saturday morning he and his workers formed out more of the concrete walkways.

Then it was time to place the plants per the landscape plans. 

Cutie pie Deyvn posing for me.

A lot of work walking up and down that slope!

My husband Sam, Phil (Adrienne's husband), Rob, Dennis and his workers placing the plants.

1 and 5 gallon beautiful plants!

Sam, Rob and Dennis.

It's gonna look beautiful!!