Our Dancing Granddaughters

 Last weekend Neal and I headed to California to see Jordyn Lyn, Lexi and Peyton do what might be a final dance recital.  We were excited to be there to support and participate in this big event.  All three girls are moving on the different journeys that won't involve that much in the dance field.  Our flight was at 8:40 p.m.  Mallory was good enough to come stay at the house and tend Sprout along with Brinkley so we had her take us to the airport.  We were there in good time, checked in and still had about an hour to kill so we mistakenly did some shopping.  I say mistakenly but because we found a Johnson and Murphy store and I ended up buying a dress and a pair of sandals and Neal bought some new golf shoes.  None of which we really needed.  But we did have fun.  And we stopped by the Chocolate Factory!

Had to take a picture of Neal's crazy hair!!

Our flight from SL to Fresno was gorgeous.  We had a sunset that was unbelievable.  I took pictures but a phone camera never can quite get the full majesty of what the naked eye is seeing.

The colors were absolutely brilliant!

We arrived in Fresno about 9:30.  Tucker had flown down the day before so he had a rental car and the hotel all set up.  He picked us up and we went straight to the hotel and to bed.  

The next morning we got a couple pictures and updates from Mallory about Brinkley and Sprout.  Apparently Brinkley likes to think he is much smaller than he is.  Mallory said he kept trying to fit on Sprouts cushion and kept sliding off.  She also sent a picture of the two of them sleeping on the bed.  She said that Sprout kept looking up at Brinkley and wagging his tail.  These two are besties!

Saturday morning we did some shopping in the downtown of Fresno, stopped for a nice lunch and then to the dance recital.

We had just been seated in the auditorium when I saw Jamie coming toward us.  She and I both burst into tears.  We hugged and hugged.  It was a moment in time that I will cherish.  I love this sweet daughter-in-law and she will always be a huge part of my life.  I realize now, with the divorce, that I won't get to see her very often but I will cherish the moments when we can get together.  

The recital was amazing.  Lexi choreographed 20 of the dances.  Each one unique and incredible.  All three girls very talented and their years of devotion to dance certainly showcased in this recital.  

It was a long day for everyone.  After the recital, pictures were taken, clean up was done, last goodbyes with Jamie and we were off to the hotel.  It was planned that we would meet for breakfast with the girls in the morning.  We met at the Loving Seed Cafe.  Had a delicious breakfast, visited and then had to say our "goodbyes".

Tucker having a final moment with his daughters.

At the airport getting ready to head hoe.

So grateful for the time we had to spend with the girls and see them perform so beautifully.  What an incredible experience.  I so wanted to reconnect with Jamie and let her know that my love for her is and always be there for her.  

I have to add this picture.  We flew right over the top of Kennecott Copper Mine.  It seems to be a whole mining village of its own.  The whole mountain is carved out.  I can remember going there when I was about 9 years old.  It was certainly not this big.  You could drive right up to the mine and they had a little gift shop there.  I bought a copper elephant that I had for years and years.  I have no idea what ever happened to it or where it is now, but it was in its time a treasured memento.