Just The Two Of Us: Easter Weekend in California

Collin's mom invited us to come to his grandma's 90th birthday party which was held on the Saturday before Easter. Since Easter was in March this year, it was perfect timing to get family together for Grandma Cummings' birthday (which was also in March.) We spontaneously decided to book our flight to California to visit family for Easter weekend. My parents on the other hand, had no idea we were coming into town... We wanted to surprise them when we got into California. My sister and stepmom were both in on it. It was so nice to have their help. :)

We left very early on Friday morning to catch our flight to Sacramento. Everything went smoothly on our flight and I was happy to see good ol' California again. I was glad that we got some sleep on the plane. :) Collin's mom picked us up from the airport at around the afternoon. We ate lunch at In and Out then headed to my sister's where we got ready to surprise my mom. This did not take long, because she literally showed up about 3 minutes later. So we ran to the back of the hall and got my phone ready to take a video. We came out of the hall and I yelled, "Happy Easter!" Her reaction was priceless! She looked so stunned and was silent for a long time. Unfortunately I got so excited that I accidentally took a video of myself, but I managed to get some of her reaction recorded.

Not the best video, but I think you get what's happening...

We went to my dad's later on. My stepmom Patty knew that we were coming, so we quickly hatched an idea, thanks to Collin. :) He was joking about it at first, but we decided to sneak in their backyard, take the croquet set, and "play a game" until my dad noticed. I didn't see or record his reaction, but he looked at the window kind of perplexed and said, "is that Kaitlin and Collin??" He then came outside and said, "what are you guys doing? No intruders!" It was so funny! I was happy that Collin suggested that idea. ;) We actually did play a croquet game for real with my family. We ended our day by eating dinner with Collin's family, part of celebrating his grandma's birthday.

We gathered at the Rocklin Stake Center on Saturday for Grandma Cummings' birthday party. Some of Collin's aunts, uncles, and cousins came to celebrate her 90th birthday. It was so nice with beautiful decorations, pictures, and memories shared from family members. The food was amazing, catered by my really good friend Kathleen. It was great to see Lola so happy with people that she loves. After the luncheon, we spent the rest of the day with my family.

On Easter, we went to church at my in-laws' ward and my mom's ward.We heard some really great Easter messages that made me think more of our Savior and that he is truly there for us. After church, we played games with my dad and Patty. Towards the evening, we went to an Easter gathering at my mom's house. I got to see my relatives on my mom's side and enjoyed a delicious ham dinner. I enjoyed interacting and catching up with everyone. We topped off the evening by playing Ticket to Ride Europe with Collin's parents.

The next day, we got ready to go back to California. We couldn't leave without one last thing, and that was to make a visit to Grandma Cummings. We got to have lunch with her and Collin's relatives one last time before everyone left. After all the fun times that we had on our short visit to California, it was really hard to say goodbye. It's always the best feeling in the world to laugh with the people you love. Being so far away makes it hard, but I am always grateful for whatever opportunities we have to take to see our families. On the side note, I am also grateful for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who was resurrected on Easter. He paid the ultimate price for our sins and we lift us up when we need him most. Heavenly Father has blessed us with so much. I am grateful for the family that he has given me today and everyday.

On the plane. We both look tired, because we got up at 4:30 that morning. Collin did not want a picture, but I made him. :) Haha.

Selfie with my sister Kelsey. So thankful and she and my stepmom helped me to surprise my parents. :)

On the day of Lola's 90th birthday party. The roses were beautiful!

The food was delicious and pictures looked great.

I loved these appetizers. I had to snap a picture. :)

Collin's cousin Amy with her baby boy Caleb.

He's such a cutie. I couldn't keep my eyes off him. :)

Singing happy birthday

We were so glad to be celebrating with her.

Three amazing generations.

Going out for a walk. We loved spending time with our niece Abbey. :)

This pic makes me smile. :) Abbey is hilarious. She talks so much more now. Since Auntie Kaitlin and Uncle Collin are a mouthful to say, she calls us "dope." We think she is trying to say dog. Haha, so funny.