San Jose, CA (Sept.27-Oct.6)

On our way into the bay area from Vacaville our bike rack lost a bolt and we unfortunately drug our bikes on the freeway for a bit before being yelled at by onlookers to get off the road.  Thankful there was not more damage done, we unloaded the mess into the trailer and finished our drive. We drove into San Jose early afternoon on Sept 27th to a very thick layer of smog!  And immediately remembered it was one of the things we did NOT miss about living here. :)  The first two days here Rick had to drive to the HP building in Palo Alto to get his computer fixed, roughly an hour away.  So between that, and driving to see family and friends from here, we wished we had rented a car for the week. Our initial plan was to stay for at least 2 weeks in the bay area, but the price to stay here (rv park prices plus commuting to see people) is very expensive so we will be leaving after our week is up.

On a happier note, we have been able to visit with family and friends we haven't seen in awhile. Amazed at how things have changed in the last 7 years in certain areas and yet stayed the same in others.  Many new restaurants (which we are missing out on up north) that we have never heard of and old buildings and shops that were once there have now changed or are torn down.  We didn't think it could get much busier then when we lived here, but we were wrong.  Even more people and still very fast paced!

Although brief, we have enjoyed seeing our friends and family thus far.  We had dinner with one of my friends since Kindergarten (Jeanine) and her husband Cole and daughter Jane.  It was fun to meet her little girl for the first time.  For Ricks birthday on the 29th we went to his all time favorite restaurant "Bill of Fare" and ended our afternoon with a bbq at the Chapmans, (family friends).  It was great to visit with them again and see their kids and how much they have all grown.  We thank them for their hospitality.  Devin went out that night with their son Cameron and his friends to Great America (theme park) and we picked him up in the morning for church.  After enjoying our morning at church with my Aunt and Uncle we had lunch afterwards at their house with cousins.  Celebrated Ricks bday again with some delicious cake from Dicks Bakery and ended our evening with a trip to the movie theater to see Bourne Legacy.  

Rick has still been training with his job and hasn't started working full time yet.  There is a praise and an appreciation for the time we have been able to get with him.  He has spent his time (when not training) fixing our bikes and small things around here that have already broken, and was even able to meet up with an old friend for lunch.

A new experience for us is a salt water pool.  Have heard of them but never swam in one till our stay here.  

The other evening we went to Loni's (our cousin) volleyball game at Presentation HS.  It was fun to experience the teams and watch her play.  

Aunt Sharon is blessing us with another meal tonight (Thursday) and then Sat.(Oct.6) we are heading to a KOA in Salinas for a 2 nights stop.  While there we will go to church and then drive the kids over to Santa Cruz boardwalk and Capitola area for the day.

Although our most expensive stop so far, we have enjoyed our visits with family and friends very much!  It has been a little over a month since we have left CDA area.  Traveling definitely has its pros and cons, but so far (minus a few bumps) we are enjoying the unique experience and opportunity.  We are thankful for God's provisions and for the time we are being given to spend as a family.

Updates:  Avery is walking more and more, but still hasn't given up his walker. He is riding his bike a lot now as well, and swimming in all the pools. He is still using sunglasses for light.  He turns 13 on Monday (Oct 8th)   and our prayer for him is to be free of these things.  Both boys are getting in a better rhythm with school, but still a small struggle there. My back is still trying to heal, seems to be a long process.  Have seen a chiro and therapist in town here twice and that seems to have helped me a bit.  Rick is doing great and is just plugging away at his training and being a strong husband and father for us.  We continue to work through our communications book and work on our weaknesses.  Devin has struggled with emotions of missing home and wanting to go back, so prayer for him and all of us as we move forward through our trip.  That all our hearts and attitudes would be glorifying to God as we take this day by day.

All our love to family and friends here in San Jose, it was great to see you, thank you for having us over.  And all our love to family and friends in Idaho, we miss you and hope all is going well!

---Jenn