Visalia

Dave and I have spent the last 2 weeks packing, and unpacking. We have moved from our two bedroom squished apartment, to a 1700 sq ft mansion in Visalia.

On Aug 1st, the elders quorum came over, and loaded our huge Budget Truck. Im sad I didn't take any pictures of Dave driving it. It wouldve been quite the picture. In the morning on the 2nd, we loaded up all the fish, and extra little things we needed for our over-night camping trip. We prayed for our safety (more for Dave's) and took off for our new home. The drive from LA to Visalia took about 3 1/2 hrs. We were lucky not too have any problems on our road trip. When we arrived to our new home, we took a quick look around, admiring everything from the rooms, to the yards to the park across the street. Since we didn't have a washer/dryer or refrigerator, we decided to take a trip to our local Sears. We ended up purchasing all of our items there (Kenmore of course!). At about 6 pm, the elders quorum from Visalia 6th ward came to help unload. We had about 10 men show up! And to my surprise... their wives... offering to help clean and unpack! They were all so helpful. After such a long day, we took cold showers (we didn't know how to turn on the gas water heater, but after reading the directions, it ended up being pretty easy. Thank goodness we didn't blow up the house!) and went to bed. We have spent the last few days unpacking and getting our house in somewhat livable conditions.

Visalia reminds me alot of Mesa, Gilbert or Chandler minus all the Mormons (hee hee). We have extremely cool nights and mornings (65 degrees) and warm afternoons ( up to 95-100). We have an amazing park across the street where the young school boys in their football uniforms come to practice. Stanley LOVES to take walks through the park and frolic and play in the grass. We have a sweet neighbor boy who comes to mow our lawn and pull our weeds every week. We've even been invited over to their house for a BBQ and Beer. Yeah, we told them we don't drink.... anything but Coors, ha ha!

We're really enjoying it here, and look forward to posting more discoveries we find in Visalia! And for all who want to visit..... we'd love it! We actually have room for you now!