Trip back to the States

Well, I ended up back in the USA about a month ago.  Unfortunately, it was for a funeral.  My brother Amos died after fighting cancer for over a year.  I still can't believe that it is true. It was the hardest funeral for me since I was 7.  He was my partner in crime when we were kids, the closest to me in age and in school, and my closest friend for so many years.  He was a great example to me as an adult.  He married a wonderful women and together they had five amazing kids whom they taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ to, the evidence apparent as each one has had to deal with their Father dying.  I look up to these kids, to this family, and to my brother.  I loved him in life and will always love him and look forward to seeing him on that great day when we meet again in Heaven.  Thank you Amos for living such an exemplar life. 

With that said, it was a great opportunity for me to catch up with many family members.  I haven't been home for over 2 years and being able to reunite with so many was amazing!

My amazing niece had been participating in America's Got Talent and I was able to stay and see her in the finals!  I love her courage and strength and will always admire the way she was able to stand and sing so amazingly for the finals.

In Hollywood, I was able to hang out with my nieces some.  The amazing Kirra and I had so much fun!

Of course I was lucky enough for a little time to sit by the star Blakely!  She has such a sweet and wonderful spirit.

Amazing to be there in person!

Selfie with Angelica Hale. . . she is half Filipino, so I had to take this for my Filipino friends here in the Philippines!

Ruth is such a great kid.  She is one of a kind and so easy to hang out with!  So kind to others.

Next time I see Porter, my nephew, I'll have to take a picture with him.  I didn't realize I had one with all the girls, but not one with him!  Love you anyways Porter!

I also took a little tour of the Griffith Observatory and the view of the Hollywood Sign while there.  It was pretty cool.  Next time I'm in Hollywood, hopefully I can tour some other sights.  Two days didn't give me much time!

This is at the finals, when the confetti is falling and you can't see anything on stage.

My amazing neice Evelyn.  Love her and all she was able to accomplish!

Oh yeah!  We got to meet Howie Mandel!  He was so nice to stop and take a picture with us all!

Evie Clair's fan club.  Of course her biggest fans are her family because she is amazing!!

So, the trip was for a purpose not of my choosing.  It was not always fun and good.  But being able to see happiness within the sadness of the occasion was such a blessing.  Love you all so much!